Part II in an Orignial Series

By Gary L. Moody Jr.

The dreams of Gordon and Sacha Kljestan can be traced back to their loving father, who passed his love and passion for soccer onto his two young sons.  Gordon recalled that it began at birth, saying that there was a soccer ball in his crib.  It would continue for years as Slavko passed on his knowledge of the sport through drills, practice, and the teaching of technique.  “I give full credit to my father,” Gordon commented. “I was so lucky to have him.  He was my biggest mentor.”  The love, admiration, and appreciation for their father is known by anyone who meets Gordon and Sacha. 

Gordon began playing competitive sports at age four, excelling in both soccer and baseball.  Eventually, he was forced to make a difficult decision. At the age of 16, he had to choose from two sports he loved and was good at.  He needed to focus on one; it is obvious that he made the right choice.  Gordon would have to make yet another just a few years later, choosing a university that would take his game to the pros. 

Gordon would stay on the West Coast, enrolling at Cal State-Fullerton.  He would join his brother Sacha after just one season in a transfer to Seton Hall.  This gave them the opportunity to play on the same squad, take the same classes, and live together once again.  It was a special time for the Kljestan brothers, where they developed on and off the field. 

The pitch was a place of comfort for both; each took on an important role with the Pirates squad. Head Coach Manfred Schellscheidt found quite a duo in the Kljestan brothers as each brought something to the pitch.  Schellscheidt was impressed with Sacha’s fitness and mental speed.  This allowed Sacha to think and play faster than other players.  Schellsheidt recalled, “The ball doesn’t slow him down.”

Gordon’s deep understanding of the beautiful game gave him quite an advantage.  Together they played what their coach called “soccer with ideas,” a creative approach to the sport.  It could almost be described as an art form, something that has to be seen to be truly enjoyed and appreciated.  The relationship between player and coach and university was beneficial to all involved.  The Kljestans greatly developed their game under the expert tutelage of Schellscheidt, while the brothers’ success at both the collegiate and professional levels brought the program much notoriety.

SOCCER PROVIDES HOPE

By Kacey Cherry

AUSTIN, TX - April 29, 2010 - Walking on to the field of the House Park Stadium last night, the Austin Aztex turned to face their opponents. The visiting team stood circled together arm in arm, tightly clenched and enthralled in their pre-game speech. The challengers did not embody a vision of weakness or invite an image of pity, instead the prime symbol of Haiti beamed with confidence and pride. As the huddle dispersed, a cheer echoed through in their native tongue of French-Creole. While their words fell on foreign ears of the American audience, their resonating joy was understood by all: Haiti was very much alive.

It all began with a phone call. Two weeks ago the Haitian national soccer team contacted the Austin Aztex, and said they would be training in the Central Texas area and wanted to know if they would be interested in an exhibition match.

“Of course the answer was yes,” said Aztex owner Phil Rawlins. “The entire Aztex community was very excited to have them come here.”

The display of encouragement from the audience was enormous. The display of encouragement from the audience was enormous.  The traditional hostile reaction to any visiting team from Aztex supporter group Chantico’s Army, was replaced by frequent chants of “Haiti”. Fans held signs that read “We love Haiti” and gave continuous applause for any Haitian player entering or leaving the field.

The support continued with the friendly serving as an opportunity for fans to donate money and soccer gear to the Fédération Hatienne de Football, which lost 30 people and their stadium after the destructive earthquake on January 12th. The Aztex were able to raise over $11,000 and 10 trashcan-bins full of soccer gear ranging from cleats to t-shirts, overhauling the FC Dallas exhibition game that raised $3,000 last Friday.

The match in its entirety was composed with both teams having equal scoring opportunities but none amounted into a serious threat. The Haitian offense’s speed proved the most influential in creating chances with the Aztex having to adapt to their quicker paced style.

The first chance on goal didn’t occur until the 12th minute, Haitian player Jeremie Oscaldo was left unmarked and after receiving a cross, shot the ball that barely missed and went over the goal.

Aztex goalkeeper Sean Kelley displayed why he was voted Man of the Match by the audience when he made a crucial save in minute 16. Haitian Jean Baptiste Fritzson shot low to the left corner, causing Kelly to make a diving save before it reached the feet of an awaiting Haitian player.

The Aztex’s best break came in the 84th minute when Wes Allen’s shot was blocked by the goalkeeper and Max Griffin rebounded with a header that hit the goal post.

The game concluded in a scoreless draw, an appropriate ending for both teams’ evenly balanced performance.
The score was just a side note of a much greater issue. For Haiti, this game and the sport of soccer is providing far deeper significance. Soccer has united the country of Haiti by continuing to raise awareness of their ongoing situation and has offered the players and the people to have an escape from the destruction and chaos.

“This is the sport of the Island,” says Aztex Head Coach Adrian Heath. “The one great thing about this game is that it does give people hope and it brings people together.”

As the final whistle blew ending the game, the Haitian National team was welcome with a standing ovation from the audience. Signifying that while their circumstances are no longer splashed across the front page headlines, their grief is understood and their resilience is admired.

Although separated by a language barrier, the gratitude was not unnoticed by the Haitians. “I just want to say thank you to everybody, thank you for everything,” said Haitian player and Captain Peter Germain. “It means a lot for the people. In Haiti we now have nothing, and soccer gives us something, and we can give that to the people.”

MLS WEEK 5 POWER RANKINGS

By J.D. Smith, Host of National Soccer Radio

Poor Kei Kamara. His epic fail last week against Los Angeles made the front page of yahoo.com yesterday. Truly, it was one of the worst misses you will see in sometime. At minimum, it cost Kansas City valuable points they could have used after missing their chance at a point last week against Seattle. But the true travesty is that it cost the Wiz a shot at the #1 spot in the power rankings. Maybe in the new stadium they are building in Kansas City, they can slant the pitch towards the goal to help Kei get on track.

But I came not to bury Mr. Kamara. I came to do the Week 5 MLS Power Rankings. Here we go:

1. L.A Galaxy

Because of a narrowly-and-comically-bad-missed opportunity by the Wizards Kei Kamara, the Galaxy have still conceded exactly one goal all season. Their defense is the best part of their game right now (sorry Edson Buddle).

2. K.C. Wizards

I'm a little leery of putting them this high on the list, because in successive weeks they have failed to score a goal. But in two games against the most potent offenses in MLS this season (L.A. and Colorado), K.C. gave up zero goals, the second being a game without their star defender Jimmy Conrad. And K.C. dominated the possession against L.A. on their baseball field. Goalscoring continues to elude them though.

3. New York Red Bulls

The Red Bulls really didn't play well enough to earn a 2-1 win against Philadelphia. Then again, sometimes you create your own luck, and the Energy Drinks continue to create chances. 4 wins out of 5 is good enough for first in the East, but I think K.C. has played better competition, so they get the nod here.

4. Seattle Sounders

2 games within 72 hours isn't something I would wish on my worst enemy. But the last minute iffy call against them in their Thursday night game with Dallas took what little wind they would have had for Toronto out of their sails. Defensive miscues by Tyrone Marshall and Osvaldo Alonso did in the Sounders, and the scoring touch looked to have disappeared again. But we'll chalk up the first game to a bad call, and the second game to fatigue to keep Seattle relatively high.

5. Columbus Crew

2 of Columbus's last 3 goals have come by way of the penalty spot. Still, even in slick conditions in Columbus on Saturday night, they took a very hard shot from the defending champions and came out with 3 points at home. But they are creating too many chances to have scored only one goal last week. Finishing needs to be a priority. It will be interesting to see if either Seattle or Columbus can correct their scoring issues against each other this weekend.

6. Colorado Rapids

8 goals through just 5 games is enough for the overall MLS lead in the category. Some people might wonder how long it will be before Omar Cummings is picked up by some overseas club.  He is very, very entertaining to watch. But Jeff Larentowicz is the player to watch in the midfield for Colorado; he has been playing excellent soccer.

7. Real Salt Lake

4 of their first 5 games on the road? How's that for a Champions welcome? Of course, who wants to play in Salt Lake City in March or April? It's cold.

While I don't have the exact stat in front of me, RSL has only won 12 road games in the clubs existence. I believe they lost 4,347,298, and have tied 11. Something like that. Anyway, 4 out of their next 5 are at home, with cupcakes like Philadelphia and Toronto being just want RSL fans need to help their queasy early season stomach. Besides, anyone who thinks RSL is a bottom half team is crazy. I'll defend them for at least another game. Maybe.

8. Chicago Fire 

Did they just win at home? Is that going to start happening all of the sudden? The Fire look to be on the rise after wins against D.C. and Houston.

9. New England Revolution

Losing to Colorado is not so bad, but losing Shalrie Joseph for an indefinite period of time as he deals with personal matters? That's cause for concerns on multiple fronts.

10. Houston Dynamo

Similar situation to New England. Losing Geoff Cameron for the season with a torn knee ligament is horrible news for a club already missing Brian Ching, who could be sidelined for another month. And, when Ching comes back, he will be leaving for National Team Camp, meaning the team won't see him until the end of June or later.

11. Chivas USA

I'll need to see one more win before I'm convinced they are a top-10 team.  Still

12. San Jose  Earthquakes

I'll need to see more against a team like Chivas before I'm convinced. But slowing down a fired up Quakes team at home has to boost their confidence.

13. Toronto FC

They move up slightly, but don't get a whole lot of credit for winning against a depleted running on fumes team.

14. F.C. Dallas 

No wins means we sing, "How low can you go..."

15. Philadelphia Union 

Not as bad as they look. I honestly believe that there is some real talent on this team. But dumb mistakes in the back have to be cut out before they can move forward.

16. DC United 

Well, at least we didn't have to watch them...

NORTHEAST OHIO PRODUCT READY TO MAKE BREAKOUT IN NATION'S CAPITAL

By Robert Ivory

WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 28, 2010 - The proud Major League Soccer franchise, D.C. United, has seen better days. United have won four MLS Cups since 1996, but have not qualified for the MLS playoffs in the past two seasons.  

Despite what has happened over the past several seasons, the United defense has a bright star that is soon to take the pitch at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.

“I think (D.C. United) is getting a tough player that wants to prove himself again,” Parma native Barry Rice said as he stood in the locker room after a tough 2-0 D.C. United loss to the Chicago Fire. The St. Ignatius graduate said he will bring to the club much to the club in the future, but knows he has plenty work to do. “It's kind of weird being at the bottom of the totem pole, but I am very passionate about the game and want to win.”

Rice, born in Euclid, left the comforts of Northeast Ohio and left to play soccer at the University of Kentucky where his expectations were high: “I went down there on an official visit and loved everything about it. They had some of the best soccer facilities, the coaches were passionate, especially when they explained to me how they wanted their players to strive for their best. I really liked that.”

What the Wildcats got was one of the best defenders to ever lace up their boots in Lexington. He became the first player in UK history to be named All-American in two consecutive seasons. Other awards for Rice included back-to-back Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year, as he became the only player in Conference USA to be a two-time winner. Not to mention, Rice finished as a three-time first-team All-Conference USA selection, even wearing the captain’s armband for a time throughout his career.

When asked about his stellar career, Rice says that his achievements are not accredited to just one person:
“A lot of it was my coach. He taught me a lot of things in a lot of ways including how to properly defend, which I think set me apart from other defenders in the league, as well as the country. It was also my personal strive to be the best, it has been something that I have always wanted to do, especially growing up with a group of friends that competed with each other.”

One of those friends, Justin Morrow, is also from the Cleveland area and a St. Ignatius grad. He played a terrific career at the University of Notre Dame (All-Big East Second Team and team captain in 2009) and is currently on the San Jose Earthquakes roster.

As for his experiences on the professional level, Rice is ready take on the MLS, but admits signing his first professional contract was something special.

“It was a little surreal,” the defender said, “it still hasn’t really kicked in yet. It was a great feeling and it was something that you dream about doing. I’ve watched Javier Moreno and all the guys on TV and I realized then, I wanted to do that. Now that I’m here, it’s a great feeling to do what you love as your job.”

But despite the success in college, Rice knows that there is a tough road ahead. Barry has already learned that lesson first hand as the former Wildcat, who is seventh-best in UK history with 78 games played, suffered a concussion in a reserve game less than a month of receiving his contract.

“College and the professional ranks are night and day from each other. Everybody is on your same physical level, you are not going to find too many players that are below-par. For me, I’ve been told and have learned that its about finding a rhythm and separating yourself from everybody else and doing the little things. It all about doing those little things right.”

With all the talent that Barry has, he definitely is looking to help D.C. United to get back on their winning ways. “I know the history behind D.C. United, their great tradition, and they have won a lot of trophies. Winning has been instilled here for many years and I just want to continue to do that.”

The defender says that the biggest thing he wants to do at the professional level is something he did not do in school.

“I want to win championships, which was something I was not able to in college. That is my goal, I want to contribute to the team as much as possible and win a championship of any kind.”

AUSTIN AZTEX FALL 2-1 TO ROCHESTER RHINOS

By Kacey Cherry

AUSTIN, TX - April 25, 2010 - Coming off a successive two game winning streak and playing at home with an audience of almost 3,000, the Austin Aztex had all the motivation needed to continue their 2010 campaign with a 3-0 record for the first time in their history. First, however, the Aztex had to overcome the Rochester Rhinos, a team that consecutively defeated the Aztex in all three matches last season. The Rhinos would be searching for their first win of the season after suffering a loss and a tie in their past two matches.

With Aztex central defender Kevin Keiron picking up an ankle injury in practice a few days ago, the Rhinos capitalized on his absence, putting relentless pressure on the Aztex defense. Within the first minute, Rhinos’ player Tyler Rosenlund charged the Aztex defense and was in a goal scoring opportunity until he opted to dive in the penalty box and receive an automatic yellow card.

