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!
With just a little over 20,000 in attendance at BMO Field in Toronto, the New York Red Bulls pulled a win on the road. Both goals were courtesy of Tim Cahill (39th, 89th) with Toronto answering with their own equalizing goal in the 65th minute from Jonathan Osorio.
The Red Bulls held most of the possession in the first half with Toronto struggling to hold their game together and never really had a shot on goal.
This was enough for New York to take the lead late in the first half with a fiery run from Roy Miller that sent the ball to Thierry Henry and finally landing at the foot of Tim Cahill. The ball would not be wasted as it was buried into the box by Cahill (or King Cahill as the fans have started to call him).
With Red Bulls in the lead, Toronto must have regrouped in the locker room because they came back recharged and ready to battle. New York continually held their line when Toronto started to take more possession and while this has been an issue in the past, it didn’t look like the Red Bulls could lose their lead. It would be a late challenge on goalkeeper Luis Robles and a dead ball situation (which has plagued the New York in the past). A failed punching attempt and Toronto sub, Jonathan Osorio would equalize in the 83rd minute.
With the clock running down, Tim Cahill was not going to let the team go down. Thierry Henry would feed the ball to him and just like
he has done so many times before in his professional career around the world, King Cahill headed the ball in for New York’s victory. This would seal their second win on the road.
The Red Bulls were missing both midfielders Dax McCarty (right quadriceps injury) and Juninho (suspension) on Saturday. It is unclear when Dax will be back with the team but one thing is for certain – the Red Bulls are creating some noise of their own on the East Coast.
The New York Red Bulls will have another road game on May 4th at Crew Stadium when they take on the Columbus Crew. The game will be televised on NBC Sports.
Well that was a tad…disappointing. After going up 2-0, FC Dallas conceded twice in the last few minutes of the game to come away with a 2-2 draw against Toronto.
The ball flies past Fernandez as FC Dallas settle for a draw.
Honestly, FCD had a pretty good run through the northeast and came home to Texas with four points from two games on the road. The first goal came in the first half off a set piece (yes, another one) and Andrew Jacobson made no mistake in firing the ball into the back of the net after it fell to his feet. Then Blás Perez doubled Dallas’s lead at the hour mark after a quick long ball from Jackson after Michel stole the ball from Bostock. This goal was kinda really awesome solely because of the speed at which FC Dallas switched from defense to attack.
However, the Dallas defense slowly began to unravel and Toronto scored twice through Justin Braun and Darrel Russel in the last 10 minutes of the game. Talk about whip-lashed emotions! I went from feeling very confident about winning the three points and then in a flash they were gone. To be fair, Toronto probably deserved the point from the draw as they really started to pressure FCD late in the game.
The turning point of the game came when George John was subbed off at halftime. In the last seconds of the first half, Michel took a corner for FC Dallas and shot a screamer off the rebound into John’s head. He finished the half out but the assumption is he failed the concussion test and wasn’t sent back on for the second half.
Instead, Schellas sent rookie HGP London Woodberry on for his first serious minutes. In his debut against Real Salt Lake, London only ended up playing about a minute. This proved to be a real test for the FC Dallas back line. Without George John’s commanding leadership role in the back line, the defense suffered from miscommunication and disorganization leading to Toronto’s goals. It’s great to see London getting playing time, but he’s going to have to have an impressive learning curve if John is out with injury for a while. Hopefully John’s head gets better soon!
Next weekend, FC Dallas host LA Galaxy in what’s looking to be a fantastic clash in the Western Conference! And the best part is I get to be there in Frisco! Until next week then!
TFC Stadium
I really love TFC’s stadium. Maybe it’s the view of Toronto from the press box, or just how cool it looks in this picture… but there’s something about it that I love. Just had to get that out of the way before continuing!
As everyone knows by now, Landon Donovan returned to LA Galaxy training earlier this week. It wasn’t told when he would be on the pitch, or even in the lineup, but today Bruce Arena surprised everyone putting Donovan in the 18. It was great seeing him back with the guys and Todd Dunivant said earlier today to TWC SportsNet, “It wasn’t a big deal inside (the team) with Landon being back, it was like he never left.”
