2021 MLS is ready to begin

[Kingspoint]

Pre-season schedule announced for many of the teams at bubble sites: Cincinnati's listed,...Columbus, not yet.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2021/03/03/mls-preseason-2021-full-schedule-results-all-27-clubs

[Kingspoint]

https://twitter.com/columbuscrewsc/status/1368232322756190209/photo/1

[M2]

Will Portland get to break out the Timber Joey this year?

[Kingspoint]

Will Portland get to break out the Timber Joey this year?

Being an outdoor event, I would think so.

Opening Weekend begins April 17 in teams' home stadiums. We'll have a much better idea a month from now. They play the Tuscon tournament next week.

[Betterread]

Kieran Gibbs will play for Miami after WestBrom’s 20-21 campaign is over, which has kind of already occurred as relegation looks probable.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Kieran Gibbs will play for Miami after WestBrom’s 20-21 campaign is over, which has kind of already occurred as relegation looks probable.

He was definitely in my frustrating Arsenal player hall of fame. He's not a first ballot like Jack Wilshere...but he's in it.

[M2]

Gibbs is going to be terrible in MLS. They're going to run his legs off, plus it's going to be 95 with 100% humidity in Miami. The Revs threw money at Michael Mancienne a few years back and he was terrible. Say what you will about MLS, but if your legs are suspect it will punish you.

[Betterread]

He was definitely in my frustrating Arsenal player hall of fame. He's not a first ballot like Jack Wilshere...but he's in it.

Wishere, really? There’s a chant in his honor “walking in a Wilshere wonderland”?

[BuckeyeRed27]

Wishere, really? There’s a chant in his honor “walking in a Wilshere wonderland”?

I mean that's kind of the problem right? Showed so much early promise, had all this hype, fans loved him, etc. Only to have all these injuries and have his career basically fizzle.

[Betterread]

What do you think about Nicholas Pepe’s progress? I thought he would more successful at this point in his second year.

[BuckeyeRed27]

What do you think about Nicholas Pepe’s progress? I thought he would more successful at this point in his second year.

Well he hasn't been worth the money, but if you can take away the contract he hasn't played that bad either. But it's hard to ignore the contract of your club record signing. He seems to play better when Lacazette plays than Aubayemang, but he rarely plays better than Saka and Smith Rowe.

[Betterread]

Are any FCC fans going to do the honor of posting pics of the the new West End stadium fully lit up as it might look for game day?

[Yachtzee]

Crew fan, but here you go.

https://twitter.com/fccincinnati/status/1372720341718609920?s=09

[Yachtzee]

Here's where the new Columbus Crew Stadium is at in the process.

https://twitter.com/CrewStadium/status/1369377451692847104?s=09

I think Columbus and Cincinnati are going to have two of the top stadiums in MLS.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Here's where the new Columbus Crew Stadium is at in the process.

https://twitter.com/CrewStadium/status/1369377451692847104?s=09

I think Columbus and Cincinnati are going to have two of the top stadiums in MLS.

It’s great to see. Those stadiums are gonna be awesome.

[Kingspoint]

MLS's Matt Doyle:

Lucas Zelarayan: The Crew without Lucas Zelarayan: Very good! They’re tough to break down, hurt you on set pieces and know their build-up patterns. The Crew with Lucas Zelarayan: The first team in MLS history to win MLS Cup by three goals. If he stays healthy this year they’re among the favorites to win any competition they enter, and they’ll almost always have the best player on the pitch.

[paintmered]

MLS's Matt Doyle:

Lucas Zelarayan: The Crew without Lucas Zelarayan: Very good! They’re tough to break down, hurt you on set pieces and know their build-up patterns. The Crew with Lucas Zelarayan: The first team in MLS history to win MLS Cup by three goals. If he stays healthy this year they’re among the favorites to win any competition they enter, and they’ll almost always have the best player on the pitch.

The Crew focused their off-season on adding depth to the roster. They will need it with key players getting international call-ups and making a run at the CCL. They've effectively built two first-team rosters, which is practically unheard of in MLS due to its salary structure.

[Yachtzee]

MLS's Matt Doyle:

Lucas Zelarayan: The Crew without Lucas Zelarayan: Very good! They’re tough to break down, hurt you on set pieces and know their build-up patterns. The Crew with Lucas Zelarayan: The first team in MLS history to win MLS Cup by three goals. If he stays healthy this year they’re among the favorites to win any competition they enter, and they’ll almost always have the best player on the pitch.

It's odd being a fan of an Ohio Sports team that succeeds on the field and the owners not only don't sell off their stars, but add key players to make another run. I'm excited for the season to start.

[Kingspoint]

Seattle and Portland just played two scrimmages on the same day (2nd one only 75 minutes) a couple days back to get ready for the season. Only two goals, one from each team, over those 165 minutes. Sounders and Timbers scrimmaging for 165 minutes and nobody to watch it happen. Crazy.

[Yachtzee]

Seattle and Portland just played two scrimmages on the same day (2nd one only 75 minutes) a couple days back to get ready for the season. Only two goals, one from each team, over those 165 minutes. Sounders and Timbers scrimmaging for 165 minutes and nobody to watch it happen. Crazy.

If a Timber scores in a scrimmage and there is no one to see it, does it beat the Sounders?

[Betterread]

If Minnesota beats both Ohio teams in preseason by a combined 8-2, but major media doesn’t cover it, did it really happen?

[Kingspoint]

MLS started last night with POR and LAX having separate pre-season matches.

- - - Updated - - -


If a Timber scores in a scrimmage and there is no one to see it, does it beat the Sounders? There's no Sound in a Timber Forest with no one there to hear it.

[Yachtzee]

Crew started the CONCACAF Champions League with a convincing win over Real Esteli, 4-0. Hopefully the knocks they picked up aren't too bad.

[paintmered]

Crew started the CONCACAF Champions League with a convincing win over Real Esteli, 4-0. Hopefully the knocks they picked up aren't too bad.

I haven't seen any reports of the severity of the injuries. Hopefully the Crew release something soon. It would be a shame if the Crew lose any if their key players for an extended period of time due to terrible challenges and even worse refereeing.

[Kingspoint]

From Greg Seltzer of mls.com when speaking about 10 teams that have a wide range of expectations:

The Orange and Blue have only been around for two seasons, which have mostly been filled with goal-starved futility. Skipper/air marshal Kendall Waston has departed, and young midfielder Frankie Amaya has made it known he wants to follow through the exit door (reportedly to the New York Red Bulls). It would be so easy to assume more suffering is on the way in Cincy.

However, not all the West End indicators are negative. Jaap Stam's team have shown on occasion they can defend more resolutely. With left back Ronald Matarrita on board and youngster Alvaro Barreal now having MLS-dipped toes, Cincinnati should be able to play a wider game. Most importantly, the additions of forward Brenner and creative midfielder Luciano Acosta should mean a lot more goals and better game states (Did you know FC Cincinnati went 4-0 when they scored first last season?) to work with in 2021. I expect improvement here, but the big question is how much.

[Betterread]

Kevin Molino’s hamstring is not right... again. 6-8 weeks out. He’s getting older, and hamstrings get tighter. Good thing you have two first string sides, you should have somebody just as good to plug in.

[Betterread]

MLS preseason rankings. Columbus #1, LAFC #2, Portland #3.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/power-rankings-see-where-your-team-lands-before-the-2021-mls-season

[Kingspoint]

MLS preseason rankings. Columbus #1, LAFC #2, Portland #3.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/power-rankings-see-where-your-team-lands-before-the-2021-mls-season

There has to be huge gaps between 1 and 2, and 2 and 3. That's putting a lot of faith on the return of a player in his 30's from coming back effective after a major injury. Can't see POR being better than SEA, MIN and at least six others. I'd rank POR closer to 12th than 3rd.

