First off, it’s late Wednesday I know. But in my defense, I really didn’t know I was going to be doing the Midweek Muscles post this week. Danielle always has some idea or something up her sleeve. So it was weird that when I suggested this week’s pick, she totally said I could put it together, as she’s still feeling the sting of Houston Dynamo beating LA Galaxy this past week. (Sorry Dani )

Anyway, during said game between the Dynamo and Galaxy, something was pointed out to me by my friend, Gail. Something I hadn’t quite admitted before. Tally Hall is pretty hot. And that’s why he’s this week’s Midweek Muscles choice.

So, Tally is, obviously, the keeper for the Dynamo. The Washington state native has been with Houston since 2009. He has a pretty bad ass record with them as well. In 2012, he set the club record with 12 regular season shut outs, by passing former keeper Pat Onstad’s record. He’s not afraid to get out there and knock around with forwards of opposing teams either. Oh and the man really knows how to pull off a pink kit.

Plus, Tally doesn’t look bad at all when he’s got this look going on.

Congrats to Tall and Houston on another shut out win tonight; they whooped up on D.C. United 4-0. Be sure to check out Tally on Twitter at @tallyhallGK and follow the writers of Aerys Soccer at @AerysSoccer!

I was going to have this long thing about it being Star Wars night and all of that, but after this game I wasn’t in the mood. UGH. I’m not holding back, so you’ve been forewarned! : ) Last night’s LA Galaxy game was a rematch from the 2012 and the 2011 MLS Cup. It was just five months ago when LA took on Houston at the HDC. There is a reason these two teams have made it to the MLS Cup for two years in a row. They play their hearts out and they put on a show. You have to admit, this is what soccer is all about. Last night LA played Houston for the first and only time in the regular season and it was a great game, if you were a Houston fan.

First half both teams turned it on, LA and Houston both had an excellent run of play. LA’s rookies stole the spotlight once again. Charlie Rugg had two chances, and Greg Cochrane dominated the back line. The first half was in the palm of their hands. In the 26th minute Josie Villarreal made a run and was taken down in the 18, thus he drew a PK. None other than Landon Donovan stepped up to take it, and… missed. Yes, he missed. This is the second PK Donovan has missed this season, which is odd. He’s still getting “back in to the swing of things” as Taylor Twellman stated in the broadcast.

I just wanted to go through the TV and give Donovan a pep talk, because it was a terrible PK. No power, a stutter step, and just flat out terrible. As the first half was winding down Houston started pushing forward and were looking to steal a goal before the break. They pushed all the way until the whistle blew, and lucky for LA, they couldn’t convert a goal. The teams went into the half 0-0.

Second half started just as it was hitting midnight on the East Coast, and boy was I tired. But hey, what’s a little beauty sleep sacrificed to watch LA play? Nothing, that’s what. Until the 56th minute I was really enjoying the game, and then Andrew Driver found the back of the net for Houston putting them ahead 1-0. This was a familiar place for LA though, as they were in this same position back in December. At this point in the game Mike Magee was furious. All night he was getting beat up and the referee was not calling anything Magee’s way. It was rather frustrating for LA and me (maybe because it was 12:30 a.m.).

Bruce made two crucial subs at this point trying to get a tying goal. Zardes came on for Rugg and Jimenez for Villarreal. This pushed Donovan up top, and made the game have a faster pace. Unfortunately this didn’t matter, as the final whistle blew LA fell 1-0 to Houston. Sad day, and a tough game to watch. Again the rookies proved they were tough players. Cochrane played the full 90 and never backed down from a one-on-one chance. I was impressed with all the players, but it just wasn’t their night. Even though it was hard to watch, you can’t win ‘em all!

LA’s next game will be May 11th against Vancouver.

We have a soft spot around here for defenders. When we close our eyes, we daydream about hanging out with Carlos Bocanegra, having a laugh with Geoff Cameron, talking style with Maurice Edu, waiting for Zach Loyd to give us a call (it would help if I gave him my number). And then sometimes we just have lots of feels for Steve Cherundolo because you’d be crazy to overlook that level of greatness. But if we spent all our time talking about them – you’d never know about Mike Chabala!

