Okay … Saturday was rough for the Columbus Crew in the match against the Colorado Rapids. Almost like a repeat of last weekend when the Crew took on the New York Red Bulls. And I honestly have no idea what is going on with this team. And let’s admit it, it’s a pretty damn curious case. It’s getting to be pretty excruciating to watch this team play. The talent is there, the want is there, but what is missing from this set up that head coach Robert Warzycha is playing? The goals!!!! Where the hell are the goals?!?!?!?!?!?!

Photo courtesy of Columbus Crew’s official Facebook.

It’s absolutely driving me nuts! Watching the match and looking at the stats sheet, I could scream. Because it’s clear the Crew are doing things right, … right? They hold the majority of the possession. They get lots of shots on goal to pressure opposing defenses. The midfield is funneling balls through. But they just cannot finish for anything.

The word frustrating comes to mind at this point, but I’m not even sure if that can cover it completely. I know Arrietta would probably agree with me at least. A lot of Crew fans would too. It seems like the team has what is needed. There is a potential in the attacking force. There is a promise in the defense. Things should be adding up. But they just aren’t.

The call from some now is that it is time for Warzycha to be replaced. He’s been coaching the Crew since Sigi Schmid’s departure in 2008 and, admittedly, it’s been a rough road for Columbus. I think several fans – including myself – thought maybe this year, we would finally see some stability in the team. We were hoping to see an unbeaten streak at Crew Stadium well into the latter parts of the season. We wanted goals. So many goals we wouldn’t know what to do with them.

So would getting rid of Warzycha solve the problem? I can’t say that for sure. I admit, over the years, I’ve been ready to see him replaced and get new ideas into the Crew. But it’s easy to think a coach replacement would solve all a team’s problems.

And really, what problems exist for the Crew? The fact the team relies heavily on Federico Higuain to create things all over the pitch? That Dominic Oduro isn’t entirely consistent in his play up front? That Jairo Arrietta seems to always be off sides when headed toward goal? Chad Marshall’s fading physical presence in the back?

I can’t say a coaching change at this point would fix those and other ailments. But something needs fixing and fast. I want to see the Crew get past the first round of playoffs. Hell, I want to see them make a run to be in the final. I don’t think it’s too ambitious for them either. They just have to find the goals and find the rhythm as a team.

Crew players are touted as the hardest working team in MLS. I’ve always believed that for many reasons. Now they need to show it. They have to push for that missing piece right now at this point in the season. Because not only do I want to start believing in their playoff chances …. I want to start writing about them scoring a hell of a lot of goals.

All hail the champions!! Barcelona have now won their 4th league title in five years. It’s absolutely incredible! This season may have been a bit weird for them, what with Tito Vilanova spending most of the season in New York for cancer treatment and the team suffering countless injuries. Nevertheless, Barça started the season strong and out paced the rest of the league by miles. Real Madrid, the defending title holders, barely put up a fight. On Saturday, Madrid’s feeble 1-1 draw with Espanyol sealed the deal for Barcelona and left a 10 point gap between 1st and 2nd place.

Tito Vilanova celebrates Barcelona’s 22nd League title in the city parade

It was pretty evident in the first half of the season that they would win the league when Barça reached the point where they were 16 points ahead of 2nd place (Atlético Madrid at the time). However, the Catalans had to wait until this weekend to celebrate. They deserved to win. There is no doubt about that. But something feels off. 

Yes, they made it to the semifinals of the Champions League for a record 6th year in a row. Yes, Lionel Messi produced more magic to score against every team in consecutive games. Yes, Barcelona will equal the 100 point record mark set by Real Madrid last season.

But the champions have a lot of questions to answer in the offseason. They were absolutely steamrolled by Bayern Munich in the Champions League semis on an aggregate 7-0. Throughout the whole season their defense never seemed as solid as it should’ve been. Last season the question was “can Real Madrid feel satisfied in their League title if they never beat Barcelona?” (They eventually did.) This season Barça managed to draw 2-2 and lose 3-1 to Madrid in the Camp Nou in the League and the Copa del Rey, respectively. At the Santiago Bernabéu, Barça drew 1-1 in the Copa del Rey and lost 2-1 in the League.

