Heineken Rivalry Week Takeaways
By Eli Lesser
MLS’s Heineken Rivalry Week is one of the most anticipated weeks of the major league soccer season. Each game means more than any other game of the season, it's bragging rights. This past week featured some of the biggest rivalries including: the Rocky Mountain Cup, the Texas Derby, and the battle of the hipsters. After this big week was over, these were the biggest things we learned:
Nick Rimando is the best goalkeeper in the league still:
The Rocky Mountain cup features one of the biggest rivalries in MLS. Real Salt Lake hosted the Colorado Rapids at the beautiful Rio Tinto Stadium. Now that the Colorado Rapids have Tim Howard, this rivalry has a bigger meaning: the battle of the goalkeepers, Tim Howard vs Nick Rimando. Tim Howard is considered the best US goalkeeper of all time by many while Nick Rimando has had major success in the MLS. As Real Salt Lake defeated the Rapids 2-1, Nick Rimando had an amazing game, with 6 saves. This proves that Nick Rimando is better than Howard at the MLS level, and solidifies him as the best goalkeeper in the MLS still.
The LA Galaxy Need Full Health:
Usually, the Los Angeles Galaxy figure out a way to win in any situation. Bruce Arena may be the best coach in the MLS but after last Saturday’s game against the Whitecaps, it shows how important it is for Bruce to have his full team present to work his magic. The LA Galaxy played short handed against the Vancouver Whitecaps in their 0-0 draw. Although their defense was efficient as always, their offense struggled majorly without captain Robbie Keane. Without Keane, the Galaxy failed to score having shot the ball 10 times. If the Galaxy want to win their 6th MLS cup, they need to stay healthy and get everyone back on the pitch.
Sounders show promising signs while losing:
Heartbreaking news came out before the biggest game featuring the biggest rivalry (Portland vs Seattle,) Seattle’s captain Clint Dempsey suffers irregular heart rates, and will miss multiple games. This was followed by a Sounders loss in Portland. Although Seattle’s defense was awful in their 4-2 loss, there is still a huge bright side. During the beginning of the season, Seattle struggled majorly to score just one goal a game. Ever since Nicolas Lodeiro has joined the team, Seattle has been able to put the ball in the net easily and consistently. Lodeiro in 6 games with the Sounders has scored 2 goals along with 6 assists. Back to Sunday’s game, the Sounders came back from a 4-0 deficit at the half to score 2 goals. This shows that in any situation, the Sounders can come back and score, which will be huge for them while they make a playoff push in the western conference.
Once again, Rivalry week has not disappointed the fans of Major League Soccer. Major League Soccer continues to come up with more ideas to draw attention to world soccer fans and this is one of their most successful!
Nick Rimando is the best goalkeeper in the league still:
The Rocky Mountain cup features one of the biggest rivalries in MLS. Real Salt Lake hosted the Colorado Rapids at the beautiful Rio Tinto Stadium. Now that the Colorado Rapids have Tim Howard, this rivalry has a bigger meaning: the battle of the goalkeepers, Tim Howard vs Nick Rimando. Tim Howard is considered the best US goalkeeper of all time by many while Nick Rimando has had major success in the MLS. As Real Salt Lake defeated the Rapids 2-1, Nick Rimando had an amazing game, with 6 saves. This proves that Nick Rimando is better than Howard at the MLS level, and solidifies him as the best goalkeeper in the MLS still.
The LA Galaxy Need Full Health:
Usually, the Los Angeles Galaxy figure out a way to win in any situation. Bruce Arena may be the best coach in the MLS but after last Saturday’s game against the Whitecaps, it shows how important it is for Bruce to have his full team present to work his magic. The LA Galaxy played short handed against the Vancouver Whitecaps in their 0-0 draw. Although their defense was efficient as always, their offense struggled majorly without captain Robbie Keane. Without Keane, the Galaxy failed to score having shot the ball 10 times. If the Galaxy want to win their 6th MLS cup, they need to stay healthy and get everyone back on the pitch.