In the fifth minute the Aztex issued pressure with Eddie Johnson passing to Sullivan Silva, who beat his defender to release a shot just wide of the goal.

Despite a strong start, the Aztex were forewarned when Rhinos player Anthony Hamilton was left unmarked and scored in the eighth minute only to be ruled off-sides. Only one minute later, the Rhinos capitalized on a lazy back-pass from Aztex defender Lance Watson, which caused goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo to take out an incoming Rhinos’ player. Gallardo was given a yellow card and the Rhinos a penalty kick and one goal lead after a shattering delivery from Andrew Hoxie to the left side of the goal.

A foul on Michael Callahan in the 18th minute allowed the Aztex to receive a free kick just outside 10 yards in great scoring position. Leonard Griffin took the opportunity to become the team’s leading goal scorer so far with two goals as the left footer bent the ball into the right corner of the net.

“This was something I had been practicing,” said Griffin. “We have done a lot of repetition taking free kicks. I started to feel confident about taking them and in the game Coach was kind enough to tell me to run up and take the kick.”

The first half closed with both sides given notable chances to grab the lead. Watson’s cross went straight across the goal in the 39th minute, only to barely miss the toes of the Aztex offense and minutes later both shots from Hoxie and Rosenlund were saved seconds apart from an impressive Gallardo.

The second half opened similar to the first with another Rhinos’ player, Hoxie, given a yellow card in the 52nd minute after a dangerous tackle on Watson. The similarity continued, with after a streak of Rhino offensive pressure, Anthony Hamilton scored inside the penalty box in the 64th minute.

The Aztex enjoyed nice possession but did not impose enough pressure in the second half to threaten the Rhinos’ defense, with their goalkeeper not making his first save until minute 73.

It wasn’t until stoppage time when a second yellow for Tyler Bellamy left the Rhinos with only 10 men, gave the Aztex a much needed boost. The final opportunity of the match came when Jamie Watson’s cross landed for substitute Max Griffin only feet away from the goal line, but the Rhino goalkeeper was quick to dispel any chance of a shot.

Aztex Head Coach Adrian Heath provided no excuses for the team’s loss, describing it as “the nature of the game.” Says Heath, “We’re still a work in progress…we’ve had a good start, but that’s what it is, a start. We will re-group and we will get ourselves ready for next week.”

The Aztex’s next opportunity is a home game against the Haitian national team in a friendly on Wednesday, April 28.

KAI SENDS SKY BLUE TO VICTORY

BRIDGEVIEW, IL - April 25, 2010 - Sky Blue FC (2-1-0, 6 points) was able to overcome some tough playing conditions tonight to take three points on the road, defeating the Chicago Red Stars (0-2-1, 1 point) at Toyota Park by a count of 1-0. For the second time this season, forward Tasha Kai provided the game-winner for her club over the Red Stars after netting a Kacey White assist in the 52nd minute.

"This is huge for us as a team," Sky Blue FC head coach Pauliina Miettinen said after the game. "For us to go on the road, fight through the elements and take the victory says a lot about our character. This is a win that will certainly build the confidence of our team."

Facing severe wind and rain meant that players would have to back up one another on the pitch, and in no place was this more evident than on the Sky Blue FC back line.

"As a unit, we played much more disciplined," Miettinen continued. "We showed the willingness to sacrifice ourselves when necessary. We were constantly getting in front of the ball to block shots and never gave up on defense. The team fought for this win, and I am proud of our efforts."

The wind was the biggest factor in the early-going of this match, and the strong gusts played a role in slowing the pace just a bit. In the 5th minute of the game, Sky Blue FC earned its first corner kick of the evening, and midfielder Carli Lloyd struck a ball just slightly off target on the ensuing kick. The visiting side remained on the attack on the following possession, and Kai delivered a powerful shot that was turned away by Chicago goalkeeper Jillian Loyden.

The first break in the action came in the 18th minute when Lloyd was issued a yellow card after a hard tackle of Red Star forward Cristiane. However, the play did not cost her team, and the Delran native continued to help create opportunities on the offensive end. In the 27th minute of the match, a scare was sent throughout the Sky Blue FC sideline when Lloyd suffered an apparent ankle injury on an aggressive play. She was then replaced on the pitch by midfielder Kacey White and will be evaluated by the Sky Blue FC medical staff before a prognosis is made on her injury.

The team maintained its aggressive approach during the final portion of the opening half, and Kai nearly gave Sky Blue FC an advantage in the 44th minute. After being fed a ball from outside the box, she struck it towards the net, but Loyden was able to send it over the crossbar following a fingertip save.

As the rain began to pour down on Toyota Park, the second half whistle was blown. In the 52nd minute, White fed a ball to a streaking Kai down the center of the field. The Hawaii native then fought through on a breakaway with Loyden, who was forced to come off her post. Once Kai saw her opening, she chipped the ball over Loyden's head to put the first goal of the night on the scoreboard, 1-0.

The second half of play saw solid recovery from the entire back line of Sky Blue FC, with Meghan Schnur and Daphne Koster clearing away a handful of offensive opportunities for Chicago. Defenders Brittany Taylor and Keeley Dowling also played aggressive roles on the defensive end. Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Karen Bardsley continued to look very comfortable in goal for her team, and the English National Team netminder certainly earned her second shutout of the season against the Red Stars. There were a few late scares for the visiting side, but an impressive group effort led to picking up three critical points on the road.

Sky Blue FC now improves to 5-0-1 over Chicago over the past two seasons, and the team has yet to give up a goal to the Red Stars. For the year, Sky Blue FC is now 2-1-0 and sits atop the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) Standings even with FC Gold Pride (2-1-0) at six points.

SOUNDERS FALL TO TORONTO ON THE ROAD

TORONTO, ON - April 25, 2010 - Seattle Sounders FC allowed two second half goals and fell 2-0 to Toronto FC on the second leg of a two-match road trip on a rainy Sunday afternoon at BMO Field. Seattle Sounders FC (2-2-2, 8 points) are in sole possession of third place in the Western Conference after the first five games while Toronto FC (2-3-0, 6 points) won its second of the season at home.

Dwayne De Rosario scored the game-winner in the 58th minute. After a Toronto cross hit the referee, De Rosario dispossessed Osvaldo Alonso at the top of the box and fired a shot into the side netting of the far post. De Rosario scored the first five Toronto FC goals this season. With two shutouts last season, it was also the first time Sounders FC allowed a goal by Toronto FC.

De Rosario also figured in the second Toronto FC goal. In the 76th minute, De Rosario's cross found O'Brian White who finished a left-footed shot into the center of the net. It was the first time Sounders FC conceded multiple goals in consecutive games.

Kasey Keller, who started Sunday's match despite suffering a head injury four days ago, was tested early on a shot by White. White fired from just inside the 18-yard box but the diving Keller deflected the ball wide for a Toronto FC corner.

Steve Zakuani entered the match in the 60th minute for Sanna Nyassi. On his first touch, Zakuani played a ball through the Toronto FC defense to Brad Evans who fired a one-time shot on goal that was deflected out of bounds by the keeper. Another second half substitute, Fredy Montero, blasted a shot from close distance in the 83rd minute but it was deflected away by Stefan Frei for a corner. Seattle had the advantage in total shots, 11-5, and shots on goal, 4-3.

With two road games in four days, head coach Sigi Schmid shuffled the starting lineup, making six personnel changes from Thursday. Seattle has had a different starting XI every game this season. Four Sounders FC players earned their first start of the season on Sunday: Patrick Ianni, Sanna Nyassi, Nathan Sturgis and Tyson Wahl. Brad Evans started up top with Freddie Ljungberg, marking the first time Evans started at forward for Seattle. Seattle Sounders FC plays two in a row at home on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field beginning May 1 at 7:30 p.m. against the Columbus Crew.

EARTHQUAKES FALL 3-2 TO CHIVAS USA IN CARSON

SANTA CLARA, CA – April 24, 2010 - The San Jose Earthquakes fell 3-2 to Chivas USA on Saturday night at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Sacha Kljestan put the home side up 1-0 in the 25th minute on a long range effort.

Chris Wondolowski pulled the Quakes level at one on a penalty in the 42nd minute and then Justin Braun scored his fourth goal against the Quakes in his last four appearances to put the home side up 2-1 in the 54th minute. As the Quakes pushed for an equalizer, Chivas broke on the counter attack and substitute Chukwudi Chijindu put the home side up 3-1 in the 87th minute.

San Jose pulled one back as rookie Steven Beitashour scored his first career goal, but it was too little, too late, as they fell 3-2.

PAYBACK TIME

By Gary L. Moody Jr.

COLUMBUS, OH - April 24, 2010 - Chippy, scrappy, rough and tumble. Those are the words that were used to describe the matchup between the Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake on Saturday evening. The match had many ups and downs, but ended in a 1-0 victory for the Crew.

Real Salt Lake entered Crew Stadium with quite a bit of history. They are the defending MLS Cup Champions. They knocked the Columbus Crew out of the playoffs last year. A new rivalry was definitely in the works.

Whatever the case, the Crew were looking to make a statement. They started the season strong with a victory over Toronto and a draw against FC Dallas. An awkward schedule had Columbus playing more exhibition games than real ones. Coach Warzycha sent the message that they were focused on getting three points from a match early in the season.

The players seemed to have revenge on their mind. "They are walking around as the champion, saying that they're the champion," goalkeeper Will Hesmer commented. "They were sub-.500 last year. That doesn't sit well with us. We think we have been the class of the league for the past two years. We wanted to prove it."

Defender Jed Zayner sent the same message. "You want to make sure they know and that other people know that last year was a fluke. They aren't the champions. We want to be the champions. We wanted to set the tone early."

Both clubs would have the bulk of their players available for the match. The Crew would be without defenders Shaun Francis (ankle injury), Chad Marshall (hamstring), and Danny O'Rourke (suspension). RSL would be without midfielder Ned Grabavoy (knee) and defender Chris Wingert (hamstring).

Hesmer would earn his first save of the night in the sixth minute, stopping a Salt Lake header. Hesmer would find himself in danger just four minutes later as RSL went 1 v 1 after getting behind the Crew backline. An awkward pass by defender Eric Brunner was to blame.

Hesmer stretched out to take the ball away from Costa Rican striker Alvaro Saborio, saving a goal in the process. It was a moot point as the whole play was called offsides. The weather began to deteriorate rapidly as the game progressed. The pitch held up, but there was a lot of slipping and sliding with the waves of rain pouring into the stadium. Several players said it was like playing on a field covered in oil.

Defender Andy Iro would send a header high for the Crew in the 15th. Striker Steven Lenhart would send another shot wide left two minutes later. RSL midfielder Andy Williams would have a shot deflected in the 24th minute. The weather continued to be an issue, but the physical play continued.

The 38th minute would bring the first big moment of the match. Striker Guillermo Barros Schelotto would be called on to take a penalty kick after midfielder Robbie Rogers was taken down in the box. The always reliable Schelotto drove home the PK, sending it left past keeper Nick Rimando. The final minutes of the first half provided some opportunities from both sides. Saborio would send a shot high in the 42nd, while Rogers sent one of his own wide right in the 45th minute. The Crew held on to their 1-0 lead going into the locker room.

Statistically, the first half was pretty even. The Crew had a slight advantage in shots (5 to 4) and corner kicks (3 to 1), while Real Salt Lake were called offsides 3 times.

The rough play continued into the second half. Kyle Beckerman was given a yellow card in the 50th for a reckless foul on Frankie Hejduk. Rogers would take a bad fall just moments later; Gino Padula would leave the field with an apparent knee injury in the 54th minute. Zayner would take Padula's place on the pitch, making his first appearance of the season. "I feel good. Like a lot of people say it is good to get out there and get some minutes in. Get the cobwebs out of your system," Zayner said. "It's been almost seven weeks now. I wanted to help the team in any way I can."

The Crew began to push on the attack just moments later. Solid passing, perhaps the best of the match, gave the Crew some opportunities on the RSL side of the field. Crew forward Steven Lenhart would find himself with an open shot, but hesitation closed the door of opportunity. Midfielder Eddie Gaven would take a shot of his own in the 57th minute, but it was deflected by a Salt Lake defender.

RSL would make noise with some tactical moves, sending in both Robbie Findley and Javier Morales in the 62nd. It didn't seem to pay immediate dividends for Salt Lake, who were lackluster in the attack. A crucial corner kick from Schelotto a minute later reached Brunner, who sent a header high.

Schelotto would breakaway in the 75th minute. The striker would unselfishly pass it back to Rogers, but the play was broken up by the RSL defense. A Crew corner came again in the 78th ended with a shot by midfielder Adam Moffat that went high over the crossbar.

Things got more intense in the final fifteen minutes. The RSL attack had suddenly come alive after failing to register a shot in over 34 minutes. Findley and Morales seemed to catch fire, pushing their team forward.

Hesmer was tested in the 81st, but made a great save to his left. The ball bounced around before Will Johnson took a shot, which landed in the back of the net. Luckily it was called offsides, nullifying the RSL score. Morales would nearly bring the score even three minutes later; his shot went just wide left of the Crew goal.

Hesmer would be called on again, making a nice kick save in the 88th minute. Findley was on a breakaway and was left alone with the Crew keeper after the pursuing Zayner took a fall. Hesmer, an easy choice for man of the match, was responsible for three solid saves in roughly a five minute span. Simply put he was brilliant in goal and proved why he is regarded as one of the top keepers in the entire league.

Stoppage time was a worrisome time for all Crew fans as Salt Lake continued to press forward. RSL had opportunity after opportunity, but the Crew defense held firm. No extra time goals would be given away on this night. 14,322 fans celebrated the second home victory of the season for the Crew as the game came to a close.

