The San Jose Earthquakes sang an old, familiar tune as they fought to yet another draw (the sixth this season). This time the goonie goal came in the 78th minute, courtesy of a beautiful Marvin Chavez free kick. This equalized the game following the goal scored by Colorado’s Nathan Sturgis in the 26th minute.

Marvin Chavez

San Jose fans are by now well-accustomed to falling behind early on in games. It is getting a little old, to say the least. While everyone loves a good comeback, it would be nice if it were the exception, not the rule. However, the blessing (or perhaps the bane) of sports fans is that they are ever hopeful. While there is no doubt frustration among Quakes fans, most of them leave the stadium at the end of the night with an optimistic smile and a “We’ll get them next time!”

Last night’s drama was enhanced by a red card given to Colorado’s Shane O’Neill in the 90th minute for denying Chris Wondolowski a clear goal scoring opportunity just outside the penalty box. Unfortunately, the resulting free kick did not provide the go-ahead goal the team–and indeed the whole stadium–was waiting for. Even the 5 minutes of injury time, which the Quakes have been known to do mind-blowing things with, was not enough for the boys in black to find the game-winner.

Despite the flatness of another 1-1 tie, I find that I too retain that hopeful spirit and my heart echoes the refrain of “next time!” Sadly, I will be rooting San Jose on from my living room, as a four-game road stretch begins next Saturday. The Earthquakes will not be playing in the area until the much-anticipated California Clasico that will take place at Stanford Stadium on June 29th.

In conclusion, friends, keep the faith! Goonies never say die!

Photo courtesy of San Jose Earthquakes Facebook page–John Todd/isiphotos.com

This just in! The Sounders FINALLY win their first match of the 2013 season!

Being that I live in Colorado, I don’t get the pleasure of partaking in every Sounders match in person but today, I did and it was definitely a great match to watch.

Today was the first time Sounders’ #11, Steve Zakuani, stepped on the pitch of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park since that tragic day that left him injured August 22, 2011 (you can read my recap of that match here).

Almost exactly two years ago.

Not only was this steaming in the back of my mind but apparently it was also on Steve’s mind. Zakuani broke his Twitter and Facebook hiatus to lay down his thoughts on the upcoming match.

As I was sitting in the front row, the first half showed a lot of Zakuani and Brian Mullan crossing each other’s paths. The good thing – they kind of ignored each other. Zakuani talked to Seattle Times writer Josh Mayers about his return to the Mile High.

“Just when we landed in Denver, it kind of brought back a few memories from that day, that Friday that I was here,” he said. “I just felt once again I had to reach out (on Twitter, above) to the fans who were great. I don’t know if you guys saw, but as the game started, a section of Colorado fans were singing my name. That’s probably the most emotional moment I’ve had on the pitch, having opposing fans singing my name.

“It just kind of felt right to reach out one more time and say thanks. I tried as best I could to focus on the game. It wasn’t easy with Mullan as the right back, but that’s the way it played out. I just tried to play for my team, as always.”

Now to the actual match.

The Sounders desperately needed a win and a road victory would be even better. Obafemi Martins scored his first goal as a Sounder in the 27′ putting the men in green up 1-nil in the first. Of course, there were backflips involved.

Lamar Neagle stepped up for the Sounders today, playing the ball well all night and almost scoring a goal two minutes after Martin’s. Though the Rapids played a hard fight as they constantly put pressure on Gspurning, kicking shots left and right, testing his quickness.

Early into the second half, the Rapids had two chances that could have changed the match tremendously, once again testing Gspurning’s movement in the box. Dillon Powers curled a left-footed shot to the top of the goal, only to be denied by the dreadful crossbar.

Minutes later, Rapids player Kamani Hill felt a header to the box, hit the crossbar as Gspurning fell to the right only to leave space for Danny Mwanga to attempt another shot on goal which was quickly denied by a quick Sounders keeper.