Sounders show promising signs while losing:
Heartbreaking news came out before the biggest game featuring the biggest rivalry (Portland vs Seattle,) Seattle’s captain Clint Dempsey suffers irregular heart rates, and will miss multiple games. This was followed by a Sounders loss in Portland. Although Seattle’s defense was awful in their 4-2 loss, there is still a huge bright side. During the beginning of the season, Seattle struggled majorly to score just one goal a game. Ever since Nicolas Lodeiro has joined the team, Seattle has been able to put the ball in the net easily and consistently. Lodeiro in 6 games with the Sounders has scored 2 goals along with 6 assists. Back to Sunday’s game, the Sounders came back from a 4-0 deficit at the half to score 2 goals. This shows that in any situation, the Sounders can come back and score, which will be huge for them while they make a playoff push in the western conference.
Once again, Rivalry week has not disappointed the fans of Major League Soccer. Major League Soccer continues to come up with more ideas to draw attention to world soccer fans and this is one of their most successful!
MLS SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW WINNERS AND LOSERS
BY ELI LESSER
As the MLS summer transfer window closed late last night, many teams made moves they thought were necessary to help boost their teams into playoff contention. While many teams became instantly better, some teams missed the mark. \
Read on to learn which teams were the biggest winners and which were the biggest losers.
Loser: Sporting Kansas City
Heading into this transfer window season, KC head coach Peter Vermes made it clear he wanted to make a big splash, but he later mentioned that this transfer window was full of “inflated players.” So, Vermes did not make a big move. Unfortunately, Kansas City should have gone big, as they are barely above the playoff line. KC brought in wingers Brad Davis and Justin Mapp, during the offseason. Although those were solid pickups, the impact on their team has been minimal. Because they did not get anyone to help this team, Sporting KC is a loser of this transfer season.
Winner: Seattle Sounders
Since losing star striker Obafemi Martins last winter, the team with one of the biggest fanbases, and highest revenues, has been far from great. Currently the Sounders sit at 9th in the Western Conference, with only 21 points. The Sounders needed to make a big splash...so, they did. They signed Uruguayan international star midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro. Since joining the team, he has made an instant impact. In Seattle’s 1-1 draw against the mighty, defensive LA Galaxy, although he did not score, Lodeiro created multiple scoring chances and helped boost Seattle’s offensive energy. Therefore, the Seattle Sounders are window transfer winners.
Loser: Houston Dynamo
Unless they could swing for the fences with a huge signing, this team would be an obvious loser. The Houston Dynamo currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference with a grand total of 20 points. This team is one of the worst offensive teams the league has seen in a long time. Of course, the Dynamo would sign an attacker, right? Instead of signing one, they gave up their best striker, Jamaican international Giles Barnes. The Houston Dynamo have gone from a MLS Cup contende the past two years in a row to a team that should honestly be in the USL. The Houston Dynamo are a big-time loser of this transfer season.
Winner: Orlando City SC
The biggest question heading into this summer’s transfers season for Orlando was: Will Cyle Larin remain with the team? Quick answer: YES!!!!!!!! Many teams in Portugal expressed interest in the young Canadian striker, including consistent UEFA champions league representative SL Beneficia. That deal did not go through. Also, the Lions traded for dynamic winger/midfielder Matias Perez Garcia. MPG can control the ball well and create many chances for Orlando, alongside Kaka. This definitely makes Orlando City SC a winner.
Biggest Loser: FC Dallas
Heading into this transfer season, all the current Supporter Shield leading team had to do was stay put and not do anything. Instead, they did. Dallas lost one of the game’s rising stars and their MVP Fabian Castillo to Turkish club Trabzonspor. In the past two seasons, Castillo scored 14 goals and had 14 assists. Although this is only a loan move, they lose Castillo for the rest of the season, and the Turkish club will have a chance to buy Castillo come January. Most likely, Castillo will leave for good which will be a minor setback for the growth of the league. Losing their MVP makes FC Dallas the biggest loser of the summer transfer season.