The large breaks between matches for the Crew is thankfully a thing of the past. The Crew hit the road for an important away match against the Seattle Sounders on May 1st before returning home on the 8th to face the New England Revolution.

Game Photos

Columbus Crew Starting Lineup: GK William Hesmer, DEF Frankie Hejduk (C), DEF Eric Brunner, DEF Andy Iro, DEF Gino Padula, MID Eddie Gaven, MID Brian Carroll, MID Adam Moffat, MID Robbie Rogers, FWD Steven Lenhart, FWD Guillermo Barros Schelotto

Real Salt Lake Starting Lineup: GK Nick Rimando, DEF Robbie Russell, DEF Jamison Olave, DEF Nat Borchers, DEF Tony Beltran, MID Will Johnson, MID Kyle Beckerman (C), MID Andy Williams, MID Collen Warner, FWD Alvaro Saborio, FWD Fabian Espindola

HOME SWEET HOME FOR THE FIRE

By Merit Bello

BRIDGEVIEW, IL- April 24, 2010 - In honor of Earth day, the Fire wore commemorative uniforms to host the “Fire Goes Green” game at Toyota Park and celebrated a 2-0 victory against the Houston Dynamo on Saturday night.

In the first half, the Fire controlled possession and outshot the Dynamo 13-2. In the 28th minute a goal by McBride seemed almost inevitable as the shot went past goalkeeper Pat Onstad yet Dynamo’s defender Mike Chabala blocked and kicked the ball out of range.  However, a minute before the end of the first half, a shot by Tim Ward was stopped by Onstad, who redirected the ball. It was rebounded by midfielder Baggio Husidic, who scored his first MLS goal leading the Fire 1-0.

The second half was an excess of yellow cards and two ejections.  The Fire were issued a total of 5 yellow cards and Dynamo received 4.  Houston’s Danny Cruz was ejected in the 79th minute for a second yellow card caution while Chicago’s Krzysztof Krol was ejected in the 85th minute for violent conduct after head-butting Luis Landin in retaliation for being pushed.

Regardless of the conflicts between Houston and Chicago, it did not stop the Fire from making their first home victory of the season.  In the 67th minute Patrick Nyarko dribbled toward the touchline and fired a cross toward the post and Peter Lowry used his chest to direct the ball past the diving goalkeeper Onstad for a score of 2-0.  This was the end of the Dynamo’s unbeaten record at Toyota Park.

Fire Head Coach Carlos de los Cobos was very pleased with the team’s results and declared that “the team is improving, their confidence is strengthening, and this result is very good for the motivation of the team.”

The Fire will try for another home win when they face Sacha Kljestan and Chivas USA at Toyota Park on Saturday May 1st at 7:30 PM CT.

ROOKIE GEARS UP FOR THE FIRE

By Tessa Fegen

BRIDGEVIEW, IL - April 24, 2010 –Kwame Watson-Siriboe made his MLS debut on April 3rd in Colorado against the Rapids as he became the first rookie of the 2010 season to not only see the field, but also get the start, and play the entire 90 minutes.

“It was a really good thing, a cool moment for me. Its something you always dream about,” said Watson-Siriboe of his debut. “I wasn’t expecting to start at all. CJ Brown is a veteran player and so fantastic. He was hurt, so I had to step up. It felt good that the coach trusted me to do so.”

The defender from Chino Hills, California came to the Fire after playing four seasons at the University of Connecticut. The 6-3, 196-pound center back played and started 19 games for the Huskies in 2009 and earned First Team All-Big East honors.

The Huskies are at the top of the rankings as far as college soccer goes. Competing in the Big East Conference, one of the best in the nation, Watson-Siriboe got the experience that would be needed to hang with the big boys in the professional arena. During Watson-Siriboe’s reign at Connecticut, the team went to the NCAA tournament every year, making it to the quarterfinals on two occasions. Watson-Siriboe was named the 2009 Big East Co-Defender of the year his senior year.

“My best memory at UConn was in 2007 when we won the Big East tournament and made it to the Elite 8 of the NCAA’s. The experience, it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Watson-Siriboe described the difference between playing at the college level and playing professionally, “The biggest thing is the speed of play, it’s so much faster at this level. You have to think faster and play faster. Every play you have to be two possessions ahead.”

He was drafted to Chicago in the second round as the 26th overall pick, giving them seven natural defenders on the roster.

His transition to the big city? Smooth so far.“I love Chicago, it’s a really nice city and you can’t beat the shopping.”

WIZARDS AND GALAXY END IN DRAW

KANSAS CITY, KS - April 24, 2010 – The Kansas City Wizards had plenty of chances to hand the Los Angeles Galaxy their first defeat of 2010 on Saturday night, but Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts came up big to preserve a 0-0 draw.

The first half started on an attacking note for the Kansas City, as the team’s pressure on the Galaxy back line led to some early defensive mistakes. Wizards forward Kei Kamara had the first good chance just four minutes in, intercepting a ball in the Los Angeles penalty area and firing a shot at goal after working around four Galaxy defenders. Unfortunately for the Wizards, Kamara’s effort went wide of the far post.

Kamara thought he had the game’s first goal after 17 minutes, but referee Hilario Grajeda rightly called it back for a handball. Jack Jewsbury started the attack with a timely interception at midfield before pushing forward and slotting a well weighted through ball to Davy Arnaud in the Galaxy penalty area. Arnaud’s shot was only partially blocked by Ricketts, but Kamara was there to follow the ball as it bounced off the post. Kamara missed the tap-in on the rebound, putting the ball over the goal line with his hand as he slipped on the wet field.

The match began to settle down noticeably after Kamara’s called-back goal, as both sides struggled to build any meaningful attacks past midfield. The Wizards began to ramp up the pressure to close the half, with Josh Wolff intercepting an errant pass out of the back. The Wizards striker turned and fired a shot from the top of the box, but his effort rolled straight to Ricketts. Chris Birchall nearly put the Galaxy ahead on the stroke of halftime, but his volleyed attempt from the top of the box sailed wide of Jimmy Nielsen’s goal.

The second half picked up where the first half left off, with both sides using high pressure and compact central play to create scoring opportunities and force mistakes out of the opposition. The strategy worked well for the Wizards, as they created five quality scoring chances in a ten minute span early in the second half.

Jack Jewsbury was an integral part of the first two opportunities. The central midfielder came close to opening the scoring in the 50th minute, but his attempt at a diving header on a Wolff cross was just a split second too late. Jewsbury would get involved again less than a minute later, streaking down the right flank and laying the ball across to Kamara, whose shot was blocked away by a wall of Galaxy bodies.

Ryan Smith continued the Wizards pressure in the 53rd minute, delivering a pinpoint cross to Kamara in the box that Ricketts did well to rise and tap away before it reached the Wizards forward. Smith was the danger man again two minutes later, as he found space on the left and faked a cross, instead laying a smart ball across the top of the box to Arnaud. Ricketts came up big to parry away Arnaud’s shot, Kamara couldn’t control the rebound and Josh Wolff’s attempt at a follow up was blocked out of play. Ricketts would come up big for the Galaxy once again in the 57th minute, saving a Jack Jewsbury rocket from the top of the box.

The Wizards’ last quality chance of the game came in the 67th minute, when Kei Kamara found space on the right and delivered a crisp pass to Roger Espinoza in the penalty area. Surrounded by four Galaxy defenders, Espinoza waited for an opening before attempting a shot that was blocked out by the Galaxy defense.

Wasting no time, the Galaxy sprinted off on a quick counter, with Landon Donovan bearing down on Wizards goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen as defender Pablo Escobar laid incapacitated on the side of the field with a mild concussion. The Kansas City defense was able to recover and prevent Donovan from creating anything dangerous, but Escobar was forced to leave the game for Aaron Hohlbein.

From then, the match settled down in much the same way the first half did. Tackles flew in thick and fast as the Galaxy’s top-rated offense was continually frustrated by the Wizards defense, while Kansas City attackers found space and time hard to come by against a physical Los Angeles back line. In the end, both sides were able to keep a shutout.

The Wizards will look to build off the shutout on May 1st, when they travel to Texas to take on the Houston Dynamo at Roberston Stadium at 7:30 p.m. CT. Like all Wizards away games in 2010, the match will be broadcast live and in high definition on KCWE-29.

EAGLES EDGE KICKERS

RICHMOND, VA - April 24, 2010 - The Charlotte Eagles avenged last year’s Championship match by handing the Kickers their first regular season loss at the University of Richmond Stadium since 2006, edging the home side 1-0.  Eagles midfielder Jorge Herrera connected with forward Gus Bentos in the 29th minute for the lone goal of the night.

Both teams got off to a slow start with few chances materializing on either side of the pitch.  Charlotte capitalized on their first dangerous change of the night 29 minutes in when Bentos received a chip pass from Herrera on the right side.  Controlling the ball with his chest, the forward side volleyed the ball from 10 yards out into the upper right hand corner.

The Eagles increased the pressure three minutes later when a shot from forward Debola Ogunseye struck from the penalty area but Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale was there to make the save.

The first opportunity for the Kickers came in the 35 minute when midfielder Chris Carrieri lined up a free kick from just outside the box but his bending shot around the defensive wall found goalkeeper Steward Ceus alert on his line.

When a cross from the right side could not be cleared by Charlotte defenders, it appeared the Kickers could level the score but rookie midfielder Charlie Reiter’s hard volley from the top of the box sailed skyward. 

The Kickers nearly closed the gap seconds before the break when forward Reiter chipped the ball to an onrushing Edson Elcock, breaking through the defensive line.  The streaking forward attempted to bury the ball from point-blank range but his lob missed the goal as the first half frustrations for the Kickers continued.

Nearly 20 minutes passed in the second half before either team looked dangerous.  The Kickers received the ball in front of the goal when a short cross from Sascha Gorres found Elcock in scoring position.  Elcock’s well-intended volley was deflected by a Charlotte defender over the end line.

The Kickers saw their best opportunity of the night slip by in the 64th minute when Reiter played a nice inswinger from the right side.  Forward Matthew Delicate could not get a touch on the ball inches from the target and Ceus was able to keep the home team off the scoreboard.

Determined to find the equalizer as the game neared regulation, Görres was able to pick up a short clearance 25 yards out but his rocket strike narrowly missed the target in the 90th minute. The Kickers take to the road for a back-to-back trip to Maryland and Pittsburgh next weekend before returning to UR Stadium to host the Real Maryland Monarchs on Saturday, May 8th. 

FIFA 10 ULTMATE TEAM IS THE ULTIMATE CHOICE FOR SOCCER FANS

By Robert Ivory

Ok, admit it. You didn’t think that FIFA 10 could get any more addictive.

But with EA Sport’s release of Ultimate Team as an add-on for FIFA 10, fans can get a better grip on running their own club from scratch. Many psychics say that your future is in the cards and that is true of Ultimate 10.

The goal of Ultimate 10 is to make the best squad you can buy buying either packs of cards, or buying individual players’ cards that onliners are selling from their squad. Packs are either gold, silver, or bronze (bronze being the least expensive, and obviously less talented players). Not only can you get players from you pack, but you can get footballs, managers, coaches, stadiums, club crests, and rating boosters for your roster.

The main goal is to make the best club by having the best chemistry on your squad. Chemistry starts with players coming from the same nation, the same team, and the same league. Therefore, to get a top chemistry, you would want all players from the same league that can work together. You can have different squads ready to play at anytime, but players have contracts that are reduced by one each game they play. Word to the wise, use your best players in your top matches, don’t waste them playing bad teams.

Now that you are ready to play, you can enter a tournament either against the computer or online, versus other Ultimate Team managers around the world. Gameplay is great against the competition from around the world, but if you are not ready, you can play in single player against the computer in tournaments or a single game. The idea of making all the parts of your team work can be frustrating and rewarding at the same time. Ultimate 10 has a perfect blend of manager simulation games and FIFA 10 gameplay to keep the action going.

Not too many down sides to this add-on, just make sure you can beat your opposition and win trophies, because once you hit a stumbling block in a tournament, you have to start all over again. The best part of the add on is the option of changing your squad anywhere in the world, by logging on to EASPORTS.com. On their website you can move your squad around, see stats, and share your team on social media websites to brag, a great feature to keep you plugged in, even when you cannot get to your gaming system.

Can you make a five star team with total chemistry? Can you do without the divas and have complete team harmony? Add FIFA 10 Ultimate Team and get ready to get kill many, many more hours on the best soccer franchise in the world. Click here for a free five game trial from Xbox LIVE® and PlayStation® Network!

MLS WEEK 4 POWER RANKINGS

By J.D. Smith, Host of National Soccer Radio

Some have asked how we come up with the NSR Power Rankings. While I can't say we just pulled them out of a hat, it's not exactly a scientific method. But let's just say we assign an avatar to each one of the teams, then have those avatars duke it out in an online forum where specific algorithms compute the relative strength of each team from week to week. The algorithms take into account everything from the average attendance of each home team to how well the halftime performers executed their sultry dance moves (or in Seattle's case, their march...).

Or, maybe, I just watch all of the games and go with my gut...

With that said, here's your week four power rankings:

1. L.A. Galaxy

Do I really need to explain this one? The only team with a 1.000 winning percentage. Edson Buddle is on pace to score 52 goals this season. And the goal they gave up on Saturday was the first goal scored against them in 2010. Like I said, no need to explain.

Last Week: 1st

2. Seattle Sounders F.C.

Michael Fucito gave the Sounders the points they should have earned in Real Salt Lake last weekend. The focus was there for the full 90 minutes for the Sounders, something Sigi Schmid no doubt preached about all week after last week's late game nap. The fact they beat the team that was directly ahead of them in the power rankings has to count for something, right?

