By Ridge Mahoney (@ridgemax) Though the end is valuable in itself, the means of the U.S. Open Cup continues to vary wildly for itsMLS participants. It strikes me as ironic that U.S. Soccer has banned the USL teams run by MLS clubs, such as Red Bulls II and their ilk from the Galaxy, Timbers, Sounders, […]
sacramento republic fc
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Open Cup: FC Cincinnati and Sacramento make statements
FC Cincinnati and Sacramento Republic FC, two USL clubs very much in the hunt for MLS expansion teams, made a case for their bids both on and off the field with wins over MLS clubs before big crowdsin the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup. FC Cincinnati drew a crowd of 30,160 at Nippert […]
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NWSL: Waldrum is out as Houston head coach
Randy Waldrum, who left his job as head coach at Notre Dame, one of the most successful women’s programs in the country, to take over as the Houston Dash head coach for its launch in 2014, isout. The Dash and Waldrum agreed to part ways just seven games into the 2017 season. Assistant coach Omar […]
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USL Rewind: Monarchs match mark at Republic's expense
For the second straight week, Sacramento Republic has been on the wrong end of a record-setting result. Real Monarchs downed Sacramento, 2-0, to join San Antonio FC as the only two teamsin USL history to win seven of their first eight games. Daniel Haber and Sebastian Velasquez scored the goals that enabled SLC to match […]
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USL Rewind: Brown strike hits No. 1 on SportsCenter
A week after losing to Charleston, the Tampa Bay Rowdies joined the Battery atop the Eastern Conference by beating Richmond Kickers, 1-0, with its fourth shutout at home and a spectacular goal byDeshorn Brown just before halftime. Brown’s strike earned the No. 1 slot in SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays of the day and topped an […]
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MLS Expansion: How does race stand post-St. Louis?
Around the country, supporters of MLS expansion bids cheered the defeat of the St. Louis soccer stadium proposition that all but killed the chances of the favorite in the field of 12 bidders. But howmuch farther along are the others? As of Friday, the field could be down to 10. . On the other hand, […]
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USL Rewind: Louisville celebrates another milestone
Good news off the field often begats success on it. Such was the case for Louisville City, which during the week unveiled plans for a 10,000-capacity stadium in the Butchertown section,and on Saturday knocked Tampa Bay from the unbeaten ranks, 2-1. Goals by George Davis IV and Cameron Lancaster pushed LCFC into first place as […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying
What They're Saying: Warren Smith
“I can’t get a break. But we need the rain, so it’s hard to get upset when we know how much it’s needed.” — Sacramento Republic FC president WarrenSmith after the USL (and MLS hopeful) club had to cancel an exhibition against an MLS team for the second time this winter. More heavy rains in Northern […]
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MLS Expansion: Who stands where in stadium race
The 12 cities seeking MLS’s four expansion spots all have a record of soccer support and all are backed by heavy hitters. What will separate them is their success in finalizing a stadiumdeal in the next six months. A tall order, considering the many moving parts. Several bidders face voter referendums on aspects of their stadium projections, […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Quakes encouraged but not giddy after impressive opener
By Ridge Mahoney (@ridgemax) One game can’t erase four seasons of frustration, yet a spirited and efficient 1-0 defeat ofMontreal at Avaya Stadium Saturday in the 2017 opener lifted the mood in the stands and locker room considerably. Goalscorer Anibal Godoy, whose delicately chipped goal of a returnpass from Chris Wondolowski was described by the latter as “Messi-esque,” […]