Biggest Winner: Philadelphia Union
So far this season, the Philadelphia Union have surprised many with such a good season. But, being good is not what gets you to the MLS cup, being great is what gets you there, and the front office in Philly realized that. Although the Union lost veteran playmaker Sebastien Le Toux, they made arguably the best signing the league has seen in a long time: USMNT midfielder Alejandro Bedoya. Bedoya’s versatility for the been a big boost for national team, and he can bring that with him to Philly and help them make a huge run in the playoffs. Also, the Union brought in inspirational striker Charlie Davies, who is now in remission from cancer. Davies, and his story, might inspire the team to come together and to give his new mates something to fight for. Also, Davies is a solid player who will add the depth at forward that this team needs. Overall, this has been one of the best transfer seasons for any team in MLS history, which makes the Philadelphia Union the clear winner of the transfer deadline.
While it remains to be seen just how much better or worse the MLS teams will be, anything can still happen before the 2016 MLS Cup Champions are crowned.
Read on to learn which teams were the biggest winners and which were the biggest losers.
Loser: Sporting Kansas City
Heading into this transfer window season, KC head coach Peter Vermes made it clear he wanted to make a big splash, but he later mentioned that this transfer window was full of “inflated players.” So, Vermes did not make a big move. Unfortunately, Kansas City should have gone big, as they are barely above the playoff line. KC brought in wingers Brad Davis and Justin Mapp, during the offseason. Although those were solid pickups, the impact on their team has been minimal. Because they did not get anyone to help this team, Sporting KC is a loser of this transfer season.
Winner: Seattle Sounders
Since losing star striker Obafemi Martins last winter, the team with one of the biggest fanbases, and highest revenues, has been far from great. Currently the Sounders sit at 9th in the Western Conference, with only 21 points. The Sounders needed to make a big splash...so, they did. They signed Uruguayan international star midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro. Since joining the team, he has made an instant impact. In Seattle’s 1-1 draw against the mighty, defensive LA Galaxy, although he did not score, Lodeiro created multiple scoring chances and helped boost Seattle’s offensive energy. Therefore, the Seattle Sounders are window transfer winners.
Loser: Houston Dynamo
Unless they could swing for the fences with a huge signing, this team would be an obvious loser. The Houston Dynamo currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference with a grand total of 20 points. This team is one of the worst offensive teams the league has seen in a long time. Of course, the Dynamo would sign an attacker, right? Instead of signing one, they gave up their best striker, Jamaican international Giles Barnes. The Houston Dynamo have gone from a MLS Cup contende the past two years in a row to a team that should honestly be in the USL. The Houston Dynamo are a big-time loser of this transfer season.
Winner: Orlando City SC
The biggest question heading into this summer’s transfers season for Orlando was: Will Cyle Larin remain with the team? Quick answer: YES!!!!!!!! Many teams in Portugal expressed interest in the young Canadian striker, including consistent UEFA champions league representative SL Beneficia. That deal did not go through. Also, the Lions traded for dynamic winger/midfielder Matias Perez Garcia. MPG can control the ball well and create many chances for Orlando, alongside Kaka. This definitely makes Orlando City SC a winner.
Biggest Loser: FC Dallas
Heading into this transfer season, all the current Supporter Shield leading team had to do was stay put and not do anything. Instead, they did. Dallas lost one of the game’s rising stars and their MVP Fabian Castillo to Turkish club Trabzonspor. In the past two seasons, Castillo scored 14 goals and had 14 assists. Although this is only a loan move, they lose Castillo for the rest of the season, and the Turkish club will have a chance to buy Castillo come January. Most likely, Castillo will leave for good which will be a minor setback for the growth of the league. Losing their MVP makes FC Dallas the biggest loser of the summer transfer season.