Mike Chabala is currently with the Houston Dynamo. The 28-year-old Fresno native has previously played for the Dynamo (2006-2011), he would go on loan with the Timbers and Austin Aztex before finally joining the Portland Timbers in 2011 and in 2012 do a spot with DC United.

Here’s Mike giving his best smoldering stare…I’m sure I had other things to do but now they don’t even matter.

Now, Mike has model good looks as evidenced here from Portland’s Fashion Week…

Here he is in a suit and tie, I’m sure he’s being asked about important things…like his thoughts on the current socio-economic decisions in third world countries or maybe they just want to know what hair products he uses. Personally, I want to tap the girl’s shoulder behind her and ask why she is trying hard not to notice there is a likely demigod in her presence.

Mike became the first soccer player to join the NoH8 Campaign in 2011.

And in 2011 he also did a photoshoot with Out Magazine. When asked why he had done the NoH8 campaign he said, “I think all discrimination is completely wrong. I believe in equality, plain and simple.” Brb, moving to Houston.

But it’s not all runways and charitable causes, Mike likes to hang out with his friends. Yup, that is Stu Holden there along with Brian Ching, Bobby Boswell and Erik Ustruck for a boy’s night out.

Before we leave you this week, we found this gif (now, I know it is heartbreaking for any Galaxy fan to see since the game was a loss 3-0 but I just couldn’t ignore it). Not only is he doing great work for charities and helping kids but he also knows how to karate chop!

You can find our new favorite defender, Mike on Twitter at @MikeChabala. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter too at @AerysSoccer and like us on Facebook!

Saturday night’s San Jose Earthquakes game was a rough one to watch. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was wrong, but something was definitely off for San Jose. They put some pressure on the Houston Dynamo, but their first touches weren’t clean and some of the decision-making seemed somewhat questionable. It was not the worst game I have ever seen, but it certainly was not the best.

I must give kudos to the Dynamo defense for keeping Wondo almost completely quiet for the whole game. He had an opportunity or two, but nothing that gave Houston keeper Tally Hall any problems. However, I DO take issue with the ref, but not for the usual reasons. Houston’s second goal seemed to be a direct result of a turnover that happened because the ref was in the way of a ball.

The Quakes had possession, but the ball bounced off the ref to a Houston player. This led to the sequence that ended with Giles Barnes heading the ball into goal–bravely beating Jon Busch who had come off his line with fists up to punch the ball away. This came after a goal by Will Bruin, also scored in the first half.

The highlight of the night was Alan Gordon coming off the bench to make his first appearance of the season. Unfortunately, he was unable to provide his usual spark and he had little, if any, impact on the game. Also of note is the fact that tonight marked captain Ramiro Corrales’ 300th appearance (300! The man is a beast!).

This was a night the players–and fans–will want to forget. Hopefully the boys can put it out of their minds and shake off whatever was holding them back. Next week’s home game against Vancouver cannot come soon enough.

(I suppose I should also mention that with tonight’s win, the Houston Dynamo tied the league record for a home unbeaten streak. I bring this up somewhat begrudgingly, but it is significant.)

Photo courtesy of John Todd/SJEarthquakes.com

El Capitán is coming home to Frisco!! Appropriate for the highly anticipated Rivalry Week in MLS, the Texas Derby ended 3-2 to FC Dallas with a ton of drama after a crazy and incredibly entertaining game.

The stadium (and Cooper’s jersey) exploded upon his game winning goal.

Not gonna lie, I was pretty apprehensive heading into this weekend. Houston have looked very strong over the past year, reaching the MLS Cup final for two years in a row, going unbeaten in their new home, and competing in the CONCACAF Champions League. Dallas on the other hand have gone through quite a few changes since failing to reach the playoffs last season. And the game was in Frisco.

From the starting whistle to the final, this game had me sitting on the edge of my seat, holding my breath. Dallas started off with a very different line up than what we’ve seen from the first two rather disappointing games. Houston, on the other hand, just didn’t produce the lethal play they employ at home, including a huge miss by Giles Barnes.