Last week: 3rd (+1)

3. New York Red Bulls

Yes, they beat Seattle at home, so you can make the argument that they should be ranked above the Sounders. But they dropped a game to woeful Chivas, and needed two penalty kicks to finally dispatch of F.C. Dallas at home. And as long as Bouna Condoul is in net for New York, there will be concerns about the viability of New York's back line. Still, getting Juan Pablo Angel into the scorers column should help the offense get on the right foot.

Last week: 7th (+4)

4. K.C. Wizards

While Pablo Escobar was guilty of forgetting about that whole "Can't be offside on a throw in" rule, Kansas City was otherwise in charge of the possession against Seattle. On the road, in a tough environment, against one of the better returning teams to MLS this season. Next week's game against the Galaxy at home should be interesting, as the narrow field offers K.C. a unique home field advantage. Then again, if they fall asleep again against Edson Buddle, it's a safe guess he will be able to make them pay.

Last week: 2nd (-2)

5. Columbus

Idle. If you're wondering how one team in a 16 team league can be idle, TFC played twice. So...now you know.

Last week: 6th (+1)

6. Real Salt Lake

While there is no shame in losing to a red hot L.A. Galaxy team, a recent smattering of injuries coupled with a congested schedule this week took their toll on RSL. Fortunately, the schedule does lighten up on them, with Toronto, Philly, and Chivas USA all on the calendar in the next few weeks. Unfortunately for the Royals, there is the grudge match against Columbus to worry about this weekend.

Last week: 4th (-2)

7. New England Revolution

San Jose controlled the game in coming up with a 2-0 victory, as the Revs were missing Shalrie Joseph once again with issues related to a bum hip flexor. It's difficult to know if the two wins New England does have amount to all that much, given that D.C. and Toronto have one win combined thus far. But the two road losses come on the West Coast, and one was against the early favorite to win the MLS Cup. The test this coming week will be to see if New England can control Connor Casey and Omar Cummings as Colorado comes to town.

Last week: 5th (-2)

8. Colorado Rapids

The Rapids are playing good soccer, with their only loss coming in a hard-fought contest against Kansas City last week. Connor Casey would enjoy putting away penalty kicks for the rest of the season. But at some point, he and Omar Cummings will be connecting in the run of play. And that will mean a more dangerous attack that was assembled in the off-season will have finally come together.

Last week: 10th (+2)

9. Houston Dynamo

Well, well, well Lovell Palmer. Welcome to the league. Keep shooting like that, and people will be forgetting about Luis Landin. Oh wait, they already are. Is it possible that the fact that Mr. He Ate All the Pies wasn't available for Saturday's game (and thus, slowing down the offense's free-flowing tempo) sparked a scoring output for the Dynamo? Nah...

Last week: 11th (+2)

10. San Jose Earthquakes

Ike Opara's goals in consecutive weeks are a great sign, but even better is the fact that backup Chris Wondolowski was able to find the net. The ability of the bench to contribute will have a lot to say about how far this team can go. And it is very early on in the young season. But two wins in two games can't hurt the confidence of a young team who believes they can be better than last year's losing record indicated.

Last week: 12th (+2)

11. Chicago Fire

Brian McBride added instant offense to the Fire this week, getting a clever assist and goal to seal the deal for Chicago's 2-0 win over D.C. United, their first of the season. Collins John and Patrick Nyarko continue to look dangerous in combination, though John keeps having trouble redirecting into the net from close range. But the most consistent player for the Fire in the last two games? Marco Pappa. His play has added sparks to what was looking like a lackluster attack.

Last Week: 13th (+2)

12. Chivas USA

So, that win last week? Looks more like an aberration at this point. While the Goats of America have had some trouble winning in Houston, you would think they would have put up a little more fight given the momentum-building win over a good New York team. Guess not.

Last week: 8th (-4)

13. FC Dallas

If the referee calls a handball last weekend, FC Dallas would be 0-2-1. They are lucky to be this high. Jeff Cunningham missed some gorgeous opportunities that could have changed the game this weekend. But he didn't connect, and that's what power rankings are all about: singling out the bad performances and overemphasizing them. Right?

Last week: 9th (-4)

14. Toronto F.C.

Some new faces helped TFC to a win in the home opener (as did Danny Califf and Chris Seitz for Philadelphia). But a bonehead play from Julian De Guzman on Sunday kept them from getting points in two straight games. Stefan Frei has to be one of the most underrated goalies in the league. If we was on a team with a defense, he might have 4 shutouts right now. Still, beating Philadelphia at least helped with one thing...

Last week: 16th (+2)

15. Philadelphia

See? I can now definitively say that TFC is better than Philadelphia. At least until next week...

I wonder if making a lazy backpass to your goalkeeper then elbow-dropping an oncoming attacker is "how the men play"?

Last week: 14th (-1)

16. D.C. United

The other easiest decision of these power rankings.

Last week: 15th (-1)

This week's games:

Thursday:

Seattle Sounders FC at FC Dallas 8pm EDT ESPN2/Deportes

Saturday:

Philadelphia Union at New York Red Bull 4pm EDT Telefutura

Colorado Rapids at New England Revolution 7:30pm EDT MLS Direct Kick

Real Salt Lake at Columbus Crew 7:30pm EDT MLS Direct Kick

Los Angeles Galaxy at Kansas City Wizards 8:30pm EDT MLS Direct Kick

Houston Dynamo at Chicago Fire 8:30pm EDT Direct Kick

San Jose Earthquakes at Chivas USA 10:30pm EDT FSC/FSE

Sunday:

Seattle Sounders at Toronto FC 2pm EDT, MLS Direct Kick

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS FOR QUARANTA AND UNITED

By Adam Stern

WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 17, 2010 - D.C. United midfielder Santino Quaranta could withstand an opening day drubbing at the hands of his coach’s former employers. He could even deal with two following losses including United’s home opener and a loss to an expansion team playing their first ever home game.

But after a lackluster and listless performance in a 2-0 loss at home to Eastern Conference rivals Chicago Fire, in which United gave up the game winning goal in the 80th minute for the second home game running, Quaranta’s optimistic, steely reserve finally eroded. 

“We’re men in here. We're professionals. We can’t just keep staying positive,” Quaranta said. “We have to start holding each other accountable. I mean this is ridiculous.”

Similar to the team’s home opener against New England a fortnight ago, United came into the game looking to collect their first points of the season against a fellow winless squad.

From the offset, United looked more brisk then they did in the entirety of their embarrassing 3-2 defeat to the Philadelphia Union in their inaugural home game last weekend. However Chicago looked dangerous on the counter-attack, and almost took the lead in the 9th minute when United defender Devon McTavish let a ball loop over his head around the 18-yard box and Fire strike Collins John lofted a chip that United goalkeeper Troy Perkins just managed to get a fingertip to, pushing the chance wide.

A crazy two-minute span that followed saw McTavish, Perkins, and 17-year old center midfielder Andy Najar all individually exhibit some form of soccer suicide on three separate plays, but the Fire couldn’t make United pay for their sloppiness.

In the 27th minute United forward Chris Pontius, running full-speed into the box, had a perfectly weighted cross served to him that surely would have been banged into the back of the net had it not been for exquisite marking from Fire defender Wilman Conde, who jammed the header and nullified the chance. Three minutes later, United once again had a guilt-edge opportunity to take the lead through defender Julius James, who headed wide of the goal on a wide-open, un-marked corner kick to send both teams scoreless going into halftime.

The second half lacked any sort of rhythm from the get-go from either side, and United seemingly had abandoned their first-half strategy of utilizing the long length of the pitch to stretch out what had been a shaky Fire defense coming into the game.

“In first half, we used our width good,” Quaranta said. “In the second half we just tried straight down the middle, losing our shape and I felt like I just stood out wide and didn’t touch it.”

With the dour, slow-paced game creeping towards the 80th minute, thoughts of déjà vu began to approach for United. Two weeks ago against the New England Revolution, the Black & Red had allowed a game in which they dominated for long stretches to be ripped from them in heart wrenching fashion after two quick strikes from Revolution midfielder Kenny Mansally.

Fast forward back to Saturday night against the Fire, and almost as if on-cue, United once again let a game they needed badly slip from their grasp in the 80th minute in a late, dooming twist of a fate. First Fire striker Patrick Nyarko kept a ball alive on the byline before passing to substitute Brian McBride, who backheeled a ball to midfielder Marco Pappa, who unleashed a shot past Perkins to go up 1-0.

A mirror image of United’s defeat to New England was finished off in the 89th minute when a long ball by Fire goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra found McBride in the box, who was somehow able to power a strong enough header from 15 yards out to beat a sprawling Perkins.

“They caused us issues all night; they’re a dangerous team going forward,” Onalfo said. “Our backs are against the wall and I was hoping the team was going to find a way to pull out a result under unfortunate circumstances, but that wasn’t the case.”

With the loss, United drops to 0-4 and now have matched their worst ever start to a season, which came when the team started 0-4 in the league’s inaugural season in 1996. Every team that’s beaten United this season was winless prior, and the Black & Red are now the only team in the land left pointless a month into the MLS season.

“We have to come to fight, it’s a very tough league, both physically, mentally, and everything else,” Onalfo said. “Right now it’s not good enough; it’s crystal clear it’s not good enough.”

EAGLES FALL IN OPENING DAY SHOWDOWN

By Paulita Reinhardt

CHARLOTTE, NC - April 17, 2010 - Debola Ogunseye’s one assist and one goal was still not enough to hold off the Charleston Battery’s 3-2 rally to defeat the Charlotte Eagles during their home opener.

Charleston’s Pierre-Rudolph Mayard scored the first goal of the game in the 23rd minute off of a corner kick making the score 1-0.  Not long after Mike Zaher for Charleston scored the second goal of the game leaving the
score 2-0.

Charleston dodges a bullet when Charlotte’s Debola Ogunseye is pulled down by his ankle by goalie Timothy Melia, who received a yellow card in what would have clearly been a walk-in score for Charlotte. The Eagles received a free kick, which would prove fruitless.

Later a free kick for Charlotte would lead to an assist from Ogunseye to Ben Page scoring their first goal of the game before the half.  The halftime score would be 2-1, advantage Charleston.

Seventy six minutes into the game Debola Oguseye scores Charlotte’s 2nd goal tying the game at 2-2.  Fans were still relishing in the spectacular strike when Charleston’s Levi Coleman scored what would be Charleston’s game- winning goal.

Fans rallied around Charlotte as they fought through the last minutes of the game.

Charlotte’s next home game is Friday, May 7th at 7pm as they host the Harrisburg City Islanders.  For more information or to purchase tickets please visit the official website of the Charlotte Eagles.

DELI SCORES TWICE FOR KICKERS IN BACK-AND-FORTH AFFAIR

RICHMOND, VA - April 17, 2010 - The Richmond Kickers opened the 2010 regular season with a 2-2 draw against the Harrisburg City Islanders Saturday night. 

In nearly identical fashion to the 2009 home opener that saw Kickers forward Matthew Delicâte and Mike Burke connect on the first goal of the night, the pair did not disappoint with an 11th minute tally Saturday. Islanders forward Sheanon Williams leveled the score while Brian Ombiji gave Harrisburg the lead five minutes before the break.  Delicâte came up big again to close out the night, converting a Sascha Görres cross in the 76th minute.  The Kickers return to UR Stadium on Wednesday, April 21st to host the Mexican Olympic National Team at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.

The Kickers opened scoring early when Görres played a long, diagonal ball to Burke on the right wing.  The crafty midfielder played a brilliant cross to an onrushing Delicâte, who tapped the ball home for the first goal of the season in the 11th minute.

Minutes later, Kickers forward Edson Elcock volleyed a cross from Chris Carrieri after dispossessing defender Toni Stahl in his own third, but his attempt sailed wide.

The Islanders were not to be held down for long, recording the equalizer in the 17th minutes.  A header from Kickers defender Henry Kalungi to goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale came up short, allowing Williams to get a touch on the ball.  His strike rebounded off Pascale but fell back to Williams, 14 yards out, who redirected it into the back of the net.

As the Kickers searched to regain the lead, a cross from the left side found Carrieri at the far post.  He played a header to a streaking Gerson dos Santos, who fired from 10 yards, only to have his attempt stifled by a Harrisburg defender.

Harrisburg’s first goal of the night was almost repeated in the 33rd minute when Shea Salinas intercepted a Kickers pass back to Pascale.  Although he was able to get around the keeper, Salinas’ shot was from too tough of an angle and fell to the side netting.

The Kickers nearly found the target in the 37th minute when Elcock crossed the ball to an unmarked Delicâte, eight yards in front of the goal mouth.  The big forward was not able to get the header down and the ball grazed inches over the crossbar.

The saga continued five minutes before the break when Harrisburg claimed the lead for the first time during the night.  After a nice combination play in the midfield, Kai Kasiguran was able to head the ball to a wide-open Ombiji at the penalty spot.  With time to control the ball, Ombiji calmly slotted the ball into the left corner.

The Kickers almost answered on the restart with a goal of their own as Burke connected with Elcock but his diving header soared wide right of the goal.

Finding their stride in the second half, Kickers midfielder Gerson dos Santos won a header off a Kickers corner that was barely cleared off the line by a Harrisburg defender on the far post.

Stifling the opposition’s attack throughout the half, the Kickers leveled the score in the 76th minute when Görres delivered a banana-cross from the left side, finding a loosely marked Delicâte who nodded the ball over goalkeeper Danny Cepero from 12 yards out.

As time wound down, Görres launched a free kick from just outside the penalty area.  With seconds until the final whistle, his left-footed attempt narrowly missed the upper 90.

The Kickers host stars of the Mexican First Division next Wednesday, April 21st when they face the Mexican Olympic National Team at 7:30 p.m. at UR Stadium.  Tickets are available for purchase at any Mexico Restaurant location, RISE, Strictly Soccer, Soccer Post and at RichmondKickers.com.