Biggest Winner: Philadelphia Union
So far this season, the Philadelphia Union have surprised many with such a good season. But, being good is not what gets you to the MLS cup, being great is what gets you there, and the front office in Philly realized that. Although the Union lost veteran playmaker Sebastien Le Toux, they made arguably the best signing the league has seen in a long time: USMNT midfielder Alejandro Bedoya. Bedoya’s versatility for the been a big boost for national team, and he can bring that with him to Philly and help them make a huge run in the playoffs. Also, the Union brought in inspirational striker Charlie Davies, who is now in remission from cancer. Davies, and his story, might inspire the team to come together and to give his new mates something to fight for. Also, Davies is a solid player who will add the depth at forward that this team needs. Overall, this has been one of the best transfer seasons for any team in MLS history, which makes the Philadelphia Union the clear winner of the transfer deadline.
While it remains to be seen just how much better or worse the MLS teams will be, anything can still happen before the 2016 MLS Cup Champions are crowned.
Charlie davies: more than superhuman
by eli lesser
“How many times have I thought, this is the worst thing I will ever have to endure? More times than I ever thought I would,” said New England Revolution Striker Charlie Davies in an interview with Fox Sports.
In last Sunday’s game against Orlando City SC, in Orlando, Davies was subbed into the game in the 75th minute. This would be the first time he had stepped onto the soccer pitch since being diagnosed with the very rare liposarcoma cancer.
Earlier this season, Davies suffered a pulled groin in the 35th minute of New England’s game against the Portland Timbers. Many doctor visits later, it was discovered that he had a tumor near his groin. It was cancerous.
Davies, shortly after, had one of his testicles surgically removed in order to reach the tumor and to prevent the cancer from spreading. Davies admitted it would be a little awkward to be in the clubhouse showers, but he stayed positive and joked to his teammates, “Just call me ‘One Nut Chuck.’”
Unfortunately, this is not the only tragedy that has hit Davies since he began his professional sports career.
Davies entered stardom early, as he was often labeled the “Future of US Soccer.” In 2007, Davies made his United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) senior club debut. From 2007-2009, in 17 appearances, Davies scored four goals. Just a couple of days before a 2010 World Cup qualifying game against Costa Rica in Washington D.C, Davies, then 23, was involved in a major car accident. He sustained life changing injuries: a surgery left him with a right leg that was one and a half inches shorter than his left.
It seemed like his career would be over, and Davies often questioned whether he would be able to live a normal life again. But, he fought back, and against all odds, returned to soccer.
Davies spent time with DC United in 2011, with a breakout season in which he scored 11 goals in 18 starts. Then, he moved on to play for one of Denmark’s top clubs, Randers FC, where he found it difficult to settle in, and he struggled to put the ball through the net. After being loaned to New England in 2013, Davies finalized his transfer back to the MLS in 2014, where he helped the Revs represent the Eastern Conference in the MLS cup. Last season (2015), Davies remained one of the team’s top offensive threats, as he scored 10 goals and had 4 assists.
During the first month of this season, and before his tumor was found, life brought more challenges to Davies: his wife gave birth to their twins three months prematurely. The babies were hospitalized for months. Through it all, Davies stayed hopeful and positive. His children are now home and appear healthy and normal.
Davies, too, has a clean bill of health. He announced that he is in remission. His body contains no trace of cancer. He worked hard to return once more to the Revs’ active roster and on the pitch in last week’s match.
“Cancer was something I never expected. But having beaten it, I'm that much stronger for it,” Davies tweeted.
Life-threatening car accident. Premature birth of twin boys. Rare cancer. Indeed, Davies has endured much during his 30 years, much of it this year. But, he is a happy dad and professional soccer player, sharing his positive attitude and strong work ethic with those around him. He is an inspiration to all. The question remains: Can Davies spark the New England Revolution (6-8-8) to make a run at the MLS Cup?