[BuckeyeRed27]

There has to be huge gaps between 1 and 2, and 2 and 3. That's putting a lot of faith on the return of a player in his 30's from coming back effective after a major injury. Can't see POR being better than SEA, MIN and at least six others. I'd rank POR closer to 12th than 3rd.

Preseason MLS Rankings might as well be a dart board. Nobody really knows anything. Part of the reason I love MLS.

[Kingspoint]

MLS this year will be like the NCAA 2021 Tournament....Baylor and Gonzaga and everyone else, where Columbus is Baylor and the Galaxy is Gonzaga.

[BuckeyeRed27]

MLS this year will be like the NCAA 2021 Tournament....Baylor and Gonzaga and everyone else, where Columbus is Baylor and the Galaxy is Gonzaga.

I very much wish I had your faith in the Galaxy.

Vanney is a home run hire and I do like a lot of the moves they’ve made. But I still think it’ll take a year to figure it out and unless chicarito figures out how to score and play like the top paid player on the team there’s just a limit to how good they will be.

[M2]

MLS generally isn't what we think it is at the start of the season. It's rarely what we think it at the middle of the season. The whole league is like a random number generator.

[Kingspoint]

https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/recap-seattle-sounders-4-minnesota-united-fc-0

Very impressive goal by a Sounder. He catches a clearing header and tees it up from the catch before drilling a 25-yarder up and away to the near post. Goalie had no chance.

[BuckeyeRed27]

MLS has to love having that Galaxy Miami game on ABC. Exactly the type of game that helps showcase the league and sport.

[RedTeamGo!]

Caden Clark looks special

[schmidty622]

Geez, watching soccer on this Yankee Stadium 'pitch' is dreadful.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I very much wish I had your faith in the Galaxy.

Vanney is a home run hire and I do like a lot of the moves they’ve made. But I still think it’ll take a year to figure it out and unless chicarito figures out how to score and play like the top paid player on the team there’s just a limit to how good they will be.

Well so far Chicarito has figured out how to score and play like the top played player on the team.

A lot of it is coaching. Vanney has adapted a system to him and he’s not playing in an offense that assumes he’s Zlatan. But he’s also in shape, working hard and finishing well.

[M2]

Well so far Chicarito has figured out how to score and play like the top played player on the team.

A lot of it is coaching. Vanney has adapted a system to him and he’s not playing in an offense that assumes he’s Zlatan. But he’s also in shape, working hard and finishing well.

Chicharito's always had a big motor. I question whether he's going to be a mega scorer, even in MLS. I thought Sir Alex used him perfectly back in the day as a support striker. He's great at springing up out of nowhere when someone else has your attention.

[Kingspoint]

2 games in and Chara isn't even close to ready. I'm thinking July.

They didn't score their first game. Managed 2 goals Saturday for a win. They had 6,600 fans! Outdoor venue.

[BuckeyeRed27]

2 games in and Chara isn't even close to ready. I'm thinking July.

They didn't score their first game. Managed 2 goals Saturday for a win. They had 6,600 fans! Outdoor venue.

It is nice to have even a small number of fans at these games, really makes a difference.

[Kingspoint]

It is nice to have even a small number of fans at these games, really makes a difference.

Probably the biggest sports news in Oregon in 2021 was that attendance.

[Kingspoint]

POR and COL both had good results in the first leg of their Concacaf Quarter-Finals earning unexpected draws tonight.

[M2]

POR and COL both had good results in the first leg of their Concacaf Quarter-Finals earning unexpected draws tonight.

Home draws < road draws. Both pretty much have to win outright in Mexico to advance. Columbus, in particular, is up against it having surrendered two road goals. They've each got a chance, which is better than Philly and Toronto have in their matchups. I'm rooting for them both because MLS needs to start getting some wins in this tournament one of these years.

Edit: I read the score lines wrong. The Phunion is almost assuredly through after their first leg 3-0 road win against Atlanta. One MLS club always was going to come out of that tie.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Columbus had it won and gave up a 93rd minute equalizer, that also happened to be the second road goal.

They still have a shot, but it sure didn’t feel like a good result.

[Kingspoint]

Well, that didn't work out so well.

[paintmered]

There's reports that the Crew are about to rebrand to "Columbus SC" and introduce a new logo. There's a leaked logo floating out there on Twitter. If it's real, it's a huge step in the wrong direction.

[BuckeyeRed27]

There's reports that the Crew are about to rebrand to "Columbus SC" and introduce a new logo. There's a leaked logo floating out there on Twitter. If it's real, it's a huge step in the wrong direction.

Saw that. Could just be rumors, but I guess it would make sense to time up with the new stadium. Seems really unnecessary though.

[15fan]

The world jumped on the express train to hell at about the same time Josef Martinez tore his ACL.

Mattinez scored a goal today.

May that be another small sign that we are moving a little farther away from ubiquitous insanity.

[Betterread]

There's reports that the Crew are about to rebrand to "Columbus SC" and introduce a new logo. There's a leaked logo floating out there on Twitter. If it's real, it's a huge step in the wrong direction.

This type of change, without fan input, in the middle of a season, after begging for money and support of the community is disgusting. I would pick a new team to support, fast. The club is run by con-men. More garbage is sure to follow.

https://news.sportslogos.net/2021/05/10/crew-cut-columbus-mls-team-drops-nickname-in-rebrand/soccer/

New logo reminds me of Larry’s nephew -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYVK_OqyUzk

[BuckeyeRed27]

Yeah I don’t get it at all. The new logo isn’t good, which obviously doesn’t help. And if you are planning on continuing to use the Crew anyway, then why change the name and piss off your fans?

This isn’t Super League level stupid and I wouldn’t stop cheering for the team, but it’s pretty tone deaf.

[M2]

Why couldn't they have changed the official name (which I get), but kept the logo?

[paintmered]

Apparently the furniture and other fit and finish items started to arrive at the stadium today. They waited as long as they could before making it official. But clearly, this was all finalized many months ago given the lead time for the custom-designed everything about to be installed at the stadium. It's going to be prohibitively expensive to change all that now. So they won't.

I'm not going to get hyperbolic over this, though it is deflating. The previous logo was designed with heavy fan input. Part of that was Precourt was cheap and perfectly happy to rely on free labor. But it also meant the logo has some real authenticity, and it wasn't aging poorly. The new logo and branding offers no reason to even try to warm up to it.

And the bit about the seat pattern mimicking the checkered flag waving is a load of BS. The pattern is core to the new branding.

What did the Haslems and MLS hope to achieve with this? What problem existed that it was to solve? Who is this going to appeal to that wasn't already invested into the club?

[BuckeyeRed27]

Apparently the furniture and other fit and finish items started to arrive at the stadium today. They waited as long as they could before making it official. But clearly, this was all finalized many months ago given the lead time for the custom-designed everything about to be installed at the stadium. It's going to be prohibitively expensive to change all that now. So they won't.

I'm not going to get hyperbolic over this, though it is deflating. The previous logo was designed with heavy fan input. Part of that was Precourt was cheap and perfectly happy to rely on free labor. But it also meant the logo has some real authenticity, and it wasn't aging poorly. The new logo and branding offers no reason to even try to warm up to it.

And the bit about the seat pattern mimicking the checkered flag waving is a load of BS. The pattern is core to the new branding.

What did the Haslems and MLS hope to achieve with this? What problem existed that it was to solve? Who is this going to appeal to that wasn't already invested into the club?