Rapids players defeated as Sounders keeper Mike Gspurning made two critical, back-to-back saves.

It was at that moment, I thought I had a mini heart attack.

Neagle went in for another chance but was vastly denied access by Clint Irvin.

With four minutes of added stoppage time, the Rapids continued to put up a fight as Drew Moor headed a free kick from Jamie Smith but Gspurning was there for the save, giving Seattle their first victory of the season.

The Sounders don’t play a regular season match until May 4th when they travel to play the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park.

As for me, I’ll be sitting at home watching it via television or internet until October 5th, when the Sounders head back to the Mile High state for one last showdown.

And you can bet that I’ll be there, decked out in Sounders apparel, cheering on my boys to yet another victory!

Stay tuned to Aerys Soccer for all your MLS coverage and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook!

Photos courtesy of tumblr and myself.

It was just not RSL’s night.

An early Atiba Harris goal and a missed penalty told the story of the second round of the Rocky Mountain Cup between Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids. Abdoulie Mensally pulled into the middle during a mix up in the box, leaving Harris open for the goal in the fifth minute. Just after, a light penalty was called against Colorado when Dillon Powers pulled down Kyle Beckerman. Alvaro Saborio, who was questionable whether or not he would play tonight, stepped up to take it, but young Colorado keeper Clint Irwin saved it.

That frustration basically summed up the rest of the game for RSL. They had the majority of the possession, but it amounted to nothing. Nick Rimando was his usual self, making great saves that kept his team within reach.

Javier Morales and Olmes Garcia seemed to bring more attacking prowess to the second half , but the Rapids kept RSL off the score sheet. The game left fans asking where the RSL from last week was. Perhaps it was the Saborio-Sandoval duo in the first half, or just playing on the road.

To retain the Rocky Mountain Cup, Real must win the next game against Colorado Aug. 3.

RSL travel to the Vancouver Whitecaps for their next game.

Be sure to follow the writers of Aerys Soccer on Twitter at @AerysSoccer and like our page on Facebook!

Last night’s LA Galaxy game belonged to the youngsters. Two of LA Galaxy’s regular starters, Omar Gonzalez and Robbie Keane, were both called up for national team duty this weekend. Thus the torch was passed to Leonardo and Jack McBean. McBean has been stepping up lately as he has been subbed on in the second half of most games this season. Pairing with McBean upfront was Jose Villarreal, ready for this? Both of these guys are still teenagers. Yeah. TEENAGERS; 19 and 18 years old. It was a great pairing, and both of the guys came away with some great chances.

Courtesy LA Galaxy’s Facebook page

First half was great all around for LA. McBean had some great opportunities in the opening minutes but just couldn’t finish. Finishing has been one of LA’s weak spots this season, and it was no different in this game. A positive note about McBean is that I really like the way he plays. He’s a player who is selfish with the ball when he needs to be, he takes shots. Even if it’s nowhere close to goal, he takes shots! I love when forwards are like that. BE SELFISH WITH THE BALL. Keeping on the run of being selfish with the ball, in the first half LA’s scoring attempts were 10 to the rapids 1. I also liked the way LA’s run of play was going; they were fast paced and never gave up on the ball. The first half ended scoreless, but it wasn’t short of shots. Rapids keeper Clint Irwin had six saves to hold the game 0-0 at the end of 45.

I can’t begin to explain how quick LA came out of the gate in the second half. In the first 50 seconds they had two chances, but again the finishing just wasn’t there. Then it all came home for LA. Rapids player Drew Moor elbowed Marcelo Sarvas in the 18, which lead to a straight red and then a PK. Mike Magee stepped up to take the shot and LA took the lead 1-0. It was the second week in a row LA was able to play up a man. The foul from Moor was bad luck for the Rapids; being down a man and only having one shot you could say it just wasn’t the Rapids’ night. Given the facts just mentioned the Rapids did keep the game interesting, and they kept LA on their toes. I really can’t give enough credit to Clint Irwin. He played a heck of a game for Colorado and kept the score 1-0. At the end of the 90 minutes LA came away with three points, and Mike Magee became the MLS season leader for goals scored.