AZTEX KEEPING WINNING

ST. LOUIS, MO - April 17, 2010 - Austin Aztex defender Leonard Griffin scored the first goal in his brief Aztex career in the second half of Saturday night's game from 30 feet out, giving the visitors a 2-1 victory over AC St. Louis at Anheiser Busch Soccer Park in St. Louis.

Forward Eddie Johnson opened the scoring early in the first half to put his team up 1-0. However, the lead would be short lived as AC St. Louis was quick to equalize on a long-range strike that left the St. Louis half of the pitch smothered in smoke from the fireworks erupting in the stands.

The Aztex opened up the game on the offensive, coming up with two corner kicks right off the kickoff. They were unable to capitalize on them, but they put the St. Louis defense on alert for what was later to come. Overall in the half, Austin earned five corners with none given up on the other side of the pitch. The half ended with 1-1 draw.                                                           

The second frame lacked the offensive punch of the first, but Griffin's strike highlighted the half for Austin, which gave St. Louis a loss in its first-ever match at home. Austin's next match is at 6 p.m. on April 25 at House Park against the Rochester Rhinos.

SCORELESS DRAW FOR WHITECAPS

DYNAMO DELIVERS CRUSHING DEFEAT

HOUSTON, TX - April 17, 2010 - The Houston Dynamo crushed Chivas USA 3-0 Saturday afternoon at Robertson Stadium, getting highlight-reel goals from Geoff Cameron and Lovel Palmer in the first half and posting their first shutout of the year.

The Dynamo improve to 2-1-1 (7 points), the best four-game start in team history. The previous mark was their 2-2 record (6 points) in 2006. It was Houston’s largest margin of victory in an MLS game since beating Toronto FC 3-0 on May 30, 2009.

Houston is now 7-0-3 in its last 10 games against Chivas USA, and the Dynamo ran their shutout streak against Chivas USA at Robertson Stadium to 802 minutes by posting their eighth consecutive home shutout against the LA-based club. The Dynamo have outscored Chivas USA 18-1 all-time at Robertson Stadium (7-0-2 record).

Midfielder Geoff Cameron opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Defender Eddie Robinson headed a clearance to midfielder Corey Ashe, making his first start of the season, and Ashe found Cameron making a run through the Chivas USA defense. Cameron used the outside of his right foot to strike a fierce drive inside the left post for his first goal of the 2010 season.

The Dynamo made it 2-0 in the 20th minute when midfielder Lovel Palmer, making his first start with the Dynamo in his third game after being signed from Jamaican club Harbour View, unleashed a ferocious 40-yard shot into the top right corner of the net, a sure candidate for MLS Goal of the Week.

Houston wrapped the game up in the 65th minute, when defender Mike Chabala and midfielder Brad Davis combined on the left, with Davis getting into the penalty area and drawing the attention of the Chivas USA defense before chipping a pass to Houston forward Dominic Oduro for a simple tap-in. It was Oduro’s second MLS goal with the Dynamo – both against Chivas USA.

Defender Mike Chabala earned two assists on the day, tying his career high set in a 4-3 win vs. D.C. United on August 1, 2009. Defender Eddie Robinson earned his first assist since 2007 on Cameron’s goal.

18-year-old midfielder Francisco Navas Cobo, a preseason signing from the Dynamo Academy, became the first Houston home-grown player to appear in a game when he made his professional debut as a late substitute.

Defender Bobby Boswell made his 140th career MLS start. Midfielder Corey Ashe made his 75th career appearance in an MLS regular season game. Midfielder Brad Davis, the Dynamo’s all-time leader in assists, ran his total to 45 in all competitions when he set up Oduro’s goal. Midfielder Adrian Serioux made his first appearance of the season and first for Houston since the 2006 MLS Cup final when he came on as a late substitute.

SKY BLUE FC FALLS TO FC GOLD PRIDE IN ROAD AFFAIR

CASTRO VALLEY, CA - April 17, 2010 - FC Gold Pride (1-1-0, 3 points) was able to find its offensive groove tonight in getting a 3-1 result over Sky Blue FC (1-1-0, 3 points) at the Bay Area's Castro Valley Athletic Stadium. Forward Christine Sinclair scored a pair of goals in this match (11', 75') with a late insurance notch from Marta (82') to lead the host attack, while the lone tally of the night for Sky Blue FC came off the foot of Finnish National Team forward Laura Kalmari in the 49th minute.

Fresh off a season opening shutout, Sky Blue FC made the long trip to California for this match-up and looked to jump out to an early advantage over its West Coast foes. However, it was FC Gold Pride who was able to find the first opening of the evening. After Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Karen Bardsley made an athletic save of a shot by FC Gold Pride midfielder Camille Abiliy in the 11th minute, Sinclair was there to score the rebound and make it 1-0 in favor of the host side.

Sky Blue FC then looked to regain its composure in the ensuing minutes, and the team was able to string together three solid possessions in the middle of the first half on the offensive end. In the 28th minute, Kalmari struck a well hit ball towards the FC Gold Pride net, and the next two Sky Blue FC possessions ended with shot attempts by midfielder Heather O'Reilly and forward Tasha Kai. After host goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart and the FC Gold Pride back line was able to hold off that attack, it held on for the remainder of the opening half to take a 1-0 advantage into halftime.

Following intermission, Sky Blue FC head coach Pauliina Miettinen made two changes to her lineup. Jessica Landstrom was brought on for midfielder Yael Averbuch, while Brazilian forward Rosana came on for Tasha Kai. The team immediately brought a newfound intensity to the pitch, and its energetic start yielded immediate results. In the 49th minute, Rosana crossed a ball to the center of the field, where Landstrom put a touch on the feed. With the ball trickling towards the end line, Kalmari stepped onto the scene to strike the ball off the far post and into the net for the equalizer.

Sky Blue FC looked to keep feeding off the momentum that came as a direct result of that notch, and it quickly created more opportunities. Battling for the go-ahead tally, O'Reilly nearly put a ball away in the 63rd minute, but Barnhart was there to respond for FC Gold Pride.

With 15 minutes remaining in this match, Sinclair was again able to find an opening for the host side. Following a pass from MAC Hermann Trophy winner Kelley O'Hara, Sinclair struck the ball into the back of the net to regain the lead for her team. FC Gold Pride was then able to rejuvenate its attack following that score, with Brazilian striker Marta giving her team some breathing room in the 83rd minute on her first goal of the year.

The visiting squad continued to battle the rest of the way, but it would be FC Gold Pride who would emerge victorious this evening, 3-1. Tonight's game marked the first of two consecutive road match-ups for Sky Blue FC, with the team traveling to Chicago next weekend for a road meeting with the Red Stars.

May 1st marks the return of Sky Blue FC to Yurcak Field when it will host FC Gold Pride. On an extremely limited basis, fans can purchase an exclusive ticket package to have their photo taken with Marta and Sky Blue FC forward Rosana. To purchase today, call 1-888-SBFC-TIX or visit the team's official website at www.skybluefc.com.

WIZARDS HANDED FIRST LOSS OF THE SEASON

SEATTLE, WA - April 17, 2010 - Michael Fucito scored the game-winning goal in second half stoppage time to give Seattle Sounders FC a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Wizards on Saturday afternoon on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field.

Sounders FC (2-1-1, 7 points) bounced back from a draw last weekend at Real Salt Lake while Kansas City (2-1-0, 6 points) lost its first match and allowed the first goal of the season.

Fucito struck in the 92nd minute. Brad Evans took a quick throw-in that found Fucito on the right side of the box. His right-footed shot went past Jimmy Nielsen and inside the near post from 10 yards. Fucito had entered the game as an 85th minute substitute for Steve Zakuani. It was his first MLS goal and it came in the rookie's second appearance.

Evans was also a substitute, entering the game for Pat Noonan in the 70th minute. Evans now has one goal and one assist in the first four games. 

Just seconds after taking the lead, Seattle's Kasey Keller made a diving save on an 18-yard shot from Chance Myers. In the 50th minute Keller rushed off his line to deny Jack Jewsbury from 16 yards. The shutout is Keller's second of the season. Seattle had a goal by Evans called back in the 72nd minute due to offside.

Seattle also had a scoring opportunity in the 10th minute when James Riley took a pass from Fredy Montero on the right side. Riley's cross found Noonan wide open in front of goal but his shot missed wide left. 

Tyrone Marshall, who started the 250th match of his MLS career, dealt with a bloody forehead throughout the game after receiving a cut in the 15th minute on a challenge with Kei Kamara. Kansas City defender Jimmy Conrad was replaced by Matt Besler in the 32nd minute when he left the game with a strained calf.

Zakuani, Riley and Evans were all issued yellow cards on Saturday. It is the second yellow card of the season for Riley.

Veteran midfielder Peter Vagenas saw his first action of the 2010 season when he started Saturday's match. Vagenas played the full 90 minutes. Next week Seattle visits FC Dallas for a nationally televised ESPN2 game on April 22 and then plays at Toronto FC on April 25. Sounders FC is back home on May 1 against the Columbus Crew at 7:30 p.m. PT.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE FINES CREW DEFENDER DANNY O' ROURKE

NEW YORK - April 13, 2010– The Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee today fined Columbus Crew defender Danny O’Rourke an additional $500 for making an offensive gesture toward officials during the Columbus Crew’s 2-2 tie with FC Dallas on Saturday, April 10.     

O’Rourke made the gesture in second-half stoppage time of last Saturday’s game and was issued a red card, which carries an automatic one-game suspension and $250 fine. The Disciplinary Committee reviewed the incident and concluded that he should be fined an additional $500. 

O’Rourke will pay a total fine of $750 and will serve the one-game suspension during the Crew’s next match, which is against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, April 24.

Fines imposed by the MLS Disciplinary Committee are donated to MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer's community outreach initiative. MLS W.O.R.K.S. is dedicated to addressing important social issues affecting young people and seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport. For more information visit the website at www.MLSsoccer.com/works.

AZTEX START WITH A BANG

By Kacey Cherry

AUSTIN, TX - April 11, 2010 - At the new stadium home of House Park, the Austin Aztex’s sophomore season kicked off last night hosting the Montreal Impact. With a stadium that roared with cheers, drums and other various noises makers from an enthusiastic crowd, the backdrop was set for a thrilling Aztex 2-0 win over the 2009 USL-1 Champions.

Aztex Head Coach Adrian Heath expressed his satisfaction with the win.  “We hope this is the beginning for what we hope is a successful season. It was a difficult game against the champions, so this is a big moment for the players.”

The Aztex began the match with an explosive start taking their first shot on goal just 40 seconds in. Eddie Johnson headlined the offense, and his partnership with Brazilian midfielder, Sullivan Silva, flustered the Impact defense early on. 

Johnson’s pressure paid off in the 17th minute when his shot from Lance Watson’s cross hit the goal post and then fell for newcomer Lawrence Olum to fire the ball into the back of the net.

Olum was Coach Adrian Heath’s first new signing of 2010. “This shows what we’ve been trying to do for the whole preseason, so when you get rewarded with a goal it feels pretty good,” said Olum after the game.

In minute 43, the Impact had their best chance of the match when Aztex goalkeeper Miguel Guillardo had to quickly come off his line to make a close save with a fast approaching Impact player.

The second half signified more dominant possession from the Aztex with Jamie Watson beating his defender by cutting to the inside and shooting, giving the Aztex a two goal advantage 65 minutes in.

The Aztex defense consistently frustrated the Impact offense by accurately timing their off-sides trap throughout the game. In the waning minutes of the game, the defense remained resilient as the Impact began pushing more players up to apply pressure. The last minute of stoppage time proved the most difficult defensive challenge as all but the Impact goalkeeper inflicted pressure in a crowded penalty box for an unsuccessful Impact free kick.

“I’m so pleased we got a clean sheet, even though they put a ridiculous amount of pressure on us in the end, we stood firm and withheld the pressure that they were doing,” said Heath. “I thought the shape of the team, the way we defended and the work rate was phenomenal.”

The Austin Aztex will resume practice on Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for their away game against AC St. Louis this Saturday, April 17.

FIRE'S UNEXPECTED HOME OPENER

Busch Not Needed in His Return to Chicago

By Merit Bello

BRIDGEVIEW, IL - April 10, 2010 –  Although the Chicago Fire’s home opener was the largest  in Toyota Park history, it was not enough to help with the 2-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.

After a scoreless first half, an awkward collision in the 49th minute between the Fire’s C.J. Brown and Andrew Dsykstra lead to the first score of the game by San Jose’s Arturo Alvarez who took an 18 yard shot over the heads of Brown and Dsykstra while still on the ground.

The Fire came back in the 52nd minute for Marco Pappa’s first goal of the season to tie the game.  Pappa was assisted on the goal by a touchback from Collins John who laid off a pass from Patrick Nyarko directly to the path of Pappa allowing him to shoot past San Jose’s goalkeeper Joe Cannon on the upper right corner of the net.

In a close attempt by the Fire, in the 73rd minute, Patrick Nyarko broke free from the San Jose defense and steered the ball deep then laid a pass off to Collins John who took a shot towards the goal but was blocked and cleared by San Jose’s defender Jason Hernandez keeping the game tied 1-1.

The Earthquakes defender Ike Opara lead his team to victory in the 82nd minute with a cross from forward Bobby Convey past Fire’s goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra, giving the Fire its first loss in five home openers with a score of 2-1.

With a disappointing game to a stadium of 20,276 fans, Coach Carlos de los Cobos stated, “The first goal was a very big mistake, but we are starting the season and I believe in my work, I believe in the players.”

Cobos also commented about the score that lead to their loss, indicating that: “Frequently goals are a combination of a mistake and the virtue of the opponent.  In this case, the team lost their mark in to the box and they were able to take advantage of our mistake.”