The most recent logo was a huge upgrade over the original logo...which was absolutely not great and borderline weird. The new one is only a few years old and it’s not uncommon for teams to change logos and badges. I think if the new one was good that would help, but it isn’t.

The weird name change, but keep the nickname thing is the bigger issue IMO.

[M2]

The most recent logo was a huge upgrade over the original logo...which was absolutely not great and borderline weird. The new one is only a few years old and it’s not uncommon for teams to change logos and badges. I think if the new one was good that would help, but it isn’t.

The weird name change, but keep the nickname thing is the bigger issue IMO.

I get the latter part. Arsenal's official name isn't the Arsenal Gunners. The nickname is a fan thing in most of the world. They can still be commonly known as the Crew even if that's not the official name. Yet I'm wondering if all of this is part of the fallout of the Precourt deal. Either the change is required in the deal or perhaps Precourt still owns the IP on the older name and logo.

[M2]

Oops. Wrong thread.

[Yachtzee]

I get the latter part. Arsenal's official name isn't the Arsenal Gunners. The nickname is a fan thing in most of the world. They can still be commonly known as the Crew even if that's not the official name. Yet I'm wondering if all of this is part of the fallout of the Precourt deal. Either the change is required in the deal or perhaps Precourt still owns the IP on the older name and logo.


It's not a Precourt IP deal, because, with Single Entity, I believe the league as a whole holds the IP licenses for all the clubs. They may in fact all be held by SUM (Soccer United Marketing), which also includes marketing (and TV deals for) the US national teams and is the actually golden goose. Even if Precourt held the licenses for the Crew IP when he owned the Crew, I doubt the Haslams would have bought into the league to run the Columbus Crew without securing the IP licenses for the team.

The reason they've given is that they want to grow the team to be a "global brand." The problem with all of this is that it was clearly done with zero input from supporters. First of all, dumping "Crew" from the official name, just two years after you had a "Save the Crew" movement, makes zero sense, especially when you're talking about making the team a "global brand." The "Save the Crew" movement gave the team worldwide recognition that you don't get from a simple rebrand. Second of all, if they were going to drop something from the name "Columbus Crew SC," it would be the "SC." The one part of the rebranding that Precourt did that drove everyone nuts was the insistence that all media refer to short form of the team as "Crew SC." They even replaced the Crew Cat mascot with a new cat mascot named "SC." The whole "SC" thing was contrived and everyone hated it. So when the Save the Crew movement started, one of the things they did was to start using the hashtag "#Crew96" to replace "#CrewSC" on twitter. So when the new owners took over, they also adopted the "#Crew96" hashtag.

Seriously, if they had just a rebrand openly with the supporters, they probably would have done better by renaming the team Columbus Crew 96 if they were trying to make it more "European" (reminiscent of German clubs like Hannover 96 or Schalke 04). Instead, they went with Columbus SC, which immediately makes people think the team is from a city named Columbus in South Carolina. And then there is the stupid logo with trying to cram a C-shape into the shape of the Ohio state flag. If they had wanted a unique shape for their badge, they could have done a better job of using the shape of the State of Ohio and then putting the number 96 in there, or maybe even a C96 in there. Of course, this is just the continuation of a series of branding missteps the FO has engaged in, which include using varying shades of gray for the seating in the new stadium as opposed some combination of black and gold, and opting for a gray/white "stadium" jersey to offset their black jersey, which effectively punted the color yellow as a uniform color to Nashville, after Columbus had been wearing yellow for most of its history, affectionately known as the banana kit. All of this just seems like a long series of crucial and expensive mistakes that could have been avoided had they simply sought input from the supporters.

[Kingspoint]

@Dylan_Butler
Sunday, May 16, 2021, 10:28 AM

Logan Ketterer might not have known all his teammates names yet, but he knew the guy staring down at him from 12 yards away. That face was a familiar one, belonging to Major League Soccer’s all-time leading scorer and Chris Wondolowski was primed to bury his 169th career goal from the penalty spot and equalize against the Portland Timbers in the 62nd minute Saturday night. On paper, this was perhaps the ultimate mismatch — the Extreme Hardship Rule call-up vs. the King of Goals. But Ketterer was armed with two important weapons — knowledge and plenty of recent experience facing penalty kicks.

“Unfortunately I’ve gotten into my own element a little bit seeing a lot of penalties in the past year or two,” Ketterer said after helping lead the Timbers to a 2-0 win over the Quakes. “It certainly helped as I’ve had plenty of experiences to draw on. The most important thing to think about as a goalkeeper is that you’re not expected to make the save so there’s really nothing that can go wrong. All you can do is push as hard as you can and make sure you don’t go off the line early. It was a great moment for me.”

Ketterer did just that, diving to his left to get his left hand on the low PK attempt. The ball caromed out for a corner, which allowed his new teammates a chance to hug their goalkeeper for his heroics.

Not bad for an MLS debut. Logan Ketterer is the first Timbers goalkeeper ever to save a penalty kick and have a shutout in the same MLS match.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/logan-ketterer-from-extreme-hardship-call-up-to-portland-timbers-pk-hero

[BuckeyeRed27]

We once again have the Columbus Crew. Crisis averted.

[M2]

We once again have the Columbus Crew. Crisis averted.

I guess New England gets to be the only fanbase that got to bust on that crest. For the record, yes the Revs crest was drawn in crayon.

[Big Red Smokey]

Tell you what, ol Zelarayan is pretty special.

I would say NYCFC were surprised in only that most MLS teams don't have players who can hit world-class free kicks.

[IslandRed]

All of this just seems like a long series of crucial and expensive mistakes that could have been avoided had they simply sought input from the supporters.

Late to the thread, but, yeah. It's not like it's a new thing for a business to tick off its current customers as a result of dreaming up ways to get new customers. Add in hubris and greed, and we get bad decisions.

Having said that, the NWSL has had a pretty good year for kit changes (e.g. Orlando) and intelligent branding (e.g. Louisville). Maybe MLS needs to start asking their advice? :cool:

[Kingspoint]

Timbers are going to have to see if University of Portland has any players they can borrow.

[M2]

Anybody watch the FCC-New England game? I was tuned into the Champions League final, and fortunately not the Reds game. Looks like Carles Gil put on a master class and the Revs conspired to squander the gilt-edged chances he created (aka a standard Revs game). Yet I'm curious to hear from anyone who watched it.

[schmidty622]

Lower.com Field? Whoops...

https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/2021/06/09/columbus-crew-new-stadium-becoming-lower-com-field/7620670002/

[Kingspoint]

After 286 days, Blanco is back. He was inserted ceremoniously in the 2nd Half for fellow Countryman Valeri during POR's 2-1 home win over Sporting KC. Missing Mara and Chara to the Americas Tournament, it's a sign that when those two return, POR might start having enough bodies available to make a run at another Cup appearance. Getting one of their two goalies back would certainly help.

[Kingspoint]

Anybody watch the FCC-New England game? I was tuned into the Champions League final, and fortunately not the Reds game. Looks like Carles Gil put on a master class and the Revs conspired to squander the gilt-edged chances he created (aka a standard Revs game). Yet I'm curious to hear from anyone who watched it.

NE was the team of the week with their road win over NYCFC.

[M2]

NE was the team of the week with their road win over NYCFC.

I'm going to their Wednesday night game against NYRB.

[Kingspoint]

I'm going to their Wednesday night game against NYRB.

Should be 90 minutes of outanding football. Of course, it goes down much better with a couple of ales. (when I pushed the exit door of the last game, I said to my spouse that Stotts needs to resign. Never seen a Coach lose a series so badly. It was much worse than when Gentry outcoached him. Also, Portland Sports writers/media and Portland sports fans are morons, at least the ones with the loudest voices. Wish we had New York/New England sports knowledge here among the fans and media.)

