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Quakes' Kinnear swept out by new wave as much as poor results
Posted by Ridge Mahoney on Jun. 27, 7:34 p.m.
In explaining his decision to fire Dominic Kinnear, Quakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli said, "I think that we can achieve more." The Quakes have missed the playoffs four straight seasons, the last two under Kinnear, who grew up in Northern California and as a head coach won two MLS Cups and reached another two finals with Houston.
» 4 Comments
Thank you, Tony DiCicco
Posted by Mike Woitalla on Jun. 21, 7:44 p.m.
I've often been told that I am very fortunate to have the job of soccer journalist, and I agree, for several reasons. One very important one is that I've gotten to know people like Tony DiCicco.
» 7 Comments
VAR problems should not dissuade MLS
Posted by Ridge Mahoney on Jun. 21, 3:17 p.m.
MLS is an ideal testing ground to supply additional data for use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, even if it means moving the goalposts halfway through the season.
» 13 Comments
Value of Open Cup depends on perspective
Posted by Ridge Mahoney on Jun. 15, 3:32 p.m.
Though the end is valuable in itself, the means of the U.S. Open Cup continues to vary wildly for its MLS participants.
» 7 Comments
Michael Bradley joins the great ones
Posted by Mike Woitalla on Jun. 12, 8:07 p.m.
On any other field, Michael Bradley's goal would still have been considered a work of art, but Azteca Stadium providing the canvas made it all the more magnificent.
» 18 Comments
Besides super Pulisic, keep an eye on Yedlin and Villafana
Posted by Mike Woitalla on Jun. 9, 3:49 a.m.
What will Christian Pulisic do next? That question alone makes every U.S. national team game something to look forward to.
» 5 Comments
Memories of "Snow Clasico" recur often for Balboa
Posted by Ridge Mahoney on Jun. 8, 4:16 a.m.
Longtime Colorado resident and former U.S. international Marcelo Balboa is looking forward to the Hexagonal match against Trinidad & Tobago at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, where four years ago the USA beat Costa Rica, 1-0, during a heavy snowfall that etched some vivid images into the history of U.S. Soccer.
» 2 Comments
The season so far: a quick rundown of all 22 MLS teams
Posted by Ridge Mahoney on Jun. 7, 11:06 a.m.
In about a month, the domestic transfer window will re-open, all 22 MLS teams will sign the perfect players to fill their needs, and all the fans shall rejoice. In the real world, more teams will fail in their quests to land the ideal midseason additions than will succeed and a few of them will edge into the playoffs anyway.
» 1 Comments
Crunch time coming for MLS players on USA squad
Posted by Ridge Mahoney on May. 31, 2:24 a.m.
While it's more or less accepted that the quality of play in MLS has improved the last few years, not so readily acknowledged is whether the league has also raised the level of the U.S. national team.
» 17 Comments
Surprise and euphoria give way to the long, hard slog for Seattle Sounders
Posted by Ridge Mahoney on May. 16, 9:25 p.m.
Ten games into the 2017 season, defending champion Seattle is scuffling below the playoff tier against a lineup of injuries and motivated opponents. A game Wednesday at Sporting Kansas City takes the team and head coach Brian Schmetzer back to where the man he served as an assistant, Sigi Schmid, coached his last game before being dismissed.
» 9 Comments
Jermaine Jones has defied his critics before -- can he come back again?
Posted by Ridge Mahoney on May. 10, 3:29 p.m.
On Monday the Galaxy announced that midfielder Jermaine Jones had suffered a Grade 2 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee and would miss three to four weeks, which nudges his return right on the cusp of several U.S. games, including a June 11 World Cup qualifier against Mexico.
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Q&A with PDL director Todd Eason: Providing young players a bridge to pro ball
Posted by Mike Woitalla on May. 5, 2:26 a.m.
Todd Eason, who played and coached in the USL and the Premier Development League, has been PDL Director since October of 2014. We spoke with Eason as the PDL kicks off its 23rd season, with 72 teams, this weekend. Of particular interest is how the league provides high-level competition to young players aspiring to play professionally.
» 4 Comments
Crunch times approaching for MLS teams like Toronto FC
Posted by Ridge Mahoney on May. 3, 2:50 p.m.
When midweek games start to pile up, MLS teams need to go deeper into the rosters and perhaps rely on players they have groomed in their academies and USL squads.
» 0 Comments
FC Dallas is adding to the tasks of Kellyn Acosta in Diaz's absence
Posted by Ridge Mahoney on Apr. 26, 12:24 a.m.
Several FCD players are stepping up their games in the absence of playmaker Mauro Diaz, who suffered a severe Achilles tendon injury last October and won't be back until July at the earliest. Midfield Kellyn Acosta has parlayed a greater attacking role into most consistent games and some promising play for the USA.
» 0 Comments
Amercan soccer looks pretty good while looking back at past failures
Posted by Ridge Mahoney on Apr. 19, 2:46 a.m.
If you didn't see it, please check out the excellent story written by my friend and colleague Michael Lewis in the Guardian, harking back 50 years to the launch of the National Professional Soccer League.
» 61 Comments
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