The Chicago Fire will try to regroup when they take on D.C. United on a road game Saturday, April 17th at 6:30 p.m. CT.  They will return to Toyota Park on Saturday April 24th 7:30 p.m. CT to face the Houston Dynamo.

LIGHTINING FALL TO SOCKERS IN US OPEN FINAL

By Ben Wilson

LOUISVILLE, KY - April 10, 2010 - The San Diego Sockers ended their impressive season by winning the US Open Arena Soccer Championship at Mockingbird Valley Arena. The Louisville Lightning put forth a valiant effort, but eventually fell to the Sockers by an 11-7 margin.

San Diego’s first-quarter play showed Louisville what a champion looks like. Coming in as the winners of the PASL-Pro North American Championship, the Sockers scored five goals in the first quarter of play. Each of the five goals was scored by a different player, showing the depth and talent of the San Diego roster. Louisville, who had looked quite impressive all throughout the US Open Cup, had not faced a high-quality team such as San Diego.

Sockers goalkeeper Riley Swift made 23 saves in the first half, allowing only three goals. His incredible first-half performance gave endorsement to why he was named PASL’s 2009-10 All League First Team goalkeeper. Still, Swift felt that Louisville gave him trouble in goal. “They came in (Louisville) and had a flurry of attacks—that kept me on my toes,” said Swift.

The second quarter proved to be difficult for the Lightning. In 15 minutes of play Louisville gave up 3 goals, were outshot 11-5, and were continually tested by the San Diego’s smothering defense. Louisville’s only surge came late in the second quarter with 2 minutes to go, as Safet Kovacevic scored off a Lightning free kick.  Both teams wearily walked into their locker rooms with San Diego nursing an 8-3 lead at the half. 

Whatever Lightning head coach Scott Budnick said to his team at halftime must have worked. In less than minute—at the 12:06 and 11:33 mark—Louisville’s scored two abrupt goals, which cut San Diego’s lead to 3. But the Sockers kicked their experience into overdrive, as midfielder Eric Wunderle answered back with a screaming kick that sailed quickly past Lightning goalie Frank Peabody. Kovacevic, Louisville’s star midfielder and primary offensive weapon, gave the Sockers a punch in the mouth with two third-quarter goals.  San Diego still went into the fourth quarter with 9-6 lead.

San Diego’s athleticism was too much for Louisville, outscoring the Lightning 2-1 in the fourth quarter. It was a bold effort by Louisville, but San Diego showed Lightning fans why they are the number one indoor team in the country by defeating the Lightning 11-7.  “They were a savvy, experienced, veteran squad, and they certainly showed it tonight,” said Budnick.

The US Open ends the season for both the San Diego Sockers and the Louisville Lightning.

CREW EARNS POINT ON THE ROAD SATURDAY WITH 2-2 DRAW VS. FC DALLAS AT PIZZA HUT PARK

Moffat and Schelotto score before Dallas nets controversial late equalizer

FRISCO, TX - April 10, 2010 - A stoppage-time goal from substitute Eric Avila helped FC Dallas steal a point from the visiting Columbus Crew in a 2-2 tie at Pizza Hut Park on Saturday. Jeff Cunningham opened the scoring for Dallas before Adam Moffat and Guillermo Barros Schelotto tallied for Columbus.

Cunningham's goal came on a penalty kick after David Ferreira was taken down inside the area by Danny O'Rourke.

Moffat's first goal of the year drew things level in the 52nd minute. Steven Lenhart received a fine ball from Frankie Hejduk and sent a great pass to Moffat, who quickly knocked it into the left side of the net to tie the game.

Schelotto's second goal of 2010 came after a penalty kick he took was stopped by Hartman in the 82nd. The Crew was awarded the kick after FCD center back George John took Chad Marshall down inside the box on a corner kick. Schelotto's spot kick was stopped by Hartman, but the Crew forward headed the rebound into the right side of the goal to make it 2-1.

But FCD wasn't done. After Ferreira was denied near post by Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer, the ball popped back into the midfield and appeared to strike Avila's hand. No call was made, however, and Avila struck a low shot that caromed off the far post and into the net for the equalizer.

WIZARDS WIN AGAIN

KANSAS CITY, KS - April 10, 2010 - The Kansas City Wizards continued their winning start to the 2010 MLS season on Saturday night, defeating the Colorado Rapids 1-0 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

Forward Kei Kamara had the lone Kansas City goal, finishing a Ryan Smith service from a freekick with a looping header early in the second half. The goal is Kamara’s second is as many games, with Ryan Smith grabbing his second assist in his second MLS game as well. Goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen made three saves en route to his second shutout in as many games in the League.

Hard tackles and close chances marked the play in the first half, as both sides displayed relentless pressure in an effort to gain a foothold in the match. However, both defenses were able to hold strong despite multiple attacks.

Smith began the game on a lively note, running at defenders and moving into space well to jump-start the Wizards attack. The winger gave Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens his biggest test of the half in the 7th minute, firing at the Colorado ‘keeper after spinning to beat two defenders on the left wing. Smith’s shot gave Pickens enough trouble that he had to stretch acrobatically to palm it over the crossbar.

While Smith provided the Wizards with sparkling individual plays, the Wizards’ second best chance of the half came as a result of some good team passing in the attacking third. After moving the ball smoothly from the left to the right, Kamara worked a quick give-and-go with forward Josh Wolff, who laid it off to Jewsbury just inside the penalty area. However, the midfielder couldn’t get his body around the ball and his shot went right into the arms of Pickens.

The Wizards continued to control the pace of the game after Jewsbury’s chance, disrupting Colorado’s forays into the attacking third with some hard-nosed midfield play by Stéphane Auvray and tough defensive stops by Matt Besler. However, when Colorado did get a chance, the Rapids failed to capitalize. Marvell Wynne did well to get behind the Kansas City defense in first half stoppage time, hitting a good square ball to midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy, who skied his effort over the crossbar from eight yards out.

The second half started much the same way as the first, with the Wizards attacking the Colorado goal form both flanks. The Wizards would finally break the deadlock just three minutes in, with Kamara getting the better of Pickens off a Ryan Smith freekick. The Sierra Leone forward rose above the Colorado defense and hit a high, looping header that caught Pickens off his line, floating into the back of the net to give the Wizards a 1-0 advantage.

The offensive pressure didn’t stop there for Kansas City, as the Wizards peppered Colorado’s goal with shots through the rest of the half. Davy Arnaud had his best effort of the night in the 55th minute, firing a low rocket from 25 yards out that forced a sprawling save by Pickens.

Jewsbury had another good chance for the Wizards in the 61st minute, getting in behind the Colorado defense and firing a low shot that was saved by Pickens.

From then on the Wizards effectively killed the game with possession, holding the ball in the middle of the field for minutes at a time as Colorado chased the game. The Rapids’ comeback hopes were dealt a final blow in the 72nd minute when Julien Baudet was sent off for a harsh tackle on Kamara.

With the win, the Wizards move to first place in MLS’ Eastern Conference, despite having a game in hand over the 2nd and 3rd placed teams. The Wizards next MLS test comes next Saturday when they travel west to take on Seattle Sounders F.C.

The Wizards and Rapids will meet again just four days from now in a qualification game for the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The game will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Stanley H. Durwood Soccer Stadium on the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

DYNAMO FALL TO GALAXY

HOUSTON, TX - April 10, 2010 - The Houston Dynamo suffered their first defeat of the 2010 season Saturday, falling 2-0 to the Los Angeles Galaxy at Robertson Stadium. Galaxy forward Edson Buddle scored both goals after capitalizing on defensive errors in the first half, giving him five goals in three games. The Dynamo are now one of four teams tied for second in the Western Conference with four points.

Houston goalkeeper Pat Onstad made the 200th MLS regular season start of his career, eighth all-time among goalkeepers. The start was Onstad’s 150th start for the Dynamo in all competitions, a club record.

Jamaican Lovel Palmer made his second appearance for the Dynamo when he replaced Richard Mulrooney in the 29th minute after Mulrooney suffered a right knee injury. Midfielder Danny Cruz made his season debut when he came on for Dominic Oduro in the 71st minute.

Houston midfielder Brad Davis made the 120th start of his Dynamo career in all competitions, fifth in club history. Defender Eddie Robinson and midfielder Corey Ashe, a halftime substitute, each made his 105th career appearance in all competitions, tied for 10th in Dynamo history.

The Dynamo played without forwards Brian Ching (hamstring) and Cam Weaver (knee). With Ching injured, defender Bobby Boswell wore the captain’s armband, and Brian Mullan wore it in the second half.

The Galaxy became the fourth team in MLS history to begin the year with three shutouts. Other teams were the 1999 Dallas Burn, the 2007 New York Red Bulls (also coached by Bruce Arena), and the 2009 Seattle Sounders.

The Dynamo host Chivas USA next Saturday in their first afternoon home game of the season, wrapping up Houston’s three-game homestand.

SOUNDERS DRAW WITH RSL

SANDY, UT - April 10, 2010 - Steve Zakuani's early goal helped Seattle earn a 2-2 draw against defending MLS Cup champion Real Salt Lake on Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Seattle Sounders FC (1-1-1, 4 points) struck first and third to earn one point in the club's first road match of its 2010 season. Real Salt Lake (1-1-1, 4 points) scored a late equalizer in the final minute of stoppage time to earn the draw.

Zakuani put Seattle up early with a goal in the 11th minute. Zakuani took a pass from Fredy Montero and blasted a shot past an approaching Nick Rimando. The ball deflected off of Rimando's left foot and landed in the center of the net.

Will Johnson scored the equalizer for Real Salt Lake in the 53rd minute. Robbie Russell's cross from the right side found an unmarked Johnson who knocked a diving header past Kasey Keller at the far post.

Freddie Ljungberg helped reclaim a 2-1 lead for Sounders FC in the 71st minute. After earning a free kick, Ljungberg placed a dangerous ball in front of goal which took one bounce and landed in the net. Tyrone Marshall applied pressure but it was officially called an own goal.  

Ljungberg also set-up both Seattle goals in the opener against Philadelphia.

Real Salt Lake leveled in the final minute of stoppage time when Alvaro Saborio scored a header off of a corner kick.

Kasey Keller made several key stops throughout the game. A Real Salt Lake breakaway left Keller one-on-one with Kyle Beckerman in the 5th minute but Keller jumped off the line and smothered the ball.

Again in the 21st minute Keller made a right-footed save on an unmarked Will Johnson from 18 yards. Keller also stopped a shot by Russell from 18 yards in the 85th minute.

Real Salt Lake's Javier Morales left the game in the 36th minute after suffering a right groin strain. Morales recorded three goals and one assist in the first two matches this season.

Pat Noonan made his first start for the club after signing just ten days ago. Noonan made his Seattle debut last week against New York, entering the game in the 56th minute.

Defender Tyson Wahl saw action for the first time this season, entering the match in the 48th minute for Leo Gonzalez. Gonzalez felt ill and was removed for precautionary reasons.

Sounders FC returns home to face the Kansas City Wizards on April 17 at 12 p.m. PT.

FAST STRIKES LEAVE UNITED WINLESS

Mansally is a Hero for the Revs

By Adam Stern

WASHINGTON, DC - April 3, 2010 - A week and some 79 minutes after an opening-day embarrassment at the hands of his former club, Curt Onalfo was watching his team slowly but surely break down a stout and deliberately resolute defensive effort from East Coast rivals the New England Revolution.

Then, out of nowhere in a two minute twist of fate, Revolution reserve Kenny Mansally flipped the game on its head. The Gambian scored two goals from the 80th to 82nd minute, the first of which came against the run of play and the second being a world-class curler, to run out of RFK Stadium with a victory in smash-and-grab fashion and leave United pointless and soul-searching just two games into 2010 season.

“We had the better of the game and we walked away not winning. Sometimes the game is very cruel, and tonight was a perfect example of that,” said Onalfo.

Though United came into the game on the back of a 4-0 romping at the hands of Kansas City, Onalfo’s former employer, New England also came in similarly stuttering after losing 1-0 in First Kick weekend to the L.A. Galaxy.

The Black & Red came out the aggressors in the match and would have taken the lead in the match off 13 minutes in had it not been for a world-class save from Revolution keeper Preston Burpo.  From about 25 yards out, United forward Chris Pontius faked the shot and ran over the ball, leaving Burpo sidestepping the wrong way as the real shooter Santino Quaranta struck a devastating daisy-cutter that Burpo somehow managed to get a shin on as he was falling away from the track of the ball.

After the bright start, however, United’s probing slowed and much of their offensive game was reduced to long, diagonal long balls looking for target-man Chris Pontius. The University of California, Santa Barbara product produced the best chance of the half after getting his head onto a searing cross from right-midfielder Brandon Barklage, but headed the chance just wide, leaving both teams scoreless going into halftime.

“It would have been a lot different (if United had converted early chances). I had the one that could have made the difference in the game (in the first half), and I need to work on putting those chances away,” said Pontius.

The second half started off with a dour, slow pace with United not taking advantage of their possession advantage and the Revolution happy to oblige. 

In the 68th minute, Revolution head coach Steve Nicol made his first change of the match: Kenny Mansally on for the ineffective Zack Schilawski. Onalfo countered in the 70th by bringing in 17-year old phenom Andy Najar, who started but was ineffective in his MLS debut last weekend, for Barklage.

Najar almost paid immediate dividends when he showcased his superb pace and shimmied his way to the New England byline, but the Honduran let off a weak cross and the attack was quelled quickly.

Quaranta continued knocking on the door and had Burpo save a shot off of a strong, driving run. Indeed United looked like they were nine tenths of the way to scoring the first goal of the MLS season when disaster struck.
Mansally, who’s teetered between a starting and reserve role throughout his stint with the Revolution, got on the receiving end of a flicked-on cross in the 80th and powered a shot past United keeper Troy Perkins, who previously faced almost nothing from the Revolution attack.