It’s a nice statement from Dunivant, and says a lot about the team. With Landon being back in the 18 so quick, it makes me think that in his ‘sabbatical’ he got everything he needed and is back better than ever. Omar Gonzalez is also back with the team after his amazing run with the USMNT. Let’s hop right to it!
First half LA started off strong, and had the best run of play. My birthday was Thursday, so today I was hoping for a win to top off my week. Mike Magee must have known this because in the 16th minute he gave LA the lead 1-0 with his goal. He has had one heck of a season, and today was no different. It looked like LA had the game in hand early on with the majority of possession, then the 29th minute happened. It was a bad pass from Leonardo which Omar was trying to get to but before he could, out of nowhere Cudicini comes ALL THE WAY up to midfield range and missed the tackle. Thus leaving the goal wide open and giving Robert Earnshaw the goal that leveled the game. It was a run of mistakes which gave the momentum to Toronto. It was an awkward moment for the LA defense and Cudicini… Thankfully LA kept the first half 1-1 and didn’t let TFC come away with another goal.
Second half LA seemed a little winded, not sure why but they started off slow. They didn’t pick up their pace at all. It then turned into a ping pong type of game with LA losing possession almost every time they touched the ball. Something needed to change, and in the 61st minute low and behold, Landon Donovan made his grand entrance to a flurry of ‘boos’ from the TFC fans. It didn’t matter to Donovan though, because after he received the captain’s armband from Dunivant, he proved he still had it.
Landon was in the game possibly a minute before he had his first chance on goal. Given he didn’t score it was still nice to see him doing what he does best. This didn’t give LA any kind of boost, which was disappointing. TFC took the lead in the 79th minute after another terrible run of play from the LA defenders. Omar and AJ both seemed stunned and Juni didn’t track back, then the ball found the back of the net. TFC then lead 2-1, and LA had ten minutes left to get the equalizer or even the winning goal. Time was ticking away, and as the ref noted three minutes added time LA seemed to have a little bolt of energy. In the 92nd minute Villarreal gave LA the tying goal with an acrobatic scissor kick, which was seriously sweet/awesome/amazing, (you can watch it here) and helped LA come away with one point!
LA had a great game in bits and pieces, and having Landon back should give a nice little bump to the team as the season goes on. Having Keane back will also be nice! LA’s next game will be a CCL game Wednesday against Monterrey.
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!
We are four days away from First Kick for MLS and let’s just say that we couldn’t be happier. Sure we love other leagues and appreciate all they have to offer but MLS always has a special place in our hearts. Here are our favorites players in no particular order (well, a few just rank a little higher than others but we won’t say who), to help you get a bit more excited about the 2013 season!
Seattle Sounders’ Brad Evans is really under appreciated. Everyone should get to know him this 2013 season. And by everyone, I mean Jurgen Klinsman.
We know he might be dressed to play for Columbus Crew but that’s only because Dilly Duka did in fact play for them but has now been acquired by the Chicago Fire.
Justin Braun, what more can we say? Oh right, he’s wearing entirely too many clothes but give him a break – it is 36 degrees today in Toronto and what’s that? Oh, yeah they are expecting a blizzard. Bundle up, Justin – we wouldn’t want you to get sick and miss First Kick!
Sporting KC’s Teal Bunbury is just giving us a preview and we like what we see…please don’t stop on our account, carry on!
Dwayne De Rosario of DC United (and NYRB’s Thierry Henry)…sorry, I lost my train of thought…give me a moment.
I know…I know…but you have to admit that this is the best 2-for-1 special and let’s just say after two back-to-back championships, will we be surprised if there is a third one in the future? Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan definitely hope so. And while we are aware that Landon is on “hiatus” – this is Hollywood afterall and everyone loves a great comeback.
Be sure to check in with the ladies of Aerys Soccer as we get pumped up for First Kick this weekend! And don’t forget to follow us on twitter at @AerysSoccer, where we post articles, morning headlines and more!
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
Photo courtesy of Columbus Crew’s Instagram account
It was an ugly Sunday game. Not that the playing was bad, but the weather in Columbus for the last Crew game was … well anything but desirable for the last game they would play of the season.