[M2]

Should be 90 minutes of outanding football. Of course, it goes down much better with a couple of ales. (when I pushed the exit door of the last game, I said to my spouse that Stotts needs to resign. Never seen a Coach lose a series so badly. It was much worse than when Gentry outcoached him. Also, Portland Sports writers/media and Portland sports fans are morons, at least the ones with the loudest voices. Wish we had New York/New England sports knowledge here among the fans and media.)

Oh, we're deep in sports morons too. The Boston Globe employs the worst sportswriter on the planet, and most of the sports radio hosts in our region should be chemically castrated. Fortunately they mostly ignore soccer (and the Revs have been easy to ignore for most of their history). They don't know how to form hot takes on the sport, so they avoid it.

As for the Revs, they are legitimately in the hunt for the Supporters' Shield for the first time since 2007. So this is the first time in a long time where I'm hanging on the results of every game for this team.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I’m flying across the country for 24 hours to go to the Galaxy Smurfs game in San Jose on Saturday. Let’s go!

[Kingspoint]

I’m flying across the country for 24 hours to go to the Galaxy Smurfs game in San Jose on Saturday. Let’s go!

OMG!!!

130 degrees on the field the whole game.

[Kingspoint]

OMG!!!

130 degrees on the field the whole game.

They are currently in a weather delay vs Orlando.

[Kingspoint]

They are currently in a weather delay vs Orlando.

Nevermind, they aren't getting the 103 we are supposed to have in POR on Saturday.

[BuckeyeRed27]

OMG!!!

130 degrees on the field the whole game.

It’s a night game, it’ll be ok.

[IslandRed]

Orlando is suddenly good in both MLS and NWSL. Guess I'd better enjoy it while I can, before Dike gets sold to Europe and half the Pride leaves for the Olympics.

[M2]

If you want to watch Carles Gil pick apart NYRB, here you go.

https://twitter.com/NERevolution/status/1407906970397462529

[Chip R]

I will preface this question by admitting I don't know much about the nuances of soccer but I watched the last half of the FCC match the other night (which they won. Yay!) and I just wanted to ask if they have a poor defense? That poor keeper seemed under fire most of the 2nd half and even that goal that was disallowed seemed as if it could have been prevented by the defense getting some of those Chicago guys out of there.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I will preface this question by admitting I don't know much about the nuances of soccer but I watched the last half of the FCC match the other night (which they won. Yay!) and I just wanted to ask if they have a poor defense? That poor keeper seemed under fire most of the 2nd half and even that goal that was disallowed seemed as if it could have been prevented by the defense getting some of those Chicago guys out of there.

I didn’t watch the Chicago game, but have caught FCC a couple times and their defense is ok. It was close to historically bad and they made a couple signings, so it’s improved.

Chicago also might be the worst team in the league, which always helps to keep a clean sheet.

[M2]

I will preface this question by admitting I don't know much about the nuances of soccer but I watched the last half of the FCC match the other night (which they won. Yay!) and I just wanted to ask if they have a poor defense? That poor keeper seemed under fire most of the 2nd half and even that goal that was disallowed seemed as if it could have been prevented by the defense getting some of those Chicago guys out of there.

They're bottom of the East in xGA (expected goals allowed). Four teams in the West are behind them. They play a pretty passive game, ranking next to last in MLS in total interceptions and ball pressures. It looks like they're trying to keep their shape while the other team holds most of the possession.

Lots of stats here - https://fbref.com/en/comps/22/Major-League-Soccer-Stats

[Betterread]

If you want to watch Carles Gil pick apart NYRB, here you go.

https://twitter.com/NERevolution/status/1407906970397462529

He was sublime. In that game. But tonight NE lost to a really untalented, poor squad, The dregs of MLS, Dallas. I did not see the match. Gil played 90 minutes. What happened?

[M2]

He was sublime. In that game. But tonight NE lost to a really untalented, poor squad, The dregs of MLS, Dallas. I did not see the match. Gil played 90 minutes. What happened?

Dallas didn't give them space and capitalized on two mistakes. Wasn't quite a full smash-and-grab, but it was well-applied cynicism.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Had a great time in San Jose this weekend. Stadium is great. The slight elevation of the upper stand makes a great viewing experience. Even from the side of the field I felt like I could really see the play develop.

I was fully prepared to get verbally assaulted wearing all my Galaxy gear, but no one said anything. I think people were just happy to be there.

It also might be time to start discussing Chicaritos Ballon d’Or case….

[Yachtzee]

Had a great time in San Jose this weekend. Stadium is great. The slight elevation of the upper stand makes a great viewing experience. Even from the side of the field I felt like I could really see the play develop.

I was fully prepared to get verbally assaulted wearing all my Galaxy gear, but no one said anything. I think people were just happy to be there.

It also might be time to start discussing Chicaritos Ballon d’Or case….

I will be making the drive down to Columbus for the opening of the new Lower.com Field. Very excited. Can't wait!

[Kingspoint]

Austin FC has a heckuva crowd. Pretty rambunctious fanbase. (heckuva is not a word, I know, but rambunctious is) (Looked up heckuva for the heck of it, and heckuva is actually a word and in the oxford dictionary, too)

[Yachtzee]

Lower.com Field is amazing and LOUD. And the location is incredible. It was a sea of black and gold walking through downtown Columbus, and then you walk into the stadium and the field opens up before you. It looks like some of the modern European stadia I've visited. There were some opening day issues with concessions, and I really wanted a win, but overall it was a great day. I'm looking forward to going back and standing in the Nordecke with my son and my dad.

[Kingspoint]

Lower.com Field is amazing and LOUD. And the location is incredible. It was a sea of black and gold walking through downtown Columbus, and then you walk into the stadium and the field opens up before you. It looks like some of the modern European stadia I've visited. There were some opening day issues with concessions, and I really wanted a win, but overall it was a great day. I'm looking forward to going back and standing in the Nordecke with my son and my dad.
With crowds and support that was displayed in the second half in Columbus and so many cities across the MLS's landscape it makes me unable to come up with a sport in the United States' that captured the hearts of the fans like the MLS has in so many cities. They can't expand to more cities fast enough. St. Louis I would think is a ticking timebomb of fan support that's going to take fans from everywhere within 50 miles of there and pack a new stadium every night. There's a hungry fanbase is this country that only wants soccer and wants it to be a part of their lives.

Sidenote: The game's only flaw was the constant flopping and whining by Columbus players. Kudos to the officials for ignoring their annoying behavior.

[Yachtzee]

Sidenote: The game's only flaw was the constant flopping and whining by Columbus players. Kudos to the officials for ignoring their annoying behavior.

Oh, so you noticed our friend Pedro Santos. Pedro's tendency to hit the deck on the slightest contact, as well as his tendency to put shots 20 rows into the seats, has become kind of a drinking game among Crew fans. It's frustrating because he's been known to make great plays when he stays on his feet.

[Kingspoint]

Oh, so you noticed our friend Pedro Santos. Pedro's tendency to hit the deck on the slightest contact, as well as his tendency to put shots 20 rows into the seats, has become kind of a drinking game among Crew fans. It's frustrating because he's been known to make great plays when he stays on his feet.

To his Defense, he's just using what the rules give him and any great competitor is going to push it to the limit. The ref was having none of it, though he made it tough on him when he almost drew a free kick in front of the box (if converted, would have given them 3 points and NE none, so you only need to get one of these penalty draws once at a critical time to make all of the efforts worth it. I still hate watching it, though.