Update on Landon Donovan: he is going with the team to the White House next week and his first practice will be March 27.

LA’s next game with be March 30^th against Toronto FC, and don’t forget to ‘like’ Aerys Soccer on Facebook and follow along with us on twitter @AerysSoccer!

It’s always been apparent that Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids don’t like each other. With Real Salt Lake retaining the cup for the past 6 consecutive years, the rivalry as of late hasn’t been as strong as it has been previously, but with pride on the line, neither team is willing to sacrifice the opportunity to hoist the cup.

Physical play and late goals have always defined this rivalry, and Saturday’s game wasn’t much different. In the opening

Photo credit to BozPhotos

minutes of the game, Rapid’s keeper Matt Pickens punched a ball away from Kwame Watson Siriboe, but Siriboe headed his arm, and, without malice, broke some bones in Picken’s left forearm. 

The crowd was behind RSL from early in the match, but it was Colorado who took the lead in the 37th Minute after a bad defensive mistake by Chris Schuler that Deshorn Brown pounced on. It took RSL until the 80th minute to equalize. A lucky deflection fell to Luis Gil, rebounding it it to Joao Plata who laid it off to Alvaro Saborio, who put the ball away.

A few minutes later, Devon Sandoval chested the ball down to Saborio who almost first-timed the ball in, but it went just over. After a few close chances for both sides and some stoppage time heroics from Nick Rimando, the game finished in a 1-1 draw.

RSL will look to it’s next game in Dallas for their second win of the season.

Yay MLS is back!! And getting a win in your home opener is the best way to start off the season!

Jackson celebrates after the easiest goal he’ll ever score!

FC Dallas opened the 2013 season with a home game against the Colorado Rapids. The newly expanded Dallas Beer Gardens rocked the game from start to finish. The players on the other hand…not so much. The game was pretty ugly for Dallas, but hey a win is a win and you take it, say ‘thanks you’ and move on.

The only goal of the game came in the 11th minute when Rapids GK Steward Ceus misjudged a long ball by el capitan David Ferreira. The ball soared over Ceus’s head to Jackson who scored the easiest goal he’ll ever score in his career: a wide open, empty net. Few minutes later, I could’ve sworn Jackson had doubled Dallas’s lead, but his awesome 30-yard strike ended up in the side netting.

Other than those two shining moments, not much else stands out for the Texan team. They’ve got a lot of work to do. Colorado controlled most of the game while Dallas struggled to string more than 5 passes together. Kudos to the Rapids rookie Deshorn Brown who absolutely ran our defense ragged. That kid looks like he could compete with Usain Bolt out on that field! Not going to lie, as the game got a little boring in the second half, I started wishing we could watch a race between Brown and Castillo instead of the disjointed Dallas play hahah!

Next Sunday, FC Dallas takes on Chivas USA in Cali. This time around I’m hoping to see a little bit more of Kenny Cooper in the box and maybe Christ Seitz in goal instead of Fernandez who gave me more heart attacks than I’d like in 90 minutes. Until next time then! DTID!

It’s almost time ladies and gents! We’re 2 days away from the 2013 MLS season! To get you geared up for an exciting weekend, it’s time to run through all of the new jerseys some of the MLS teams will be unveiling this season.

Let’s start things off with New York Red Bulls. Our NY writer, Dani has your complete coverage on the night over here.

Red Bulls Primary Jersey

Philadelphia Union decided to “kick it old school” with their new third kits. It’s a slick look that took more than two years to create. You can read more on how they came up with the new look over here.

Union 3rd Jersey

Colorado Rapids took it to a whole new level with their kits. In place of the hoops on their home jersey, the Rapids decided to put the names of their season ticket holders. Interesting, but pretty awesome. The Rapids also decided to pay homage to Colorado by using the state flag colors on their new second kits.