Then, in the 34th minute, all hell just about broke loose. Dallas scored twice in two minutes, both off set pieces. I’d barely sat down after running in circles screaming my head off in my living room from celebrating the first goal from George John by the time Andrew Jacobson managed to toe in the second!!! Dallas were 2-0 up over Houston in the first half. This was the first time Dallas had led Houston by multiple goals in the history of the Texas Derby. Ahhh! And here’s the kicker: Jackson was ruled offside a few minutes later on what would’ve been the third goal!! The replay showed he was dead even with Houston’s defenders, but the goal was still disallowed. Uggghhh!

In the second half, things got even spicier! After losing Will Bruin to injury in the first half, Houston made some very key substitutions which turned their game around. Goals from Brad Davis and Andrew Driver brought Houston level with at 2-2 with Dallas.

By this point, I was completely freaking out since very poor defensive mistakes and miscommunication allowed Houston to equalize almost effortlessly. Through the first two games of the season, I’ve been iffy about Raúl Fernández in goal. For the first half of this game, I felt pretty darn confident about his performance. Then he went and spilled an easy save, resulting in Houston’s equalizer. I’m trying to have faith in the guy, but something’s just not clicking with the goalkeeper and the back line. I really would prefer to see Chris Seitz in goal next week to see if that gives my nerves a break, but that’s up to Schellas.

With the game tied up at 2-2 and minutes slipping away, there was still plenty of time for more drama. In the 90th minute, Michel soared a cross into the box right to Kenny Cooper to made no mistake and buried the winner! At least I thought he made no mistake. The replay shows that Cooper missed the header and shouldered the ball down to his foot! Usually this would make me feel iffy about winning, but hey, Dallas had a goal incorrectly disallowed in the first half so I’m gonna let it slide.

And now the Howitzer cannon el Capitán is headed back to Frisco (where it belongs)! Talk about one helluva game.

Photos courtesy of fcdallas.com and mlssoccer.com.

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

Get ready everyone, the 2013 MLS Season is almost here! Here are the 2013 home openers for all 19 teams!

 Saturday, March 2:

Philadelphia Union vs. Sporting Kansas City (PPL Park)
FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids (FC Dallas Stadium)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Toronto FC (BC Place)
Houston Dynamo vs. D.C. United (BBVA Compass Stadium)
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Montreal Impact (CenturyLink Field)
Chivas USA vs. Columbus Crew (The Home Depot Center)

Sunday, March 3:

LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire (The Home Depot Center)
Portland Timbers vs. New York Red Bulls (JELD-WEN Field)
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake (Buck Shaw Stadium)

Saturday, March 9:

Toronto FC vs. Sporting Kansas City (TBD)
D.C. United vs. Real Salt Lake (RFK Stadium)
Colorado Rapids vs. Philadelphia Union (Dick’s Sporting Goods Park)
Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution (Toyota Park)

Saturday, March 16:

New York Red Bulls vs. D.C. United (Red Bull Arena)
Sporting Kansas City vs. Chicago Fire (Livestrong Sporting Park)
Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado Rapids (Rio Tinto Stadium)
Montreal Impact vs. Toronto FC (Olympic Stadium)
Columbus Crew vs. San Jose Earthquakes (Crew Stadium)

Saturday, March 23:

New England Revolution vs. FC Dallas (Gillette Stadium)

2013 is going to be one great MLS year!

Confetti, smoke bombs, goodbye posters and tears. Tonight’s game wasn’t short on any of those things. It was a storybook ending for the LA Galaxy, as they came away with the win 3-1 over Houston Dynamo. Many people said half way through the season that LA Galaxy wouldn’t be MLS Cup Champions again… Tonight they proved all of the haters and skeptics wrong. My recap of this extraordinary final is below.

As the whistle blew to start the game, both teams came out with a fire. Houston Dynamo started out with an intensity that LA couldn’t seem to match. For the first 10 minutes, the possession was all Houston. LA couldn’t get a foot on the ball no matter how hard they played. Josh Saunders had to step up in the early minutes to make a save.

