Well, it didn’t take long for the top scorer in the MLS to notch  another goal under his belt against the Chicago Fire.  With only 3 minutes into the match, Philadelphia Union’s Jack McInerney  headed in his righth goal of the year and beat the Fire 1-0.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Fire official Facebook page.

With zero goals and zero points in the last two games, the Fire need to find a line-up that can produce.  Chicago Fire Head Coach Frank Klopas is scratching is head and wondering what has happened to his team.  I am doing the same.  The Big Red is seeing red;  they are at the bottom of  The Eastern Conference with only seven points.  If they can’t get it together soon, they will be in jeopardy of missing the playoffs.

The Fire will have another week off until they play the lonely DC United.  The only team in the Eastern conference who has less points (4) than The Fire.  It will be the battle of last place.  At least Chicago will be at home for this match.  Home games seem to be a good omen for The Fire,  they are the only two games they have won this season.   Chicago really need this win to have an outside chance to make a run for those playoffs.  We’ll have to wait and see.

Going into tonight’s game, both LA Galaxy and the Philadelphia Union were in the middle of a three game stretch in eight days. Keane and Dunivant were back in the starting XI, while Sean Franklin was out of the starting lineup. Both teams were looking for a win, and LA pulled out all the stops in order to secure the three points.

First half started off perfectly for LA. In the 3rd minute LA Galaxy made a play that resulted in a corner, Donovan sent the ball in and it seemed as though the ball went off of Omar’s head and into the goal. But that was not the case, the ball went off of Philadelphia’s keeper Zac MacMath’s head and into the goal, resulting in an own goal for Philadelphia. But hey, anyway LA can get it goal, I’ll take it! From then on it was an interesting game from both ends of the field.

courtesy MLS Facebook

In the 10th minute, Robbie Keane got passed two defenders and was about to take a shot on goal when he saw AJ DeLeGarza running in the box. AJ ALMOST had a goal but MacMath made a good save that resulted in a corner. At this point LA was beginning to lose their footing and started making the same mistakes they made last week. In the 23rd minute it happened, Okugo evened the game and put Philadelphia back in the game.

This season the guys have had a tough time marking corner kicks, and that is exactly what happened tonight. Villaarreal lost his Okugo in the box and he ended up scoring… It was terrible. Union then gained control for the majority of time remaining, taking eight shots to LA’s two. In the 44th minute LA had a chance, and the ball went in the back of the net but Keane was “apparently” offside. Who knows. The first 45 ended 1-1.

The second half was all about some LA Galaxy. It took them about 20 minutes to get going, but when they did it was phenomenal. In the 71st minute, Robbie Keane proved he was back as he slid the ball into the back of the net to give LA the 2-1 lead. From then on LA looked like they were back into the swing of things. In the 80th minute Hector Jimenez brought it home for LA, he put the ball into the back of the net and made it 3-1. Just as you were thinking the game was over, the main man Landon Donovan proved why he should be called up to USMNT camp. He beat two defenders and it was GAME OVER as he made it 4-1.

This was a nice change for LA from the last two weeks. Having Keane and Dunivant back made a difference, and Landon Donovan also had something to prove to Jurgen. All of this made for a good game on LA’s behalf, not a [erfect game… but it was close enough!
LA’s next game will be May 19th against New York! It’s an early game; 1 p.m. EST/ 10 a.m. PST.

The Chicago Fire have been licking their wounds from their last defeat from the Montreal Impact and Fire head coach Frank Klopas had yet another new staring line-up Saturday to try and find a mix of players that can gel together.  The Fire have only led for an astonishing 14 of the 720 minutes in the 8 matches so far this season.  The Big Red definitely needed a win today if they hoped to keep their playoff hopes alive and had to stop the young  20-year-old who is tearing up the MLS, Jack Mclnerney.  The Union star leads his team with 6 goals.  The entire Fire team had 6 goals collectively.