[Yachtzee]

To his Defense, he's just using what the rules give him and any great competitor is going to push it to the limit. The ref was having none of it, though he made it tough on him when he almost drew a free kick in front of the box (if converted, would have given them 3 points and NE none, so you only need to get one of these penalty draws once at a critical time to make all of the efforts worth it. I still hate watching it, though.

The problem is that it's almost a "Boy Who Cried Wolf" situation where he's not always getting calls when he is fouled. On the other hand, he does get back on defense. So there's a possibility that when the Crew get their full roster back from international duty, he'll be moved to LB in place of Valenzuela, who has been pretty poor this season.

[Yachtzee]

Hell is Real!

[Betterread]

Hell is Real!
This is as fake and manufactured as the MLB StL - KC attempted rivalry. Leave it alone. They are 100 miles apart.

[Yachtzee]

This is as fake and manufactured as the MLB StL - KC attempted rivalry. Leave it alone. They are 100 miles apart.

So a Derby match-up between 2 Ohio teams that started when FC Cincinnati was still in the USL and the teams met in the US Open Cup, given its name by the teams' supporters groups based on a billboard on I71 halfway between Columbus and Cincinnati is fake and manufactured by MLS? Whatever, dude.

I've been a fan of MLS for a long time and there certainly are some MLS-manufactured rivalries (Columbus-Toronto Trillium Cup anyone?), I think Columbus-FC Cincinnati is more organic a rivalry than other so-called MLS rivalries. Now at this point it may be more of a sibling rivalry rather than a blood feed, but it's a rivalry just the same.

FC Cincinnati supporters were pretty salty after FC Cincinnati squandered a 2-0 lead against a 10 man Columbus squad missing a substantial number of starters due to Gold Cup and injuries.

[Betterread]

So a Derby match-up between 2 Ohio teams that started when FC Cincinnati was still in the USL and the teams met in the US Open Cup, given its name by the teams' supporters groups based on a billboard on I71 halfway between Columbus and Cincinnati is fake and manufactured by MLS? Whatever, dude.

I've been a fan of MLS for a long time and there certainly are some MLS-manufactured rivalries (Columbus-Toronto Trillium Cup anyone?), I think Columbus-FC Cincinnati is more organic a rivalry than other so-called MLS rivalries. Now at this point it may be more of a sibling rivalry rather than a blood feed, but it's a rivalry just the same.

FC Cincinnati supporters were pretty salty after FC Cincinnati squandered a 2-0 lead against a 10 man Columbus squad missing a substantial number of starters due to Gold Cup and injuries.

Not a derby with that kind of distance. Also not a rivalry when one team spends for more money than the other. FCC and Columbus whatever (didn’t you rebrand to Real Columbus or something) have totally different payrolls. Arsenal and Tottenham are a rivalry, Charton Athletic or Crystal Palace (old historic London clubs) can never be rivals with either giant because of payroll.
I’ve been to “hellish” derbys in Buenos Aires and Rome. Real violence was going on. It is nothing to be proud of. It was merely a fact of life. What you are talking about is something totally different and the fact that you have to message it means it is not that real.

[M2]

You don't have to be from the same city to have a fierce rivalry. El Clasico (Madrid-Barcelona), the North West Derby (ManU-Liverpool), the Derby d'Italia (Juventus-Inter), Der Klassiker (Bayern-Dortmund), Le Classique (PSG-Marseille) and O Classico (Benfica-Porto) don't involve clubs from the same city. I get that it's not the same as when you bump shoulders with fans of the other team all year long, but it seems like fans in Ohio have really embraced Columbus vs. Cincinnati. No reason to look down on it.

[Yachtzee]

Not a derby with that kind of distance. Also not a rivalry when one team spends for more money than the other. FCC and Columbus whatever (didn’t you rebrand to Real Columbus or something) have totally different payrolls. Arsenal and Tottenham are a rivalry, Charton Athletic or Crystal Palace (old historic London clubs) can never be rivals with either giant because of payroll.
I’ve been to “hellish” derbys in Buenos Aires and Rome. Real violence was going on. It is nothing to be proud of. It was merely a fact of life. What you are talking about is something totally different and the fact that you have to message it means it is not that real.

Well, I'd say that you seem to be operating under some misconceptions. There are plenty of rivalries that exist beyond divisions in England and elsewhere because of promotion and relegation, and derbies aren't always restricted to a local community. For example, I know for a fact that, just to point out one of the clubs you've mentioned, Crystal Palace, a London team, has a rather long-standing rivalry with Brighton and Hove Albion, which is at least 40-50 miles away in Sussex, on the south coast of England. The English media even call it the "A23 Derby." I know this because my mother-in-law is from England and we have family friends on both sides of that rivalry. I actually had an opportunity to visit the Amex when Brighton was still in the Championship. I myself lived in Austria for a bit and I can tell you that FC Red Bull Salzburg (formerly Austria Salzburg) enjoyed its most heated rivalries with Austria Wien and Rapid (both teams in Vienna), which are almost 200 miles apart, yet fans would routinely take the train between the cities for matches between the teams. As M2 has pointed out, many of the biggest rivalries in various countries involve teams not all that close to each other. I'm a Crew supporter and I've made it down to Columbus to 3 games so far. I live 137 miles from Lower.com Field, home of the Crew. Lower.com Field is 107 miles from TQL stadium. So distance is a relative concept.

As far as spending goes, FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew (no, they did not change the name. we won't talk about the badge) have roughly the same payrolls (see a list here https://www.wakingthered.com/2021/5/17/22435488/2021-mls-player-salaries-revealed-toronto-fc-could-have-the-highest-payroll). Furthermore, both teams have just opened brand new stadiums, FC Cincinnati spent $250 million on theirs, The Crew spent $314 million on theirs. MLS runs on a single entity model and salary caps, so there isn't going to be a huge disparity between team spending in any case. The Crew won a championship and FC Cincinnati was in last place in 2020 because the Crew just spent their money more wisely.

Finally, I haven't been to matches in Buenos Aires or Rome. I've been to matches in Europe back in the '90s when hooliganism was still a thing so I'm familiar with football violence. Quite frankly, I prefer the good-natured non-violent rivalries. I go to the games to watch the games and cheer on my team, not get into a brawl. I'm too old for that crap.

FTR, the "Hell Is Real" moniker is meant to be "tongue-in-cheek." It has nothing to do with any kind of fierce, violent blood feud between Cincinnati and Columbus. It quite literally refers to a billboard on I71 between Cincinnati and Columbus. I've driven past it countless times in my life. Here's a photo. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sereligion-roadsigns-idUSN2641838120070129

[BuckeyeRed27]

Yeah I’m not sure the distance thing has anything to do with rivals, particularly in MLS. There are only 2 cities that have multiple teams that are somewhat close geographically.

[Betterread]

There’s no rivalry with RB Salzburg and Rapid Vienna/ Austria Vienna. RB Salzburg is a Rich new (2005. Columbus is older) club with no history and no tradition that has won 10 of the last 12 league titles.
what I consider a real rivalry is Brazil Argentina in the Copa America final tonight. And pretty close to that is Italy England on Sunday. Incidentally, the best player for Columbus Zelarayan, is not playing for Argentina. He‘s not good enough. Neither is Reynoso for Minnesota. That is proof of the gap of authentic quality football between the US and México, much less Argentina. We should be a lot more humble about our rivalries and our level of play.

[schmidty622]

Soccer snob is upset that fans are enjoying soccer that snobs don't enjoy. More at 11.

If the fans are having fun who cares?