Rapids Home Jersey

Rapids Second Jersey

Houston Dynamo decided to keep things simple and clean. They are keeping the same third kit from last year, and adding the saying “Forever Orange” to their new kits. They also added the Texas state flag and a tape design after their new BBVA stadium.

Dynamo Primary Jersey

Keeping on the track of paying homage to their cities or states, Toronto FC is at the top of the list. With their new designs, the maple leaf stands out and the jersey is crisp and clean. TFC also added the saying “All For One” on the back of their jersey.

TFC Primary Jersey

Montreal Impact kept their jersey the “old style” and stayed traditional with the collar and buttons. It is a throwback style to their very first jersey they had in 1993. You can read more and watch a video over here.

Impact 3rd Jersey

Sporting KC showed off their primary jersey with a new style as they decided to pay tribute to Kansas and Missouri. They also have a new sponsor, Ivy Funds, which dominates most of the jersey with their logo.  SKC’s jersey also has two Sporting logos; one on the front and one on the back. Nice little details that make up a terrific jersey.

SKC Primary Jersey

Seattle Sounders went back to their signature “rave green” in their new Primary jersey. It features the space needle on the left side in a silver tone. For their secondary ones, they went opposite of their bright jersey, with a black one. It features lime green stripes that pop against the black and out of all the new 2013 jerseys, it’s a personal favorite for me.

Seattle Primary Jersey

Seattle Secondary Jersey

Vancouver Whitecaps kept it simple with their new primary kits. The cool white jersey is off set with the navy diagonal stripes. It’s a classic and crisp look. Simple, and to the point!

Whitecaps Primary Jersey

For LA Galaxy’s new second kit, talk about classy. To tie in with the Galaxy theme adidas decided to put the Quasar as apart of the shoulder and bottom detail. You can read my article on LA’s new kit, plus other things over here. 

LA Galaxy 2nd Jersey

Portland Timbers released their new jersey, and the look is crisp and clean. The kits feature the Timbers Army chant on the inside of the collar. Nice little addition to pay tribute to their loyal fans. You can read more on the new kits over here.

Timbers Primary Jersey

Timbers Secondary Jersey

There you have it! Look for the new kits as the teams take the field this weekend, and during the 2013 season. If you want to order any of them you can do so on MLSgear.com.

Don’t forget to follow @AerysSoccer on twitter to keep up with all of the latest news, and game highlights from First Kick!

Well this is it! We’re are days, just days away from First Kick 2013 in Major League Soccer! Already, the expectations are high and the ladies here at Aerys Soccer cannot wait for the teams to hit the pitches again.

As we gear up for this season, we’re still looking for some writers to cover teams in MLS. Do you love talking about your favorite team? Feel the need to write up a rant or gush about a new player? Need to call out your coach or sing the praises of your favorite forward? Check out the graphic below listing the teams we have openings for and if you’re interested, let us know!

Hmmm, some great MLS teams listed! If you’re a fan of one or of the league in general, shoot me an e-mail at trista.lutgring@gmail.com! We’d love to bring you on board!

And as always, make sure to follow us at @AerysSoccer as we dive into MLS 2013

The Quakes are 3 points closer to the Supporters’ Shield and Wondo is 3 goals closer to Roy Lassiter’s league record of 27 goals in a single season. Oh, and one more thing–tonight he broke the franchise record for all-time goals scored. Guys. This is big. This is history in the making.

Those Rapids’ fans who braved the below-freezing temperatures at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park may not have been happy about it in the moment, but in the years to come they may be able to say that they witnessed Chris Wondolowski score goals 23, 24, and 25 en route to breaking a 16 year-old league record.

Having already been eliminated from the playoffs, Colorado coach Oscar Pareja decided to rest a few of his usual starters who have been struggling with injuries. San Jose, on the other hand, despite having long ago clinched their playoff spot, rolled out the big guns as they continued their pursuit of the Supporters’ Shield (and Total League Domination).