“Jack McInerney got a chance last year to come in and be a starter,” Union manager John Hackworth said. “He was ready for that opportunity and he took that opportunity. He hasn’t relinquished that role since then. Anytime a professional player, who works so hard in training, has a chance to present himself as a starting player, it’s fantastic. In my experience, things can change once players get these chances.”  Chicago could only hope somebody, anybody, can do the same for this desperate team.

From only 7 yards out, Chicago Fires midfielder, Daniel Paladini, missed a golden opportunity to put the Big Red on the board during the first half.  A couple of spectacular saves by Philadelphia goal keeper Zac MacMath during the first 45 minutes  kept the game scoreless as well. MacMath is another young upcoming star for The Union.  (He’s only 21 years old.)

The second half began with high intensity from both teams, but at the 75 minute mark,  Philadelphia’s young gun Jack Mclnerney scored his seventh goal of the season. Around the midfield area, a quick free kick by Philadelphia’s Sebastien Le Toux caught Chicago asleep.  Le Toux lobbed a beautiful long volley right to speedy Mclnerney, who got behind the Fire’s defenders to score the only goal of the game.  It was the only opportunity the Union needed to capitalize.  The game ended 1-0 in favor of the Union.

Next week, the Fire will travel to Philadelphia and play this same team again.  The season looks like it’s slipping away from Chicago.  Maybe another new starting line up from head coach Frank Klopas might ignite some goals next week and The Fire can escape Philly with a win.  Maybe.

Keep up with all Major League Soccer news right here on Aerys Soccer. 

Conor Casey collides with Robles in the box

With a first half that had us all wondering if this would be a repeat of games past, the New York Red Bulls must have had a very interesting talk with coach Mike Petke in the lockerroom because when they came out, the team looked like they were ready to get down to business. Today is the first win for the Mike Petke era of the New York Red Bulls.

Dax McCarty pulled in the first goal in the 55th minute of the game with an assist from Johnny Steele and Juninho. The Red Bulls had chance to score but Philadelphia’s Gaddis would be quick to deny any hope.

The joy felt by supporters would be dashed in the 63rd minute when Conor Casey equalized for the Union. But RBNY’s defenders would step up big to deny the Union time and again. A bicycle attempt from Thierry Henry in the 71st minute would have been a perfect way to end the game but the shot went wide and once again Red Bulls were denied. However, it would be an Henry goal in the 81st minute with an assist from Luyindula that would give the Red Bulls the game winning goal and seal their three-points at home.

Heath Pearce with some heat from the Union

In extra time, Conor Casey collided with NYRB’s goalkeeper, Luis Robles in the box. He was given a yellow for the challenge and while it looked brutal to watch – Robles was up on his feet after being examined by medical staff.

Henry was named Man of the Match but don’t let that fool you. As I’m sure other supporters will agree – Dax McCarty was once again proving that he is an integral part of the team. Tim Cahill wore the captain’s armband today and later tweeted, “Proud to wear the armband today for@NewYorkRedBulls and get our first win of the season. Amazing day for players staff and fans #RBNY”

Philadelphia Union tries to hold back NYRB

The Red Bulls take on the Chicago Fire April 7. This is an away game for NYRB and will air on ESPN2.

NYRB Starting XI: Robles; Kimura, Olave, Holgersson, Pearce; Alexander, Juninho, McCarty, Steele, Luyindula, Cahill (c)

Make sure to follow Aerys Soccer on Twitter at @AerysSoccer and like us on Facebook!

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!

Red Bull Arena is sold out tonight for RBNY’s potential playoff-clincher against #1 Sporting KC. Photo via newyorkredbulls on Facebook.

We only have two more weekends in MLS and the race to the Cup is at its boiling point.

Three of today’s six matches have major playoff implications in the Eastern Conference, as the Red Bulls, Dynamo and Crew all look to clinch their spots. Sporting KC and Chicago Fire can rest a little more comfortably in their matches with the Red Bulls and Revs, knowing they’re already in. But SKC doesn’t want to relinquish that top spot and the Fire can catch up to them with three points tonight. Can you feel the heat?