[BuckeyeRed27]

Not a derby with that kind of distance. Also not a rivalry when one team spends for more money than the other. FCC and Columbus whatever (didn’t you rebrand to Real Columbus or something) have totally different payrolls. Arsenal and Tottenham are a rivalry, Charton Athletic or Crystal Palace (old historic London clubs) can never be rivals with either giant because of payroll.
I’ve been to “hellish” derbys in Buenos Aires and Rome. Real violence was going on. It is nothing to be proud of. It was merely a fact of life. What you are talking about is something totally different and the fact that you have to message it means it is not that real.

Cincinnati actually has a higher payroll this season than Columbus.

[Betterread]

I am aware of regional rivalries and they can be tasty games when the teams are even in terms of talent and money. But they are different from an intercity derby, or a national team tournament match, which is ALWAYS a big game regardless of the standings of the teams.
Roma- Lazio is a derby, Juve - Inter is not. LA galaxy v LAFC is the only MLS derby. There are two NY teams but one plays in New Jersey, and they are both corporate appendages of a larger company (Red Bull and Man City) so they don’t have the same fan commitment as LA, or even Columbus, Cincinnati.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I am aware of regional rivalries and they can be tasty games when the teams are even in terms of talent and money. But they are different from an intercity derby, or a national team tournament match, which is ALWAYS a big game regardless of the standings of the teams.
Roma- Lazio is a derby, Juve - Inter is not. LA galaxy v LAFC is the only MLS derby. There are two NY teams but one plays in New Jersey, and they are both corporate appendages of a larger company (Red Bull and Man City) so they don’t have the same fan commitment as LA, or even Columbus, Cincinnati.

Galaxy fans don’t even consider LAFC their biggest rival. It could get there in time, but San Jose has the history and Seattle has earned it with a ton of important games over the years.

[M2]

I am aware of regional rivalries and they can be tasty games when the teams are even in terms of talent and money. But they are different from an intercity derby, or a national team tournament match, which is ALWAYS a big game regardless of the standings of the teams.
Roma- Lazio is a derby, Juve - Inter is not. LA galaxy v LAFC is the only MLS derby. There are two NY teams but one plays in New Jersey, and they are both corporate appendages of a larger company (Red Bull and Man City) so they don’t have the same fan commitment as LA, or even Columbus, Cincinnati.

It all kind of depends on how strict you want to be about the definition of a derby. The term gets used fairly loosely around the world and by the press and commentators. Anyway, Columbus and Cincinnati most definitely have a rivalry, even if it's new. That it doesn't have the history of Boca Juniors vs. River Plate isn't really the point. As fans of the sport, we ought to be happy to see any rivalry taking shape.

[Betterread]

Cincinnati actually has a higher payroll this season than Columbus.
You are right. They have the 5th highest payroll in the league. They spend 2X as much as Minnesota. They better make the playoffs at least.

[Big Red Smokey]

Not sure which stadium was better. I was slightly intoxicated at both places.

But soccer in Ohio is in a great place. STH for Crew for a good long while. Love the new field, but loved the location of the old one with tailgating in the parking lot as well.

[M2]

The Revs are currently slapping Miami with la manita.

[Betterread]

This is an eventful week for Julian Aruajo, LA Galaxy right back. This 19 yr old is good: good technical ability, likes 1 v 1 situations on both O and D, and plays with a physical edge.
He was picked for the all star game/team (at 19!) and he also switched his nationality from US to Mexico. This is a big loss for the US MNT future. Right now, Dest is better, and maybe that’s why he switched to Mexico, where I don’t even know who is their regular RB, which to me signifies a positional weakness.

[BuckeyeRed27]

This is an eventful week for Julian Aruajo, LA Galaxy right back. This 19 yr old is good: good technical ability, likes 1 v 1 situations on both O and D, and plays with a physical edge.
He was picked for the all star game/team (at 19!) and he also switched his nationality from US to Mexico. This is a big loss for the US MNT future. Right now, Dest is better, and maybe that’s why he switched to Mexico, where I don’t even know who is their regular RB, which to me signifies a positional weakness.

I’ve loved watching his development. I think you are right about him switching because of Dest though. They are similar style players in the same position and he probably sees a lower risk and a quicker path to playing time on Mexico.

[M2]

FCC is making an airtight case for why MLS needs relegation.

[Kingspoint]

PTFC is really bad.

[M2]

PTFC is really bad.

They've won two on the trot which has them back in a playoff slot, though the defense current ranks as the league's worst. Would really appreciate your guys taking some points off of Colorado in the coming weeks. Trying to win a Supporters Shield over here.

[Betterread]

PTFC is really bad.

Not bad, weird maybe? You just won two straight road games, including Seattle. But before that Seattle beat you 2-6 in Portland.
Anyway, you are #6 in the west, which puts you in the playoffs. Could be worse…

[Betterread]

Congratulations Cincinnati FC. You won your first home game in your new stadium in ten matches.

[M2]

I just watched the Crew survive an absolute siege and get a point out of it. Well done, especially their keeper Eloy Room, who had to make some diving stops on one foot.

[Betterread]

In the MLS western conf. 5 points separate hosting a playoff game (4th) and missing out on the playoffs entirely (9th) (33-38 points). In the east it’s even closer, with 4 points separating 3rd and 9th place. It's going to be a wild finish, except for the NE Revolution, who are in first by 15 points.

[M2]

Jaap Stam sacked at FCC. Richly deserved, but odd timing given that they're almost at the end of another wretched season. I'd think it would make more sense to have their youth team coach, who will be the temp replacement, work with the kids rather than waste time on a team that needs to be swept clean with a firehose. I find it stunning how bad this franchise has been since its entrance into MLS. It really looks like the people who run the club got what they wanted (MLS entry, new stadium) and stopped trying. Beware of Lindners.

[Big Red Smokey]

Crew win the Campeones Cup over Cruz Azul 2-0 tonight.

Doubt they get in the playoffs this year, just been a bad year with injuries, international windows, bad defensive play, etc, etc.

Oh well, 5 year moratorium on complaining after titles.

[15fan]

Shoutout to Josef Martinez - 100th MLS goal last night in his 125th game.

Prior to Martinez, Robbie Keane was fastest to 100 in 156 games.

[Betterread]

Gianluca Busio scored his first Serie A goal today for Venezia v Cagliari. Only 19. What a future!

[M2]

Gianluca Busio scored his first Serie A goal today for Venezia v Cagliari. Only 19. What a future!

He is settling in quickly.

[15fan]

Went with season ticket holder friend to ATL-NYC game. NYC with late equalizer to tie it just before stoppage time.

Barco was out for a red card in last match and Josef Martinez came in as a 2nd half sub. To my untrained eye, this United team was playing like it did under Tata Martino. Attacking. Fast paced. Forcing the action.

[Betterread]

Congratulations to NE for winning the supporters shield (most regular season points) for 2021. For the first time in franchise history. With three games remaining.

[M2]

Congratulations to NE for winning the supporters shield (most regular season points) for 2021. For the first time in franchise history. With three games remaining.

They were the only one of the original 12 (I count Chicago and the Miami Fusion even though they started in 1998 rather than 1996) that didn't have a league trophy of some type. Only NE and Colorado hadn't won the Shield from that group, and that includes the defunct Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny.

They're also only four points away from the best record in league history.

[M2]

Just got back from the Revs game where they set the all-time points record. Pretty cool. Basically put the Rapids under siege in the 2nd half until they got their goal.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Just got back from the Revs game where they set the all-time points record. Pretty cool. Basically put the Rapids under siege in the 2nd half until they got their goal.

Pretty wild. Solid team, with solid players, but doesn’t jump off the page as like “best MLS team ever”.

[M2]

Pretty wild. Solid team, with solid players, but doesn’t jump off the page as like “best MLS team ever”.