The goal left the United players and fans shell shocked, and Mansally duly took advantage just 120 seconds later. The midfielder danced his way around a United defender on the top of the left side of the box before curling a shot into the right side of the net, leaving Perkins rooted to the spot.

“It was a great goal,” Perkins said. “It was perfectly placed, and I’ll be the first guy to hold my hand up if I thought it was my fault, but I don’t know what I could have done on the second one.”

United will look to regroup when they face the Philadelphia Union in the Union’s inaugural home match Saturday at 6 p.m.

“There’s going to be lots of emotions and that’s going to be a tough challenge,” said Onalfo. “We’re going to lick out wounds, stay positive, and just focus on the things we did well and move forward.”

FIRE COMES BACK TO TIE RAPIDS 2-2

Collins John Opens His MLS Account; Brian McBride Scores his 75th Career Goal

COMMERCE CITY, CO - April 3, 2010 – The Chicago Fire fought back from a one goal halftime deficit to tie the Colorado Rapids 2-2,  earning their first draw and first point of the 2010 MLS season. In a match that featured goals from both Fire forwards, Collins John and Brian McBride tallied on both sides of intermission for the Fire, to erase first half goals from Rapids forwards Omar Cummings and Conor Casey.

In the 13th minute, Rapids forward Omar Cummings settled a Mehdi Ballouchy pass at the top of the Fire’s 18-yard box. The Jamaican international sent a cracking shot inside the right post, past a diving Andrew Dykstra to give the Rapids an early 1-0 advantage.

Thirteen minutes later, Collins John found the back of the net to pull the Fire level in the 26th minute. In his second-ever MLS appearance, the Dutch striker found space just inside the Rapids six-yard box and headed home Marco Pappa’s corner kick past Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens, for his first-ever MLS goal.  

The Rapids regained the lead in the 41st minute when Rapids midfielder Colin Clark was pulled down just inside the area and referee Terry Vaughn immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Rapids forward Conor Casey stepped to the spot and powered the penalty kick to the right of a left-diving Dykstra.

The Fire struck back in the 51st minute. Pappa put Patrick Nyarko through with a leading ball into space on the left side. Nyarko sped past Marvelle Wynne before being taken down from behind by the recently acquired Rapids defender in the penalty area. With John, Casey and Cummings having already tallied goals, Fire forward Brian McBride rounded out the group when he stepped to the penalty spot. The MLS All-Time Best XI forward sent a driven effort just inside the right post for his first goal of the 2010 season and his 75th career MLS goal to tie the game at two goals apiece.

After beginning the season with consecutive matches on the road, the Fire return home to TOYOTA PARK for Opening Night against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, April 10 at 7:30 PM CT. For tickets please call 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or head to the club’s official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com.  

RAPIDS SIGN ARGENTINE FORWARD CLAUDIO LOPEZ

Colorado Add Two-Time World Cup Veteran

COMMERCE CITY, CO - April 2, 2010 - The Colorado Rapids signed Argentine forward Claudio Lopez, the club announced today. Lopez will be added to the club’s senior roster pending receipt of his P1 Visa.

“Any time you can add a talented player like Claudio to your club, the group becomes better,” said head coach Gary Smith. “Claudio brings with him a tremendous amount of international experience at the highest levels and he has proven himself as a playmaker in our league. His presence and leadership in the changing room will be a valued asset to our club. Claudio will help us fulfill a lot of roles on this club and complement the talent we currently possess.”

Considered to be one of the most skillful Argentines of his generation, Lopez joins the Rapids after two seasons with the Kansas City Wizards. He began his Major League Soccer career signing with the Wizards on March 10, 2008, as the team's first Designated Player. In two seasons with Kansas City, Lopez recorded 13 goals and 15 assists in 57 games.

Before entering MLS, Lopez enjoyed a successful career abroad, having starred for Racing in his native Argentina before moving to Valencia in Spain in 1996. He enjoyed his most prolific period with the Spanish side, making 123 appearances with 42 goals in five years with the club. Lopez led the team to a Champions League runner-up spot in 2000 and also won the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey in 1999. In 2000, Lopez was transferred to Italian Serie A side Lazio for $44 million - the third-highest transfer fee of that year and one of the top 50 most expensive transfers of all time. With Lazio, he scored 28 goals in 105 appearances before moving on to Club America, one of the most successful clubs in Mexico, in 2004. With Club America, Lopez scored 27 goals in 87 games and helped the team win the 2005 Clausura and 2006 CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

Lopez has 58 career appearances and 10 goals for Argentina's national team and appeared in both the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. Please check out our blog for further analysis and commentary on this topic.

MLS ADDS SECOND DESIGNATED PLAYER SLOT PER CLUB

Clubs may purchase third Designated Player slot; New budget charges unveiled

NEW YORK - April 1, 2010 – The opportunities have doubled for Major League Soccer’s clubs to pay select star players above their club salary budgets. All 16 MLS clubs now have the opportunity to sign at least two Designated Players. The Designated Player Rule is a mechanism that in 2007 began allowing an individual club to pay one player any amount above a fixed salary budget charge. The club salary budgets are an expense shared by all MLS owners.

Under its new parameters, the Designated Player Rule also gives clubs the option of “purchasing” a third Designated Player slot for $250,000 that will be dispersed in the form of allocation money to all clubs that do not have three Designated Players. Designated Player slots may be used to sign and retain existing MLS players, but they are no longer tradable.

“Expanding the Designated Player Rule is another example of MLS’s commitment to providing top-level soccer for our fans,” MLS EVP of Player Relations and Competition Todd Durbin said. “After three seasons, we have seen that the Designated Player Rule improves the quality of play, creates intrigue and discussion, and enhances our clubs’ distinct on-field identities. We will continue to see varied approaches from our clubs in assembling their rosters, and these changes will give them increased flexibility.”

Durbin will answer questions from media members via conference call this afternoon; details are below, followed by a list of current and former Designated Players

A club’s salary budget will be charged $335,000 for its first Designated Player under contract, $335,000 for its second Designated Player under contract and $335,000 if it signs a third Designated Player. If a Designated Player joins a club’s roster in the middle of the season, that club’s salary budget for the year will be charged $167,500.

The previous budget charge for a club’s first Designated Player, $415,000, accounted for approximately 18 percent of that club’s salary budget. The current rules reduce that budget charge to approximately 13 percent of a team’s salary budget.

Additionally, clubs have the option of “buying down” the budget charge of a designated player with allocation money. The reduced charge may not be less than $150,000. Allocation money are funds, separate from the club salary budgets, provided by the League based upon finish in the previous season, fees collected for the transfer of a player abroad, expansion or exceptional circumstances. Allocation money may be used to reduce the portion of a player’s compensation that counts against a club’s salary budget in connection with signing players new to MLS, or re-signing existing MLS players at the end of their contracts.

In the event that an MLS club transfers a Designated Player under contract to a club in another country, that MLS club will recoup the amount it has spent on that Designated Player before any additional transfer revenue is shared with the League.

These changes to the Designated Player rule are effective immediately. The Primary Registration Window -- in which MLS clubs can conduct transfers to acquire players under contract in leagues of other countries -- concludes April 15. The Secondary Registration Window opens July 15 and closes August 14, 2010. Registration windows always apply to the country of destination in a transfer. Players out of contract may be signed at any time. Please check out our blog for further analysis and commentary on this topic.

CONCAVE IN THE COMMUNITY

Gordon Kljestan the Newest Player to Sign with Concave Sports

SILVER SPRING, MD - March 31, 2010  -  Concave Sports continued to make their mark on the American soccer scene by their sponsorship of the Real Maryland FC Community Soccer Festival. The three-day festival featured some of the finest soccer talent in the D.C. Metro and Mid-Atlantic area.   Most tournaments focus on one level of competition, but this soccer event featured professional, collegiate, and elite youth squads.

Teams that participated in the event  included  Real Maryland FC, The Harrisburg City Islanders, American University, Towson University, University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC), Loyola University Maryland, Georgetown University, George Washington University, George Mason University, Wesley College, Real Maryland Super Y-League, Potomac Academy, Northern Virginia Royals Super-20 Team, D.C .United U-18 Team, Olney SC, Pachuca FC and Bethesda SC.

The headline match of the weekend, George Mason vs. Real Maryland FC, ended in a 2-1 victory for the USL-2 club. 

Concave had their innovative kicker tube on display, allowing those in attendance to try out the most advanced football boots on the planet.  This is the same display that drew rave reviews at the 2010 NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia. Concave’s appearance at the convention was the start of big things for the company here in the U.S.  A plethora of players have since signed on with Concave, including Tampa Bay’s Gordon Kljestan and Adam Nowland.

Kljestan, a veteran midfielder, recently joined the Concave Sports family.   He represents perhaps the biggest signing in America for the Toronto-based company.  Gordon brings years of experience to the new USSF Division II Pro League, including time in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the United Soccer League’s First Division (USL-1). Kljestan, a first round selection in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft, spent time with the Los Angeles Galaxy and the 2008 Western Conference Champion New York Red Bulls.  He then signed with the Cleveland City Stars in 2009, where he was a fan favorite as a defensive midfielder.  Gordon is also regarded as an elite indoor player, suiting up for the New Jersey Ironmen of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) in 2007-2008.

All of his success at the pro level can be attributed to his hard work and training at Seton Hall University, where he was an All-Big East Honorable Mention selection in 2005 and an All-Big East preseason selection in 2006. 

SOUNDERS FC SIGNS FORWARD PAT NOONAN

Versatile Two-Time MLS All-Star Ranks 20th in Goals Among Active Players

RENTON, WA - March 31, 2010 - The Seattle Sounders FC have signed forward Pat Noonan, it was announced today. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Noonan, 29, is a two-time MLS All-Star selection and ranks No. 3 in career goals and assists for New England. He has 14 U.S. National Team caps. The seven-year veteran was released by Colorado on March 23.

"I'm excited that Pat Noonan was available and we were able to sign him," Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid said. "My experience with him was a very good one in Columbus."

"Pat is a good player who can play a number of different positions on the field, and is a very solid professional."

Noonan was an integral part of the New England teams which advanced to three consecutive MLS Cup Finals from 2005-07 and won the 2007 U.S. Open Cup. As a rookie he finished with 10 goals and scored a career-high 11 in 2004. Noonan scored two goals and four assists during Open Cup play in 2007 and was named the MVP of the Final.

Over five seasons with the Revolution, Noonan scored 37 goals and 29 assists. He finished tied for the MLS lead in total points in 2004, and was chosen to play in the MLS All-Star game in 2004 and 2005.

In 2008, Noonan signed with Norway's Aalesunds FK, making 11 appearances over a short period before re-signing with MLS and joining Sigi Schmid's Columbus Crew in August of 2008. Noonan made 11 appearances with the Crew and played all four playoff matches, helping win the MLS Cup and the Supporters' Shield. 

Noonan was traded by Columbus to Colorado on June 15, 2009. He made 17 appearances for the Rapids with two starts, scoring two goals.

Noonan ranks 20th among active MLS players in goals. His career totals are 152 regular season appearances, 40 goals and 32 assists.

In 2004, Noonan made his debut with the United States national team in a match against Haiti. He has one goal and two assists in international play. Noonan was a key member of the 2005 Gold Cup champions and an alternate on the 2006 World Cup team.

Noonan was selected ninth overall in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft out of Indiana University, where he left as the Hoosiers' No. 6 career scorer. Indiana won the 1999 NCAA Championship and Noonan played in three College Cup finals.

 EARTHQUAKES SIGN 2008 MLS GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR JON BUSCH

SAN JOSE, CA - March 30, 2010 - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have signed veteran goalkeeper Jon Busch. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“The addition of Jon gives one of the best goalkeeping corps in the league,” said General Manager John Doyle. "He has been one of the top goalkeepers in the league during his career. We want to have competition at every spot, and this move allows us that luxury at goalkeeper.”

The New York native played the last three seasons with the Chicago Fire, where he made 63 regular season appearances, posting 21 shutouts. In 2008 and 2009, Busch played in every minute of every match for the Fire and with Busch in the net, the Fire advanced to the Eastern Conference Championship the past two seasons. Busch took home 2008 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Honors, posting a franchise record-tying 10 shutouts and also winning the Fire’s MVP award.

The eight-year veteran made his MLS debut in 2002 with the Columbus Crew, and played there through the 2006 season. During his time with the Crew, Busch appeared in 84 matches, starting 83 of those. He posted 25 clean sheets and won 25 games. During his MLS career to date, Busch has compiled a 60-43-42 record with 46 clean sheets.

In 2005, Busch earned his first appearance for the United States national team, posting a clean sheet in a 3-0 win over Colombia. He was again called into national team camp in 2009, and dressed against Sweden, but did not play.

Busch spent five seasons in the A-League before he came to MLS, where he took home A-League Goalkeeper of the Year and First Team honors in 2001. He played for the University of North Carolina-Charlotte for three seasons, and led the 49ers to a 1996 College Cup semi-final.

MLS CUP 2010 AWARDED TO TORONTO

NEW YORK, NY- March 30, 2010 – Major League Soccer will host its premier event, MLS Cup, in Canada for the first time when the passionate fans of Toronto, the fifth largest city in North America, welcome the League’s 15th championship match to BMO Field on Sunday, Nov. 21 at 8:30 p.m. ET (Live on ESPN and TeleFutura).

“Toronto and the Province of Ontario have proven to be a vibrant market for top-level soccer, and we are pleased to present the city’s fans another opportunity to enjoy a marquee event and showcase their passion,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said.  “As we saw last year in Seattle, MLS Cup is more than just our championship match; it is a four-day celebration of the world’s game in North America. We believe Toronto will be a superb backdrop for the festivities.”