The only issue with tonight’s action? It’s all on at the same time! If only MLS had its version of NFL RedZone.

Not only that, but the U.S. Women’s National Team resumes their Olympic Victory Tour at 6:30pm ET with a friendly against Germany, ranked #2 in the world. And as your resident USWNT writer, you know I’m not missing that one. My DVR will be on overdrive. Here’s what I’ll be watching and my predictions:

New York Red Bulls vs Sporting KC. – 7:00pm ET, Red Bull Arena (MSG+ NY)

The Red Bulls are home, in front of a sellout crowd, facing the #1 team in the conference. Win and they’re in. Piece of cake, right?

RBNY spent the season aggressively acquiring new talent — Sebastian Le Toux, Heath Pearce, Tim Cahill – to make sure they’re still standing on December 1. The Red Bulls have only lost 2 games at home this season, so the chances that they pull out 3 points in this one are pretty high. Then again, who was their first home loss to? Oh, right. Sporting KC.

Now, even if they lose, RBNY can still get in with a Crew loss at D.C. United today, but this team doesn’t want to leave their playoff chances in anyone else’s hands, especially their rivals down I-95. If they draw against KC, they can still get in with a Dynamo loss to Philadelphia (not likely) or a draw between the Crew and United.

My pick: Red Bulls 2 – 1 Sporting KC

U.S. Women’s National Team vs Germany - 6:30pm ET, Toyota Park (FOX Soccer Channel)

While the Chicago Fire are on the road at New England, their home turf will be occupied by the two top women’s soccer teams in the world: USA and Germany. Yes, it’s only a friendly and there’s no major international tournament in sight until the 2015 World Cup, but there’s something different about this one. It’s the U.S’s first match in five years without Pia Sundhage at the helm. USWNT Development Director, Jill Ellis, will step in as interim head coach.

But it’s not just about a new head coach. This is the beginning of a new era for the U.S. Women. It’s unlikely that the U.S.’s lower spine, Christie Rampone and Shannon Boxx, will return for the 2015 World Cup. Abby Wambach will be 35. Youth is on the rise. Becky Sauerbrunn will likely anchor the center of the backfield, but the rest of the defense is up for grabs. Will Olympic heroine Carli Lloyd keep her role as the attacking central midfielder, or will Lauren Cheney or even Tobin Heath supplant her? We’re going to see more of Sydney Leroux, for sure. But will Olympic alternate Christen Press get in the fold? This may be a Fan Tribute Tour for their Olympic victory, and in this match we’ll see the familiar faces, but everything is changing.  The competition for 2015 starts now.

My pick: USA 3- 2 GER

Follow @AerysSoccer on Twitter for MLS and U.S. Soccer commentary throughout the weekend. You can also follow me at @dwag29 if you can put up with my during commentary Notre Dame and Chicago Bears football games. 

Whew, these late game winners are doing nothing for my heart. To say the Columbus Crew’s game against the Philadelphia Union was nervy or filled with tension doesn’t really cover it, I think. I mean, come on …. it’s playoffs! And yes, I will continue to talk about the craziness of the games leading up to the playoffs until we’re actually IN the post season.

We’re in familiar territory here, as Crew fans. Columbus is sitting on the outside, looking in on a tight race. Everything the players, the staff, the TEAM does in the next few weeks determines the  fate of their MLS Cup dreams. And let’s be a little honest with ourselves; in a race this tight, the Crew have been pretty lucky thus far.

Saturday’s match up is a prime example. I mean, not only did the Crew snatch a win in the dying minutes of the match – a feat they are getting particularly fond of and my heart is not, by the way – but they did it on a goal that is making a few of us scratch our heads. Even head coach Robert Warzycha teased the media about his thoughts on the goal.

If you didn’t see it, let me set the stage for you. It’s the 87th minute of the match and the Crew – after having a strong first half where they were up 2-0 – are now looking at their playoff spot slipping away as the seconds tick by. Danny Cruz smashed home a penalty earlier to bring one back for the Union and just 60 seconds ago Philly sub Jack McInerney shocked the Crew with a leveler.