Slowly, LA began to find their grove and play the kind of soccer you’d expect them to play. In the 12th minute Donovan missed a GLORIOUS chance to give LA the lead. Beckham made a great pass to Keane, who then opened up the play for Donovan… who put the ball just wide. LA had several chances to take the lead in the first 20 minutes, but just couldn’t put the ball in the net. In the 23rd minute, something magical happened. LA Galaxy fans did a cross chant of David Beckham. Talk about having cold chills! 

As the final half was winding down Dynamo players let off the gas, and Galaxy players picked up their tempo. That didn’t stop Houston from taking advantage, in the 44th minute Calen Carr scored the first goal giving Houston the lead 1-0. The script was thus flipped, and LA had to claw their way back up in the second half.

In the final 45, LA picked up their play tremendously. They just couldn’t finish. No matter how hard the midfield and defenders tried to get the ball to Keane and Donovan’s feet, neither could put the ball in the back of the net. Houston was taking LA’s mistake and using them to their advantage. In the 55th minute, Houston’s Calen Carr had a killer header that Josh Saunders had to strive to save. After so many missed chances by LA, in the 60th minute none other than Omar Gonzalez scored the equalizer and it was GAME ON.

The momentum changed completely, the crowd picked up their spirits and this game was in the palm of LA’s hand. In the  64th minute, after a scramble in Houston’s box, LA drew a PK and Landon Donovan gave LA the lead of 2-1. If this is in fact Landon’s last game, he was going out in style. LA never gave up the fight, they had the smell of victory and they were going after it with all they had. In the final minutes of stoppage time Robbie Keane drew another PK, and gave LA the final push to be MLS Cup Champions. As the final whistle blew, LA became back to back MLS Cup Champions, and tears of joy were falling from LA fans’ faces.

With a crowd of 30,510 LA Galaxy gave their fans exactly what they wanted to see… and they sent Beckham; and possible Donovan, out in style. MVP of the game was awarded to the man who made this team what they were this season; none other than Omar Gonzalez. He made this team stronger, and better this year. There’s no doubt about that…

Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to jam out to We Are The Champions while crying tears of joy for my team!

The 2012 Major League Soccer season has been insanely long – longer than most players of the league are use to. While this speaks volumes in the way of the progress of the American league, it is also testing teams and players in the post season.

If you need any kind of example of this, the first leg of the Eastern Conference final between Houston Dynamo and D.C. United today was a good one. Hearts may be willing enough in the post season, but some times bodies are not.

Within the first half hour of the match, there had been injury substitutions on both teams; most notably Chris Pontius for D.C. United. Pontius seemed to be favoring his right leg – a troubling sight indeed as he’s had a few troubles with a right groin injury in the past few games.

While the ending of the match was 3-1 in Houston’s favor, I think the real story here is the strain on the players’ bodies. D.C. United are the walking wounded, having not only lost players to injuries, but to red cards as well. It’s a lot to handle. And for a team like D.C. United, who has been the dark horse of this playoff season so far, it’s a hard pill to swallow. The fact your playoff hopes rest on who hasn’t been pushed to injury or out on cards? Not something one likes to face.

Tonight was only the first leg of this series. D.C. might get Dwayne De Rosario back next Sunday. They’ll definitely have Bill Hamid back (although I don’t think anyone can shun Joe Willis’ performance the past two games. Houston might have scored three, but Willis did his job well). The fact they will have home advantage will help too – not having to travel will give them rest and I have no doubt RFK will be rocking once more.

D.C. are young and hungry for the win – all they need is two goals to tie the series, three to win it. While holding Houston from scoring. Okay, so these are pretty big hurdles standing in their way, but they have went up against such a challenge before and been successful. Remaining cool and collected will be their greatest strategy on the second leg. If Ben Olsen can get through to his team to hold their heads on straight, they should have no problems. Houston were able to score three tonight because they profited from a young and exhausted team losing its cool. D.C. United turned their backs on the ball, slipped up a few times, missed good opportunities and it cost them. You can’t do that against Houston.

But the moments of brilliance tonight and against New York earlier have shown D.C. United have what it takes to take the eastern championship and go on to the MLS Cup.

And even if the injuries hold them back, even if there are some crappy calls they can’t get past, D.C. United have a lot to be proud of.