Hailed as Canada’s national soccer stadium, BMO Field is the home of Toronto FC and will be the ninth venue to host the prestigious event. It served as the setting for the 2008 MLS All-Star Game, has played host to international soccer giants Real Madrid and Aston Villa, and hosted the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Ongoing renovations to Canada’s soccer mecca will see capacity increased to 21,800 spectators with the addition of a new North End stand and a natural grass field. The Kentucky Blue Grass will replace artificial surface that had been in use since its opening. These improvements are scheduled to be completed by April 15.

Since the inception of Toronto FC in 2007, soccer fans in Canada’s largest city have shown overwhelming support and fervor for their hometown “Reds,” selling out every home match at BMO Field.

"We’re excited to host MLS Cup 2010, one of Major League Soccer’s pinnacle events. This is great news for soccer fans in Toronto and a tremendous benefit for our city,” said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “We’re looking forward to making MLS Cup Weekend in Toronto a celebration of the beautiful game in an authentic, credible soccer environment.”           

Anselmi added that hosting MLS Cup will promote and profile Toronto to a larger global audience, creating an economic benefit for the city and supporting tourism. MLS Cup 2009 was broadcast live in more than 120 countries. Toronto FC hosted the Pepsi MLS All-Star Game in 2008, which resulted in an economic benefit of $23 million for the City of Toronto. “We look forward to welcoming soccer supporter groups from the other 15 MLS cities.”

Showing their commitment to Toronto FC and the success of Major League Soccer, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment has invested $5.5 million in upgrades to BMO Field and the surrounding area. In addition to a new grass pitch and increased seating, the investments will also enhance local community sports amenities to increase public access to year-round soccer facilities. The result of the upgrades will be more than 2,500 hours of community sport use availability.           

The hub of activity and the headquarters of MLS Cup in Toronto will be at Maple Leaf Square, a new $500 million retail, commercial and residential development, the largest mixed-use project constructed in the city since 1977. Adjacent to Air Canada Centre and connected to multiple public transit options and climate-controlled underground walkways, Maple Leaf Square is located just 10 minutes from BMO Field. Maple Leaf Square’s restaurants including Real Sports Bar & Grill, its apparel store, Real Sports Apparel and its public square will host a number of initiatives and activities for soccer fans.

"I'm delighted to welcome MLS Cup 2010 to Toronto," Toronto Mayor David Miller said. "Toronto FC has the best supporters and one of the best soccer-specific stadiums in the league particularly with the addition of a grass pitch and additional seats. The sport of soccer has a massive fan-base in the Toronto region guaranteeing that no matter who is playing in the final, the atmosphere and excitement at the game and the events around it will be a huge success."

Just as they were this year for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the eyes of the world will once again be on Canada when the 2010 Major League Soccer season culminates in Toronto. Last season’s finale, held at Qwest Field in Seattle, drew more than 46,000 fans who saw Real Salt Lake claim their first MLS Cup championship in a thrilling shootout win over the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Information regarding ticket sales for MLS Cup 2010 will be announced at a later date, but Toronto FC season ticket holders will have priority.

RED BULLS BEAT FIRE IN "SPECTACULAR" OPENER

By Rob Ivory

HARRISON, NJ - March 27, 2010 - 24,571 fans christened the newest stadium in Major League Soccer on Saturday night as the New York Red Bulls defeated the Chicago Fire 1-0. Joel Lindpere scored a rocket goal in the 40th minute and Red Bulls goalkeeper, and Bronx native, Bouna Coundoul kept a clean sheet.

In what started as a celebration to open the crown jewel of MLS and soccer in the United States, ended in the Red Bulls getting their first three points of the year, something they had a hard time doing last year. The New York club had only 21 points for the entire 2009 season.

When asked if he thought having a new stadium gives them a new angle to win, Red Bulls Captain Juan Pablo Angel replied in Spanish, “No, we still need to prove that we can win this year because last year we did not do that well. ”

The Red Bulls pressured for the opening goal as they had many opportunities in the first quarter of an hour. The team took the heavy emotion and excitement and tried to cash it in with a goal quickly.

“It took us twenty minutes in the first half to find our shape,” Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe said. “After 20 minutes it looked more solid and more compact.”

In the 21st minute, Juan Pablo sent a cross across the goal, but no Red Bull was at the back side of the goal, something that was common throughout the night. Forward Macoumba Kandji had a break from the Fire defense minutes later, fell in the box, but no call was made.

Dane Richards tried to dribble through five Fire defenders in the box, but never got a shot off. Richards knew that his team came out ready to win: “This crowd made us want to go and beat defenders and be dangerous.”

The Fire tried to get their counterattack going and in the 23rd minute almost pulled out ahead. Forward Brian McBride received the ball in the air from a deflected ball and took a semi-bicycle kick. The shot found New York's keeper off guard, but the ball hit the left post after beating the keeper.

“I think we caused them a few problems,” McBride said after the match. “Unfortunately we could not find that first goal. Defensively I thought we were very solid.”

New York went back to work and in the 28th minute Juan Pablo chested a ball to his feet 12 yards out, but the Fire defense was able to clear before he could shoot. The captain would finish the night with only two shots with one of them being on target. In all, the Fire had eight shots on goal to New York’s four, but one of their four made it to the back of the next.

In the 40th minute midfielder Joel Lindpere scored from a ball that was crossed into the area, Juan Pablo fought for the 50/50 ball and headed it to the feet of Lindpere at the top of the 18-yard box. Lindpere put a massive right boot to the volley and put it top net to give the Red Bulls the lead.

“I didn’t know he had a right foot,” the coach joked about after the game. “He’s been outstanding for us the whole preseason for us.”

Despite his goal, Lindpere was not voted man of the match. That honor went to Coundoul, who kept the clean sheet in his first match of the year.

“He made some key saves for us tonight, he’s so quick,” the coach said, “A clean sheet and absolutely perfect.”
Chicago’s best opportunity came in the 61st when the Fire were awarded a free kick at the  top of the box.

Defender Mike Banner took a nice free kick, but Coundoul knocked it away with his first and prevented the well taken free kick from entering the goal. The Fire pounced on the rebound but the New York keeper saw to it that it would make it safe into his hands.

The Red Bulls kept possession of the ball throughout the rest of the second half and limited the Fire’s chances. New York walks away with the full three points in a stadium that their captain calls “Spectacular!”

LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES

By Gary L. Moody Jr.

COLUMBUS, OH - March 27, 2010 -The Columbus Crew started their fifteenth MLS season with the first leg of the Trillium Cup against arch rival Toronto FC. They would have Toronto's number once again, sending the Canadian club home with a 2-0 loss behind goals from Andy Iro and Guillermo Barros Schelotto.

Both clubs would enter the regular season with some injury concerns. Columbus would be without rookie defender Shaun Francis (ankle sprain), goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum (hip surgery), and defenders Chad Marshall (hamstring strain), and Jed Zayner (knee strain). Toronto would miss the play of defender Emmanuel Gomez (bone bruise), forward Chad Barrett (foot surgery), and midfielder Jacob Peterson (knee surgery). Ty Harden would make the start for TFC even though he was listed as questionable with a knee contusion.

The Crew look to build off their success of last season when they claimed a second Supporters' Shield by way of a 13-7-10 record. Columbus has only improved their squad, keeping their core players in place and adding a few players of note.

Toronto is looking to improve upon their 2009 record of 10-11-9 and finally beat the Crew. Toronto, under the leadership of new coach Preki, has been busy making changes to their roster. Four moves in 48 hours is quite a frenzied pace, the biggest being the trade of defender Marvell Wynne to Colorado for midfielder Nick LaBrocca and a draft pick. Toronto will surely benefit from a full season from their Designated Player, Julian de Guzman.

Things would be competitive, but rather vanilla, from the start. Both sides were trying to assert their dominance with little success. The Crew would earn two early corner kicks in the 9th and 10th minute. The first was cleared by a Toronto defender; the second was knocked out of the box by Toronto keeper Stefan Frei.

A potential opportunity came for the Crew in the 19th as Robbie Rogers broke away, but was then called offsides. Another offsides call would stall the Crew attack in the 25th minute.

Things would change for Columbus in the 29th minute as young defender Andy Iro sent a header into the left side of the goal. Guillermo Barros Schelotto would get the assist on the play.

Schelotto would get an opportunity of his own in the 37th, but was tripped up by the Toronto keeper. Toronto would go on the attack minutes later, but the Crew defense held firm. The Crew would threaten again in the 43rd minute when a Rogers cross almost turned into a Lenhart goal. The first half would come to a close with the score remaining 1-0 to the Crew.

Columbus moved quickly coming out of the locker room, going on the attack in the 47th minute. Toronto would counter and charge toward goal. A slight touch off a diving Will Hesmer sent a surefire TFC shot inches outside of the goal. Adam Moffat would break away in the 49th, going 1v1 with Frei, but the keeper wasn't troubled by a weak kick. The Crew's Eddie Gaven would push forward on his own moments later, but was blanketed by Toronto captain Jim Brennan.

Rogers would take on the TFC defense all by himself in the 58th, trying to play "keep away" with the opposing defenders. Eventually reinforcements would come for Toronto before Rogers could take a solid shot at the goal. Columbus would continue to apply pressure on the opposing squad. The visitors would try to create a change with their substitutions. Gabe Gala would come off for Nick LaBrocca in the 52nd. Preki would then bring in Amadou Sanyang for Argentine defender Martin Saric in the 66th minute.

Toronto would send a ball into the box a minute later, but an aggressive move by Hesmer cleared it out of danger. However, he took down two other players in the process, including a Crew defender.

Another Crew opportunity came in the 75th as Rogers beat his man and made his way toward the goal. A slick pass was sent in the direction of Steven Lenhart, who appeared to be pulled down in the box. There was no call and the decision was contested by the home fans.

Rogers would continue to break through the Toronto back line in the 83rd, but his hard shot was deflected by Frei. Schelotto would put the game away in the 86th, taking advantage of the keeper being down outside the box. A collision between Danny O' Rourke and Stefan Frei created an opportunity for a shot from the Crew's star.

Gino Padula and Jason Garey would enter the game late with the match already decided. While the score could easily have been 4-0 or 5-0, the Crew are happy with the 2-0 result. The Crew led in many statistical categories, including a 10 to 1 advantage with corner kicks.

"The first win in the first game is always good," Head Coach Robert Warzycha commented. Warzycha also praised the play of his keeper, who led the defensive effort to keep TFC scoreless.

The performance of Robbie Rogers was particularly impressive; the talented midfielder was able to create chances and consistently cause fits for the opposing defense. "I just used my speed. Last year at this time I was injured. I came back and I didn't have my legs," Rogers continued. "It is nice to go through preseason and January camp and feel good and strong. I think it shows when I am on and off the ball."

Everyone agreed that the matches versus Toluca FC helped the Crew prepare for the start of the season. While other teams played colleges and universities, Columbus was taking on one of the premier clubs in all of Mexico. A similar lineup from the Crew played well against Toronto FC. All and all it was simply a great start for the Columbus Crew. They hope to continue their success with a road game against FC Dallas on April 10 before returning home to face RSL on April 24.

Game Photos from Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew

Game Photos from U.S. U-17 National Team vs. Crew Soccer Academy U-17/U-18

Columbus Crew Starting Lineup: GK William Hesmer, DEF Frankie Hejduk (C), DEF Eric Brunner, DEF Andy Iro, DEF Danny O'Rourke, MID Eddie Gaven, MID Brian Carroll, MID Adam Moffat, MID Robbie Rogers, FWD Steven Lenhart, FWD Guillermo Barros Schelotto

Toronto FC Starting Lineup: GK Stefan Frei, DEF Nana Attakora, DEF Jim Brennan (C), DEF Nick Garcia, DEF Ty Harden, MID Martin Saric, MID Julian de Guzman, MID Sam Cronin, MID Gabe Gala, FWD Dwayne De Rosario, FWD O' Brian White

LOCAL PLAYERS MAKING IT BIG IN MLS

By Gary L. Moody Jr.

Northeastern Ohio has a bumper crop of pro prospects this spring.  Justin Morrow of the San Jose Earthquakes and Barry Rice of D.C. United have helped put the Cleveland market back on the soccer map.

Justin Morrow, a Cleveland native and St. Ignatius grad, was among three players signed to developmental contracts by San Jose. The young defender was chosen in the second round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft after a successful career at Notre Dame. He played in 89 matches, scoring seven goals and seven assists for the Fighting Irish.  Morrow would be named All-Big East Second Team in 2009 while serving as team captain.  Morrow gave credit to his coaches along the way, especially Notre Dame Head Coach Bobby Clark. “Coach Clark is one of the best in the country. He helped me develop as a player on and off the field.”   

The Earthquakes hope Morrow can infuse the club with youth and athleticism.  They do not want a repeat of last season when the squad limped to a 7-14-9 record and a last place finish in the Western Conference.   Morrow is ready for the challenge and hopes to contribute when needed. “Playing in MLS has been a dream.  It is a great feeling,” he added.

Parma native Barry Rice signed with D.C. United on March 25 after a successful preseason trial.  Rice, a standout at the University of Kentucky, started with a bang in his collegiate career.  He started all 21 games as a freshman, earning a selection to the Conference USA All-Freshmen Team.  He would go on to receive Conference USA Defender of the Year honors during the next two seasons.  Overall Rice tallied 12 goals and 7 assists in 78 matches. Rice joins a United squad that narrowly missed the playoffs with a 9-8-13 record.

“Barry has had a good preseason with United and he is deserving of this opportunity,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper.  “He is a solid, athletic defender who has a big upside and we are excited about his future.”

SOUNDERS RUIN UNION DEBUT