Time was running out and the only thing to do at this point is push and pray for a miracle. With possession, in front of the Union’s goal, Josh Williams pushes forward and cuts in. He’s got three guys in front of goal,  heavily covered by the Union defense, so he slots it back to Milovan Mirosevic. From this point, it’s a cluster – a down right mess in the box. Crew players are trying to slot it through and Union players are trying to kick it back.

Williams nicks it and suddenly it’s at Mirosevic’s feet again and he’s in front of goal with only the keeper to beat. And he decisively knocks it past the keeper.

In the heat of the moment, I was convinced of the certainty of the strike. That the goal was completely on sides. But then I watched as they immediately started the replays.

Yeah …. Duncan Oughton was right on his call on that – Milo was completely off sides when Josh smacked that ball back to him. But for some reason, to the chagrin of the Philadelphia Union, the ref didn’t budge and the goal stuck. The Crew would hold on 3-2 and get a crucial three points to keep up with Houston – who also won on the weekend – and D.C. United – who only came out with a tie.

So what’s the point? Luck goes a long way? Eh, yes, but I don’t think that’s the point. Milo said it best in his post-game interview.

“Maybe if the game finishes like that, we’re out of the playoffs already,” Mirosevic said after the match. “We have to be more careful.”

I love the Crew; have for many years. But that loyalty and love cannot disguise the fact that the team is in a bit of trouble here. Nervy, last-minute wins will not get the black and gold into the playoffs or even close to the finals. Is the team capable of it? Yes, I have no doubt in my mind. But there is no way that can be done if the defense allows teams to pick them a part.

Jairo Arrieta gave the team a brace in the first half. An effin’ brace! Blowing a 2-nil lead is not good enough. Especially when they will be taking on Eastern Conference leaders Sporting Kansas City on Sunday. It’ll help having the home advantage. However, I won’t be at ease until I see the defense tighten up. The Columbus Crew still have a light on their playoff hopes. But they need more than their end-of-the-match ol’ fashioned luck to get them there.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Crew’s Facebook page.

Captain Chris Pontius crosses to Lionard Pajoy who volleys in the game winning goal for D.C. United

D.C. United is on a roll!  They are far from being considered title contenders at this point, but they are moving in the right direction with two wins in a row since losing 2011 MLS MVP Dwayne De Rosario to a knee injury last week.

Last night’s 1 – 0 win over the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park, finally broke United’s three month away losing streak.  The last time the team won on the road was June 16. Ouch! And it was a huge win too, after rivals Columbus Crew stole three points from Chivas USA Wednesday night and took fifth place in the East, moving one point above D.C.

It’s a tight race in the Eastern Conference.  D.C. (14-10-5) are now in the number four position with 47 points, only two points behind the New York Red Bulls.  The Houston Dynamo is right on DC’s tail with 48 points and the Columbus Crew has 49.  The top five teams qualify for the postseason playoffs.

Lionard Pajoy, who scored five goals with Philadelphia before a mid-season trade to United, missed his first opportunity early in the second half, but thankfully made up for it later.

Substitute Macon Santos created the play for DC with a cross to newly named skipper Chris Pontius on the right.  Union goalkeeper Zac McMath came well off his line as Pontius made his way into the area and chalked up his fourth assist with a cross to Pajoy.  The composed Columbian forward chested the ball down and half-volleyed from eleven yards outside the box.  It was all over – ball in the net – before McMath could recover.  Check out his goal.

While D.C. was good enough offensively, the defense was a little shaky as goalkeeper Bill Hamid was put to the test.  But to his credit, he stopped six shots and notched his sixth shut out so not too shabby.

As I said, a good enough performance from D.C. United, who were pretty much dismissed as a playoff possibility only two wins ago.  Keep up the good work boys!

On Sunday, tune in as D.C. United host Chivas USA and Houston will travel to PPL Park to take on Philadelphia.