Well, the proof is in the pudding–er, the scoreline. San Jose’s Marvin Chavez scored in the 2nd minute, assisted by none other than Chris Wondolowski himself. Chavez returned the favor in the 11th minute, as he and Alan Gordon provided assists on Wondo’s first goal of the night. Wondo added his second in the 51st minute with an easily slotted ball that took a deflection off Rapids’ defender Drew Moor. He rounded out his hat trick in the 83rd minute off an assist from Sam Cronin.

The only event to mar the night was the red card shown to Quakes’ defender Jason Hernandez for a challenge from behind in the box, and the subsequent penalty converted by Colorado’s Andre Akpan. San Jose will have to do without Hernandez as they face the LA Galaxy on October 21; fortunately, center back Victor Bernardez should be back in the lineup after having sat out this game due to yellow card accumulation.

The Earthquakes now have 2 weeks to rest up and prepare for their final regular season home game. While there are pros and cons to having a bye week this late in the season, the team will no doubt take this time to ensure they are physically and mentally ready to crush and destroy defeat LA.

Image courtesy of mlssoccer.com

   It’s that time of year again where the final games are do or die for a playoff spot. Even though LA has already secured a spot, its possible they could draw the Wild Card, thus putting them in the line of fire of San Jose, but it’s too soon to be getting on that track! For now…

Let’s get down to it! For the first time in almost a month, David Beckham was back in the starting lineup for LA. Christian Wilhelmsson was not in the lineup due to an injury obtained during training. Both teams came out with the usual lineups, and a the thirst for a win. Colorado Rapids have not won a game against LA at Dick’s Sporting Good Park since 2009, and with their playoff hopes on the line they started off the game rough and out for blood.

Within the first three minutes, Juninho was knocked to the ground twice, with a Rapids player coming away with a yellow card as a result. LA looked good in the first half when Marcelo Sarvas hit a beauty of a shot into the upper ninety to give LA the lead 1-0. But Colorado wouldn’t let that get them down; in the 16th minute they scored to tie the game 1-1. The first half was a rough one. Magee came away with a yellow for a studs up shot that could have cost him a red. Then Donovan also drew a yellow for “taking down” a Rapids player. So if you were keeping up, that was three yellow cards in first thirty minutes! Crazy.

Then, in the closing minutes of the first half every LA fan, coach, and player’s worst nightmare came true. As AJ Delegarza was going into a 50/50 ball he knocked knees with a Rapids player and immediately went down. The trainer rushed to the field and determined that it was an injury that would make AJ forgo the rest of the game. AJ was carried off the field and was seen being carried to the locker rooms while putting no weight in his left leg.

This put a damper on the rest of the game for LA. (While all of this was going on I was curled up in a ball in the corner of my room trying to fathom what just happened. I still can’t out into words how worried I was/am about AJ.) (UPDATE; Preliminary result was a left knee sprain. Not final result.)

So LA’s first half wasn’t pretty by any means, and with players getting beat up, the second half would call for some heroes to step up and take charge. It didn’t come easy; Beckham was controlling the midfield for most of the game while trying to pick up the tempo. Nothing seemed to go LA’s way though. They weren’t able to string together passes, and their tempo was off the whole second half. Beckham was able to do 86 minutes before being subbed off for Michael Stephens. Pretty impressive after being out a MONTH with an ankle injury. Hmm… As the second half drew to a close, both teams decided to settle for the 1-1 draw.

It was a pretty uneventful game, (besides the missed calls and injuries.) LA are third in the West and Rapids are able to keep their playoff hopes alive.

STATS; Yellow- Magee, Donovan. Goal- Marcelo Sarvas (10th minute).

Next game will be Saturday, Oct. 6 against Real Salt Lake. Put on your Galaxy Gear and support the boys!

photo credit; LAGalaxy.com