Anyways, a huge congratulations to Barcelona on their 22nd League title!

In other news around the league, Real Sociedad and Valencia are tied for the last Champions League place, both with 59 points. Right now la Real just edges Valencia out of the spot on goal differential. With three games left, both teams are going to have to fight tooth and nail for that last golden spot. At the far end of the table, Mallorca, Celta Vigo, and Deportivo La Coruña are still stuck in the relegation zone (and Celta has already played an extra game). Real Zaragoza sits barely in safety just two points clear of danger. Here are the full results from the weekend:

Barça’s prize

Wednesday:
Celta Vigo 1-3 Atlético Madrid
Real Madrid 6-2 Málaga

Friday:
Levante 0-0 Real Zaragoza

Saturday:
Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Mallorca
Valladolid 1-0 Deportivo La Coruña
Osasuna 1-0 Getafe
Espanyol 1-1 Real Madrid

Sunday:
Rayo Vallecano 0-4 Valencia
Real Betis 1-0 Celta Vigo
Atlético Madrid 1-2 Barcelona
Málaga 0-0 Sevilla

Monday:
Real Sociedad 2-2 Granada

The Copa del Rey final is scheduled for this weekend at the Santiago Bernabéu between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. The Madrid teams played Málaga and Celta Vigo, respectively, on Wednesday to clear their schedules this weekend for the Madrid derby with silverware on the line. This is the only chance for either team to win a trophy this season, so the match promises to be very enticing! Be sure to catch it on Friday at 3:30 pm ET!

Photos courtesy of www.fcbarcelona.com. Check in with @AerysSoccer everyday for news on the world of soccer!

Topps and Major League Soccer have signed an exclusive trading card deal with product rolling out July 15, 2013. Topps brand manager Jeff Heckman was quoted as saying, “I just think it’s a league that is really on the rise,” Heckman said. “Soccer is an interesting place for us right now. As far as professional leagues, it’s always a bit slower. But with fan support and adoption, I think you have seen it grow in the last five to 10 years.”

Topps has been known to market other leagues from Europe but noted that with MLS growth also comes interest for collectibles. We’ve all become familiar with “bobblehead” night at recent LA Galaxy games so why not a trading card?

Beckett Media got a first preview of the player cards and let’s just say they are very impressive. Each hobby box will have 24 packs with 10 cards in each pack. In addition, there will be two autographs and three relic cards in every box. Autographs will include players from the MLS SuperDraft and top stars from the league on cards called MLS Maestros Autographs. Each autograph will feature four different parallels, including a Golazo parallel numbered 1-of-1. Other autographs include Golden Boot Die-Cut Autographs with current and former goal scorers.

Something to note, Heckman mentioned that Topps was looking to create a brand of collectible cards. So, the Landon Donovan card could be worth something later on…maybe the decks with Thierry Henry or Tim Cahill will fetch a good amount of dough one day in the future.

Chris Pontius’ DC United trading card

Graham Zusi’s Sporting Kansas City trading card

Now, I know it is slightly disappointing when we have mini images but I can say they are very nicely done and will definitely be something to grab when they hit the store shelves. I, for one will be collecting all the Dax McCarty cards and I’m sure players will no doubt love signing cards for fans and supporters alike.

FC Dallas may have conceded their earliest goal so far this season, but Je-Vaughn Watson had made a promise to his mother. He called his mom in Jamaica and told her he would score a Mother’s Day goal for her. Lucky for FCD, it proved to be the game winner too!