They've got three guys likely headed to Europe this winter: Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge), Matt Turner and Adam Buksa (Leicester has been scouting him). Turner might stay because he'll want an ironclad guarantee he's the starting keeper so he can hold his U.S. #1 slot. Carles Gil should be the league MVP and he's as good a player as I've ever seen in MLS. Add in Gustavo Bou and their front four are pretty relentless. Underrated part of the team is their two wide backs (Brandon Bye and Dejuan Jones) give them a lot of width that helps them advance the ball and creates space for the attacking foursome. What has struck me about this team is they seem to be able to flip a switch where they decide to beat other teams. They did it tonight. Top European clubs do it. Don't see it a lot in MLS.

As for best MLS team ever, I maintain that's the 2008 Columbus Crew. If the Revs win the double, then I'll put them in that conversation. Also in the conversation: some variation of the Sounders teams that have made four of the last five MLS Cup finals, 2018 Atlanta, 2017 TFC, 2014 Galaxy.

[Kingspoint]

Just got back from the Revs game where they set the all-time points record. Pretty cool. Basically put the Rapids under siege in the 2nd half until they got their goal.

Colorado has been rolling, too.

[Big Red Smokey]

Quite the Golazo from Zelarayan last night...

https://twitter.com/ColumbusCrew/status/1453527236670337035?s=20

[Big Red Smokey]

https://twitter.com/MattDoyle76/status/1453543333419175941?s=20

Yikes.

Although he clarified and Colorado is also -100 or worse

[BuckeyeRed27]

They've got three guys likely headed to Europe this winter: Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge), Matt Turner and Adam Buksa (Leicester has been scouting him). Turner might stay because he'll want an ironclad guarantee he's the starting keeper so he can hold his U.S. #1 slot. Carles Gil should be the league MVP and he's as good a player as I've ever seen in MLS. Add in Gustavo Bou and their front four are pretty relentless. Underrated part of the team is their two wide backs (Brandon Bye and Dejuan Jones) give them a lot of width that helps them advance the ball and creates space for the attacking foursome. What has struck me about this team is they seem to be able to flip a switch where they decide to beat other teams. They did it tonight. Top European clubs do it. Don't see it a lot in MLS.

As for best MLS team ever, I maintain that's the 2008 Columbus Crew. If the Revs win the double, then I'll put them in that conversation. Also in the conversation: some variation of the Sounders teams that have made four of the last five MLS Cup finals, 2018 Atlanta, 2017 TFC, 2014 Galaxy.

Yeah those are all good candidates. They just had a big star or two and were on TV a lot etc. This Revs team is just solid, does it’s thing but doesn’t have Donovan, McBride, Dempsey, Martinez, etc.

The West playoff chase is insane right now. 5 points separate 4th place Portland from 9th place LAFC with 2 games to go and a lot of those teams play each other this week.

[M2]

https://twitter.com/MattDoyle76/status/1453543333419175941?s=20

Yikes.

Although he clarified and Colorado is also -100 or worse

MLS really needs relegation. I feel for the FCC fans. They've been done wrong. It's got to be gutting to have the team you were fervently hoping would be something different just be more of the same.

[M2]

Yeah those are all good candidates. They just had a big star or two and were on TV a lot etc. This Revs team is just solid, does it’s thing but doesn’t have Donovan, McBride, Dempsey, Martinez, etc.

I'd argue Gil's as good or better than any of those guys, but he's more of a Schelotto type who makes everybody around him better. His passing range is pretty absurd.

[BuckeyeRed27]

This has got to be one of the more exciting final days MLS has had.

The West worked out great where the 3 teams vying for the top spot (Seattle, SKC, Colorado) and all playing teams fighting for the last playoff spot (Vancouver, RSL, LAFC) and the Galaxy and Minnesota who are separated by a point are basically playing a playoff game.

[Betterread]

This has got to be one of the more exciting final days MLS has had.

The West worked out great where the 3 teams vying for the top spot (Seattle, SKC, Colorado) and all playing teams fighting for the last playoff spot (Vancouver, RSL, LAFC) and the Galaxy and Minnesota who are separated by a point are basically playing a playoff game.

Absolutely right. In the west four teams have clinched playoff spots and the remaining three spots can be potentially filled by five clubs. Sunday night decision day games will be galvanizing to follow.
Minnesota is currently 5th with 48 points, but plays at 7th place LA Galaxy. Both teams deserve to be in the playoffs on a talent basis, but the Galaxy must win to guarantee playoff qualification so Minnesota better be ready for an offensive onslaught from a talented offensive squad. If Minnesota loses, and stays at 48 points, they risk being eliminated. They need at least a tie to guarantee qualification. Minnesota is playing well, but has an issue with poor finishing, which undercuts their overall quality (that more or less sums up LAFC as well).
Real Salt Lake and Vancouver do not impress me so I think they are somehow incredibly lucky to be in the mix for the playoffs, but Vancouver is smoking hot in terms of getting results at the moment, and they have a home game vrs a poor-form, but top of the table Seattle.
I could see Vancouver getting at least a tie which would guarantee qualification.

[BuckeyeRed27]

If RSL and LAFC both lose than the Galaxy and Minnesota are both in no matter their result. But I don’t think either team is going to rely on that!

[M2]

Revs unveiled their new logo (it's the one that got leaked earlier this year) - https://twitter.com/NERevolution/status/1456247324204847111. To be fair, the old one was trash.

[Betterread]

Minnesota and Vancouver get the draws they needed on decision day. Minnesota is 5, Vancouver is 6, and Real Salt Lake beats KC and leaps over both LA teams to be 7. I like the style of football both LAg and LAFC play, but the ESPN announcers (Gomez, Stone, Lalas, Twellman, “Sebi” and the Venezuelan ex-crew) fawning over those teams is excessive.
Seems like KC and Seattle rested some players so they didn’t really want the #1 seed. Colorado sure did. They scored five goals to win the western conference. Congratulations Colorado.

[M2]

Minnesota and Vancouver get the draws they needed on decision day. Minnesota is 5, Vancouver is 6, and Real Salt Lake beats KC and leaps over both LA teams to be 7. I like the style of football both LAg and LAFC play, but the ESPN announcers (Gomez, Stone, Lalas, Twellman, “Sebi” and the Venezuelan ex-crew) fawning over those teams is excessive.
Seems like KC and Seattle rested some players so they didn’t really want the #1 seed. Colorado sure did. They scored five goals to win the western conference. Congratulations Colorado.

The end of Minnesota-Galaxy game was pretty exciting. I thought Min was in serious trouble when it missed that late penalty. Set up LAG for a dramatic win, but they couldn't find a final goal.

There's an argument the extra off week for the top seeds is not great for their chances in the playoffs. Wonder if that was running through Seattle and SKC's minds.

[15fan]

The game winner today by Josef Martinez against Cincinnati was spectacular.

[Betterread]

All cascadia teams qualified for the MLS playoffs. No Texas, California or Ohio teams.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The end of Minnesota-Galaxy game was pretty exciting. I thought Min was in serious trouble when it missed that late penalty. Set up LAG for a dramatic win, but they couldn't find a final goal.

There's an argument the extra off week for the top seeds is not great for their chances in the playoffs. Wonder if that was running through Seattle and SKC's minds.

Hello darkness my old friend…

[Kingspoint]

All cascadia teams qualified for the MLS playoffs. No Texas, California or Ohio teams.

Good luck!

[Kingspoint]

Who's going to the USA/Mexico match tonight in Cincinnati?