In last Sunday’s game against Orlando City SC, in Orlando, Davies was subbed into the game in the 75th minute. This would be the first time he had stepped onto the soccer pitch since being diagnosed with the very rare liposarcoma cancer.
Earlier this season, Davies suffered a pulled groin in the 35th minute of New England’s game against the Portland Timbers. Many doctor visits later, it was discovered that he had a tumor near his groin. It was cancerous.
Davies, shortly after, had one of his testicles surgically removed in order to reach the tumor and to prevent the cancer from spreading. Davies admitted it would be a little awkward to be in the clubhouse showers, but he stayed positive and joked to his teammates, “Just call me ‘One Nut Chuck.’”
Unfortunately, this is not the only tragedy that has hit Davies since he began his professional sports career.
Davies entered stardom early, as he was often labeled the “Future of US Soccer.” In 2007, Davies made his United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) senior club debut. From 2007-2009, in 17 appearances, Davies scored four goals. Just a couple of days before a 2010 World Cup qualifying game against Costa Rica in Washington D.C, Davies, then 23, was involved in a major car accident. He sustained life changing injuries: a surgery left him with a right leg that was one and a half inches shorter than his left.
It seemed like his career would be over, and Davies often questioned whether he would be able to live a normal life again. But, he fought back, and against all odds, returned to soccer.
Davies spent time with DC United in 2011, with a breakout season in which he scored 11 goals in 18 starts. Then, he moved on to play for one of Denmark’s top clubs, Randers FC, where he found it difficult to settle in, and he struggled to put the ball through the net. After being loaned to New England in 2013, Davies finalized his transfer back to the MLS in 2014, where he helped the Revs represent the Eastern Conference in the MLS cup. Last season (2015), Davies remained one of the team’s top offensive threats, as he scored 10 goals and had 4 assists.
During the first month of this season, and before his tumor was found, life brought more challenges to Davies: his wife gave birth to their twins three months prematurely. The babies were hospitalized for months. Through it all, Davies stayed hopeful and positive. His children are now home and appear healthy and normal.
Davies, too, has a clean bill of health. He announced that he is in remission. His body contains no trace of cancer. He worked hard to return once more to the Revs’ active roster and on the pitch in last week’s match.
“Cancer was something I never expected. But having beaten it, I'm that much stronger for it,” Davies tweeted.
Life-threatening car accident. Premature birth of twin boys. Rare cancer. Indeed, Davies has endured much during his 30 years, much of it this year. But, he is a happy dad and professional soccer player, sharing his positive attitude and strong work ethic with those around him. He is an inspiration to all. The question remains: Can Davies spark the New England Revolution (6-8-8) to make a run at the MLS Cup?
Mls all star game ThoUghts and opinions!
Everyone silent in the Lesser household as Chuba Akpom hits the go ahead goal for Arsenal in the 12th MLS all star game vs a guest European opponent. The all star game was held in the new Avaya Stadium in San Jose, home of the San Jose Earthquakes.
In the current format’s 12th year, the MLS All Stars heading into this year were 7-4, hoping to defeat the rival of the team they beat in last year’s summer classic. Unfortunately after a very equal possession wise first half, Arsenal took control in the second half and defeated the MLS All Stars.
Heading into the game, there were many roster questions for the MLS All Stars. I think the biggest question was: is this the most deserving all star team? The truth is, it isn’t which is why the team failed to produce a victory. Even though I don’t believe some of the fan voted players deserved to be there, I will not make a case against them.
Now for the players selected by the players and coaches, there were issues for me. I do understand that All Star coach Dominic Kinnear was trying to get a representative from every team but the fact that wasn’t the case is why I am pissed off about the roster choices.
First here is the list of players that shouldn’t have been there: Clint Dempsey, Brandon Vincent, Will Trapp and David Bingham.