And even though the players in black & gold were done after the match and had to look to 2013 a bit sooner than any of us really wanted, there was still a bit at stake during the match against Toronto FC. That something was the Trillium Cup. The Crew had a chance to sweep the series with the Canadian side and I know I was definitely expecting no less than a win for the Crew.
Things started good, got sketchy, but then came back. And despite it all, the Crew won, 2-1 off a brace from Higuain.
Now I’ve said this a time or two, but now that Columbus’ season is officially over I think it’s important to make the point again. Higuain will be the man to watch next season and the one that I think is that piece the Crew have been missing from their attacking puzzle. He’s the designated player now and he’s definitely more than ready to fit into that role. And as defender Josh Williams said Sunday about Higuain and Jairo Arrieta, “You give those guys 34 games and who knows what those guys can do.” I have a feeling what they will do will be great for the midwest team.
I also have to commend keeper Andy Gruenebaum this season. I mean, holy crap man. For a guy that came in on the fly after regular keeper William Hesmer was out with injury, Andy has proven how kick ass he can be between the posts for the Crew. He’s not called “The Hammer” for nothing. He’s been a strong force this season and I do hope he continues to feature in Crew line ups. He’s certainly worked and earned it.
Also, he’s up for MLS Keeper of the Year, and with a league-leading 124 saves … well come on, he deserves the honor.
So the Crew have 1.) swept the Trillium Cup, 2.) have a great future ahead with Arrieta and Higuian, and 3.) have Andy Gruenebaum at their back. What other awesomeness came from Sunday’s game and the 2012 season? Homegrown winger Ben Speas started the game and was a hell of a threat on the attack. The kid had three shots on goal and had tons of confidence to boot. That’s definitely a positive for the team.
So Crew fans, our season is over too early, but we can look back and know it wasn’t all bad. And we’ve got a hell of a jump on next season.
Sit back, enjoy the highlights of 2012 and starting counting down to Kick off 2013!
Dejan Jakovic of DC United is upended by Bright Dike of the Portland Timbers
It was an evenly matched back and forth kind of game last night between DC United and the Portland Timbers at JELD-WEN Field. That was, until the 60th minute.
A controversial hand-ball call on Portland gave United a penalty kick taken by leading scorer Chris Pontius. The goal, Pontius’ 12th, gave United a 1-0 lead over the Timbers.
Throughout the match, Portland’s Bright Dike made the match more interesting to watch than it might have been otherwise. The fiery forward missed a number of opportunities, but it was only a matter of time (79th minute) before he got one past United keeper Bill Hamid to even up the score. It remained 1-1 until the final whistle.
Although they struggle on the road, DC United could have used a win here. Now they’ll have to settle for the one point and fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Had they gotten the win, they would have been tied for second along with Chicago and New York.
Feasibly, Portland won’t make the playoffs. But they can consider themselves spoilers as they prepare themselves for next week’s match in Seattle. Should the Timbers win on Oct. 7, they will capture the Cascadia Cup title.
As for DC, they will continue their playoff quest on Oct. 6 at Toronto FC.
Branko Boskovic is Man of the Match by scoring DC United’s game winning goal against Chivas USA
Now tied with the New York Red Bulls for third place, D.C. United continue to defy all odds by winning their third game in a row since losing Dwayne De Rosario.
In a 1 – 0 win over Chivas USA Sunday night, the only goal came from an unlikely suspect. Branko Boscovic scored his first MLS goal in 39 appearances and since arriving at the club 2 years ago. Boscovic’s contribution continues to reinforce Coach Ben Olsen’s request for all players to step up and give a little more. He’s been challenging his players since first receiving the news of De Rosario’s season-ending injury and it seems to be working.
The coach also asked his team to pick up nine points in three games. At the time, it seemed an unrealistic goal, but his team has come through and are now only five points away from front-runners Sporting Kansas City. Olsen was pleased with the points and followed up Sunday’s game saying “we put ourselves in a good position”.
They may be in store for an even better position looking ahead. Over the next few weeks, United will be on the road to face Portland and Toronto, both with losing records this season. Continuing their current winning streak and racking up extra points can only put D.C. United in a more comfortable position as they look to face playoff hopefuls Columbus and Chicago in October.