Mexico sit atop the table on 14 points, while the United States are second on 11 and Canada (https://www.mlssoccer.com/clubs/canada/)'s third with 10. Reminder: Concacaf's top three teams automatically make it to Qatar 2022, while fourth-place enters an inter-confederation playoff.


https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/usa-vs-mexico-projected-xi-and-3-quick-thoughts-on-how-the-usmnt-should-play

[Betterread]

Congratulations Portland, you got the job done and beat the Loons at home. You had higher intensity for the game and that was the necessary ingredient.
But your fans were completely scummy in their chants and your star Blanco should have been been red carded in the 20 minute. Congratulations, you have become a poor man’s Seattle.

[Betterread]

RSL beat Seattle despite being outshot 21-0 on the field of play. They won without even having one shot. And their goalie Ochoa, shushed the crowd afterward to rub salt in the wound.

[M2]

RSL beat Seattle despite being outshot 21-0 on the field of play. They won without even having one shot. And their goalie Ochoa, shushed the crowd afterward to rub salt in the wound.

That was a fabulous heel move.

[Kingspoint]

Costly win by the Timbers.

[Betterread]

NE Rev lose to #4 seed NYCMC FC on penalties after equalizing very late (118 min) for 2-2 (a superb Buchanan volley).
At least they converted a few kicks, unlike Nashville.

So in the east, we have #2 v #4 - I pick Philly.
And in the west, #4 v #7 - I pick Portland.

[BuckeyeRed27]

That Revs loss was just brutal.

[M2]

That Revs loss was just brutal.

You could really see the rust of three weeks off on them. Don't know how it played on TV, but the stadium lost its damn mind on that Buchanan goal. Was pretty cool to be there. Credit to NYCFC, which kept the Revs from catching a rhythm and buried their PKs.

[ScotlandRed]

Anyone able to give any background information on Chris Mueller? Just signed for my team Hibernian from Orlando I believe?

[M2]

Anyone able to give any background information on Chris Mueller? Just signed for my team Hibernian from Orlando I believe?

This sums him up pretty well - https://www.overtimeheroics.net/2021/09/10/understanding-chris-mueller-a-profile/. My take in rooting for a team that's played against him is he chases the game a bit too much rather than controls it and the danger he brings is a little too sporadic. Might be a good fit for Hibs though with a high work rate and a willingness to do something creative when he gets the chance.

[ScotlandRed]

Nice one. Thanks!

[BuckeyeRed27]

Philadelphia has 11 players including 7 potential starters out for covid protocols tomorrow. Have to be thinking about postponing right?

[M2]

Philadelphia has 11 players including 7 potential starters out for covid protocols tomorrow. Have to be thinking about postponing right?

Can they? I assume their TV slots for the conference finals and MLS Cup are locked in.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Can they? I assume their TV slots for the conference finals and MLS Cup are locked in.

I have no idea, but even a short week is better than playing that.

[Kingspoint]

I first bought season tickets to the Timbers when I was a Junior in H.S. in 1976, the year after they lost to Tampa Bay in Florida in the Championship Game, 2-0.

Our first hosting of a Cup Game.

Considering the state of the Blazers (who I swear will be the Seattle Supersonics in three years when their 25-year lease ends preventing them from moving from here, and erasing forever NBA basketball in Portland), that's a good thing for the town.

[Betterread]

Congratulations Portland. A home cup final is a dream come true.

[Kingspoint]

Congratulations Portland. A home cup final is a dream come true.

It really is.

What's strange is that they really lack a ton of talent. They just do what they do so very well. They are well coached.

[M2]

Congratulations Portland. A home cup final is a dream come true.

High production value playing the final in Portland too. That crowd is going to be intense.

[Betterread]

And Portland plays NYCFC who beat a pandemic-decimated Philly. Rough luck for Philly, who apparently lost 6 starters to illness.

[Kingspoint]

I predict a 2-0 Final.

In favor of POR.

[Kingspoint]

We are going to have nasty, nasty weather tomorrow.

50 MPH winds for breakfast followed by torrential rains for several hours. By the time the game starts about 2-1/2 hours before Sunset, it will still be raining heavily, but the damage of depression would have already taken its toll on the NYCFC organization and fans. New York City has nasty weather, but they don't have this. It's a special Portland version that they are going to be served.

NYCFC is going to make a lot of errors. And, that's how Portland scores.

I'm changing my prediction from 2-0 Timbers to 3-0 Timbers.

[M2]

NYC bossing the game so far. Up 1-0.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Brutal goal keeping there. It’s wet, but still, yikes.

[M2]

Brutal goal keeping there. It’s wet, but still, yikes.

His distribution has been rough too.

[BuckeyeRed27]

These championship games in home stadiums are awesome though. I understand the logistics of playing the super bowl or the champions league final or whatever in neutral sites, but the atmosphere differences are always so noticeable.

[Betterread]

Portland ties it 1-1 at 93:53 - with four minutes injury time. Mora, who squandered a great chance earlier, slots home a blocked shot that fell perfectly for him.

[M2]

Portland ties it 1-1 at 93:53 - with four minutes injury time. Mora, who squandered a great chance earlier, slots home a blocked shot that fell perfectly for him.

It fell perfectly for him because Mabiala took out NYC's two central defenders. I rarely comment on officiating in any game, but I'm stunned they didn't call that. That said, NYC invited the trouble by not getting serious about putting the game away. Too content to possess, not enough attack.

Portland's now playing its best stretch in OT.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I’m ok with not calling it. Yeah you could have, but it wasn’t some crazy obvious foul and given the moment let it go.

[M2]

I’m ok with not calling it. Yeah you could have, but it wasn’t some crazy obvious foul and given the moment let it go.

Forearm to the back of the neck of the guy who had a clear play on the ball.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Forearm to the back of the neck of the guy who had a clear play on the ball.

He’s looking up for the ball. He does extend the arm a bit, so they could have called it for sure. But they are both playing the ball in a crowd in the rain and there’s 20 seconds left in a championship match.

[Kingspoint]

I played a lot of soccer in that stadium in the '70's (when it was a thin Brady Bunch backyard carpet on hard concrete). We had occasional games there and the City and State Championships would be played there.
Used to go there and practice by myself for hours (you could do that back then). Also played some baseball games there.

- - - Updated - - -


Forearm to the back of the neck of the guy who had a clear play on the ball.

A ton of stuff is being let go on both clubs, which is a good thing.

[M2]

He’s looking up for the ball. He does extend the arm a bit, so they could have called it for sure. But they are both playing the ball in a crowd in the rain and there’s 20 seconds left in a championship match.

He wrecked the guy, and the ball gets cleared if he doesn't. I'm rarely surprised by a ref call/non-call. In real time, the words "No foul?" were coming out of my mouth as they scored the goal. Mabiala can't play the ball unless he wipes out Chanot.

[Kingspoint]

A hate seeing a Championship finish like this.

[Kingspoint]

Clutch by Clark!

- - - Updated - - -

Johnson is killing it!

[Kingspoint]

Clark needs to do this.

[Kingspoint]

Congratulations, NYCFC!

Hopefully, that saves rioting downtown.

[M2]

Future me can already hear NYCFC fans coming to our stadium and razzing us about this.

[RedTeamGo!]

Great finish. I feel like MLS gets more and more popular and better every year. Never thought I would say that 20 years ago.

[Kingspoint]

Future me can already hear NYCFC fans coming to our stadium and razzing us about this.

Ya think? It's BOS/NYC. Any opportunity to poke fun at the other comes out more than it should. Rivalries are fun.

[M2]

Ya think? It's BOS/NYC. Any opportunity to poke fun at the other comes out more than it should. Rivalries are fun.

The Revs have never really had one. So it would be good to develop some real hatred with NYCFC.