Clint Dempsey has had an embarrassment of a year with Seattle as he has been a sinking ship with his team, only with three goals and one assist, clearly worth $6m a year right?....nope. Rookie Brandon Vincent is one of the game’s future stars, but as of now he is just one of the league’s average fullbacks, also he is part of the worst franchise currently in the MLS, Chicago. Will Trapp like Vincent, is one of the league’s future stars but is not there yet, and he is on one of the league’s most disappointing teams this season, the Columbus Crew. Now I understand why David Bingham was an all star, because he plays for San Jose, but there are just more deserving players than him.
4 players who deserved to be real all star and not listed as “inactive all stars” or not even named are: Diego Valeri, NIck Rimando, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Lee Nguyen.
Are the sounders marChing in?
by:Eli lesser
Here comes Seattle Marching?
Just days after firing their head coach Sigi Schmid after 7 years, the Seattle Sounders sign star Uruguayan attacking midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro to a designated player contract.
When Lodeiro left his club in Argentina the Boca Juniors a couple days and flew into the U.S, it was almost certain the signing was nearly completed.
Seattle and Boca have agreed on a $6m transfer fee for the 27 year old. Nicolas's contract with Seattle is currently listed as a three and a half year designated player deal with an option for another year, securing him as a Sounder through the 2019 season.
Seattle has been pursuing Lodeiro for several months and finally were able to sign him. The 27 year old has played for top South American teams such as: Nacional and Boca Juniors. Also Nicolas has made 42 appearances with the Uruguayan National Team. This will be his first club in the MLS.
"Wherever he has played he has made his team better" said GM of Seattle Garth Lagerwey. Lagerwey is not wrong, as Lodeiro helped the Boca Juniors in 2015 make it to the Primera Divison and Copa Argentina titles.
The Sounders so far this season are seriously underperforming.They currently are 9th in the western conference with a record of 6-12-2, which is their worst start in club history. The team is filled with stars such as Clint Dempsey, Andreas Ivanschitz, Osvaldo Alonso and Nelson Valdez, but everyone has not lived up to their expectations.
The biggest struggle for the Sounder's this season is their ability to put the ball behind the net. Lodeiro, who is an extremely talented playmaker, should fit right into Seattle's lineup and make a huge impact for them.
Although this was a terrific signing for Seattle, there is still no guarantee that they can turn their season around and make the playoffs. But in Major League Soccer, anything can happen!
Just days after firing their head coach Sigi Schmid after 7 years, the Seattle Sounders sign star Uruguayan attacking midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro to a designated player contract.
When Lodeiro left his club in Argentina the Boca Juniors a couple days and flew into the U.S, it was almost certain the signing was nearly completed.
Seattle and Boca have agreed on a $6m transfer fee for the 27 year old. Nicolas's contract with Seattle is currently listed as a three and a half year designated player deal with an option for another year, securing him as a Sounder through the 2019 season.
Seattle has been pursuing Lodeiro for several months and finally were able to sign him. The 27 year old has played for top South American teams such as: Nacional and Boca Juniors. Also Nicolas has made 42 appearances with the Uruguayan National Team. This will be his first club in the MLS.
"Wherever he has played he has made his team better" said GM of Seattle Garth Lagerwey. Lagerwey is not wrong, as Lodeiro helped the Boca Juniors in 2015 make it to the Primera Divison and Copa Argentina titles.
The Sounders so far this season are seriously underperforming.They currently are 9th in the western conference with a record of 6-12-2, which is their worst start in club history. The team is filled with stars such as Clint Dempsey, Andreas Ivanschitz, Osvaldo Alonso and Nelson Valdez, but everyone has not lived up to their expectations.
The biggest struggle for the Sounder's this season is their ability to put the ball behind the net. Lodeiro, who is an extremely talented playmaker, should fit right into Seattle's lineup and make a huge impact for them.
Although this was a terrific signing for Seattle, there is still no guarantee that they can turn their season around and make the playoffs. But in Major League Soccer, anything can happen!