Watson and Woodberry celebrate the winning goal

With the oh-so-vital David Ferreira out injured, the line-up shifted to a 4-4-2 with Eric Hassli joining Blás Perez up front against DC United. It was the Frenchman’s first start and he put it to good use. After United managed to hit a ball off the post, Dallas seemed to wake up and go for it. Hassli found Jackson slipping behind the defense and assisted in Jackson’s third goal of the season. One of the funniest things I repeatedly heard the announcers calling was every time a DC player tried to get physical with Hassli. He’s a big dude and does not go down easily. Plus the tattoos with his newly shaved head look a bit menacing. Most of the time it left the United players on the ground with Hassli continuing on with the ball.

DC United equalized just before the halftime break. As frustrating as it was to concede off a set piece, there really was nothing Chris Seitz could do against De Rosario’s goal. There were just too many stationary bodies in the wall for Seitzy to see around. Anyways you do have to give De Ro props for scoring his 101st MLS goal. Dang!

The game might not have been the prettiest, but FCD keep their home unbeaten streak alive. Homegrown player London Woodberry got his second start and his second 90-minute outing for FC Dallas. With George John out on injury, it’s encouraging to see the young duo of Matt Hedges and Woodberry working out well.

Next weekend FC Dallas are on the road to take on the Seattle Sounders who romped over San Jose 4-0 this weekend. Should be an interesting match up! Till next time…DTID!

After defeating the New England Revolution 2-1 Wednesday, Real Salt Lake traveled to Canada to take on the Montreal Impact. RSL got off to a bright start with lots of high pressure on Montreal’s defense, and led to an early own goal. Full back Lovel Palmer hit a long range shot that deflected off Ferarri, over his goal keeper’s head, and into the back of his own net. 1-0 RSL.

RSL had multiple chances through Devon Sandoval, Sebastian Velasquez and Olmes Garcia, but good saves from Troy Perkins or firing their shots just wide kept them up just one goal. Sandoval and Garcia gave the Impact defense fits with their runs off the ball and physical play, leaving room for Javier Morales and Sebastian Velasquez in the midfield. Olmes Garcia in particular never stopped running on any chance making it hard for the Montreal’s defenders to keep track of him.

Despite their offensive chances, the defense lacked leadership with the absence of Nat Borchers, who was out with the flu. Chris Schuler and Kwame Watson-Siriboe starting along side each other, and Lovel Palmer started in place of Tony Beltran with Chris Wingert starting on the other side. Justin Mapp fired a cross into the box and picked out a wide open Felipe who powered it home, drawing the teams on level terms just before half time.

From a corner, Javier Morales found Olmes Garcia, who headed it backwards to a probing Kyle Beckerman who passed it past Troy Perkins to put the away team up 2-1.

The lead was short lived, however, as Marco Di Vaio controversially scored three minutes later. In the run of play Di Vaio seemed onsides, but after looking at the replay it was clear that he was almost half a body off.

It looked like Joao Plata, who came on as a late sub, would score the game winner in the 85th minute as Morales played a perfectly weighted pass to him, but Plata fired it straight at the keeper.

Montreal then earned a corner in one of the last plays of the game which found an unmarked Ferarri who made no mistake in scoring the game winner in the last minute of stoppage time. The game ended 3-2 for Montreal despite RSL’s control of the majority of the game.

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. 

It was a late Friday night for me and Danielle and our podcast kind of reflected that I think! But, as always, we had a great time talking about soccer!

This week, Danielle and I talked about Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Juan Agudelo’s move back east and what we really think about players’ rights in Major League Soccer.

So check it out here! -> http://bit.ly/19apIDR

Remember, you can follow Aerys Soccer on Facebook and on Twitter at @AerysSoccer! And Chicks & Free Kicks is also free on iTunes; just search for “Chicks & Free Kicks” or “Aerys Soccer Talk”!

I’ll keep this short and sweet because I’m writing this late on a Wednesday night: We won!!! Goals from boy wonder Adam Jahn and Chris Wondolowski gave the Quakes the 2-1 victory over Toronto FC. Enjoy the highlights!

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.