MLS Major League Soccer

MLS Newsstand - August 3, 2016

Published on August 3, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


1. After two disappointing seasons, Olmes Garcia showing signs of progress

By Aaron Falk Salt Lake Tribune - August 2, 2016

Even Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake had to admire the two goals that led Real Salt Lake to victory Sunday night.

"Two beautiful goals," the Union keeper said. "Kudos to those guys. I mean, if someone's going to score a goal maybe that's how you want them to score."

RSL goalie Nick Rimando called them "world-class goals."

"Our special players," he said, "we expect them do that."

RSL benefited from moments of individual, brilliance from striker Joao Plata and midfielder Javier Morales to snag a 2-1 win on the road over the weekend-highlight-reel goals from two of their attacking stars.

A bit more unexpectedly, Salt Lake also benefited from a solid, 90-minute performance from striker Olmes Garcia.

"It was arguably his best game in an RSL uniform," head coach Jeff Cassar said Tuesday.

Garcia did not score Sunday in his start. He hasn't since June of last year. But the Colombian forward notched one assist and might have had another if his perfectly weighted pass to Plata in the first half hadn't resulted in a shot scooting just wide and hitting the post.

"He was very good with the ball. We were able to play into him, play off of him," Cassar said. "Both goals came from having him in different positions in the front line. I think anytime you have that kind of mobility from your target forward, it really impacts the defense."

And Cassar may very well have to call on Garcia again Wednesday night when RSL (9-6-7, 34 points) visits Toronto FC (8-7-6, 30 points) to complete a two-game road trip.

Garcia started Sunday with leading goal-scorer Yura Movsisyan sidelined by a hip flexor strain.

"Yura is day to day, but we're going to always err on the side of caution with this injury," Cassar said Tuesday.

Preparing for a Toronto frontline that features Sebastian Giovinco, the league's second-leading scorer, and U.S. national team striker Jozy Altidore back from injury and in goal-scoring form, RSL could use all the firepower it can muster.

Garcia, 23, has mostly disappointed since showing some brief flashes of brilliance when RSL acquired him in 2013. After scoring five goals and notching four assists in his debut season with the club, Garcia has managed just five goals since.

Still, Cassar believes the speedy striker has begun to turn a corner and still has time to make a positive impact.

"It's another year of him being more comfortable in our formation," the coach said. "He's still a young man and he's getting more mature both on the field and off the field. You know, players always love opportunities, but you have to earn those. This year, Olmes is earning the opportunities that he's getting and more and more, he's taking advantage of these opportunities."

2. Real Salt Lake hoping to cap East Coast swing with result in Toronto

By James Edward Deseret News - August 2, 2016

Historical trends in soccer suggest that the team that scores first is far more likely to win, and the odds of losing goes down significantly.

By rallying for a 2-1 victory last Sunday in Philadelphia, Real Salt Lake continued to defy soccer logic.

Second-half goals by Joao Plata and Javier Morales helped RSL overcome a 1-0 halftime deficit and improved the team's record to a whopping 5-4-2 when allowing the first goal this season. Last year, RSL's record in similar circumstances was atrocious at 1-13-2.

"Yeah, a lot of character. I think the early success with going down a goal and getting some wins and some ties, then when we do go down a goal nobody panics and we feel like we still can win it. And that was the same tonight," Kyle Beckerman told reporters after the match.

For comparative purposes, Los Angeles and Montreal have the second-most wins when conceding first with three. Five teams have two wins, five have one, and a staggering six have zero.

Those six teams have rallied for numerous ties after allowing the first goal, but their lack of wins reiterates how important scoring the first goal is in MLS.

RSL's opponent this Wednesday is one of those six teams still searching for a come-from-behind win, as Toronto is 0-7-4 in those situations this year.

Real Salt Lake's 17 points from a losing position represents half the team's points this season.

"Today was a really important game. To be able to come out and get a win was really important for us. So, hopefully we can take the momentum right into the next game," said Beckerman.

Wednesday's match at Toronto (5 p.m., KMYU) is the second in an East Coast swing that Real Salt Lake talked confidently about ahead of time. With all the disappointing ties at home lately, the players talked how a change of scenery could help shake off the cobwebs.

That's what happened in Philadelphia.

"Things weren't going our way for a while, I felt like. Everything was against us. We weren't hitting the back of the net and soft goals were going in. Today felt like a little mirror in the second half and to get those three points heading into Toronto, it feels good to get that monkey off our back with the ties," said RSL keeper Nick Rimando.

Javier Morales, who scored the game-winning goal, echoed those sentiments.

"Yeah, it means a lot to us, especially after a couple ties at home. We needed a win so bad. I think, today, we earned it and we worked hard. I think we deserved the three points," he said.

Toronto sits in third place in the Eastern Conference with 30 points (8-7-6), but it's been very good at home with a 5-1-3 mark this season. Toronto won its last two home games very comfortably, beating D.C. United 4-1 and Columbus 3-0.

3. Toronto FC looks to squelch RSL's Argentine attackers

By John Molinaro SportsNet.ca - August 3, 2016

TORONTO - They call Juan Manuel Martinez el Burrito ("the Little Donkey"), a cute nickname that belies how dangerous of an attacker he's become since coming to Major League Soccer.

Martinez was a mid-season pickup by Real Salt Lake last season, and while it took some time for the Argentine forward to acclimate to his new surroundings, he has come good in 2016, scoring six goals and adding two assists in 18 starts for the Utah-based club.

Countryman Javier Morales, of course, had already firmly established himself in MLS by the time Martinez landed in Salt Lake. Morales is generally recognized as one of the best playmaking midfielders in the league, his 47 goals and 80 assists in just over 200 regular-season appearances for RSL since 2007 underlining his enormous value to the club.

Saturday programming alert: Watch New England Revolution vs. Toronto FC on Sportsnet 360 on Saturday, August 6 at 7:30 pm ET. You can also watch the game online at Sportsnet NOW || Broadcast schedule The Argentine duo should pose a stiff test for Toronto FC's defence when the two sides meet Wednesday evening at BMO Field. TFC is coming off a clean-sheet win, and has only conceded one goal in its past two games, both wins. Morales and Martinez should ask some very serious questions on the Reds' back line, though.

"They're a very good attacking team, with Javier Morales pulling the strings. He's a guy who's been doing it for years in this league. He's very clever, very shifty in that you think he's going to do one thing and he does something else," Toronto coach Greg Vanney said.

"They have Burrito who has come into the league and immediately started causing problems with his attacking prowess. He's very good on the dribble, and can get you unbalanced. He's a good passer, and always thinking goal."

RSL's attack, powered by the Argentine duo, and abetted by midfield stalwart Kyle Beckerman and former TFC forward Joao Plata, is not easy to contain, according to Vanney.

"They're active, they're busy. They're very fluid. They will show up in different areas of the field. Morales won't just stay in the middle of the field, so it's hard to necessarily keep one or two specific guys on him... What they do is not necessarily very set and clear cut, but there are four guys in particular who are very fluid and very dangerous," Vanney warned.

Frenchman Benoit Cheyrou (hamstring) has been ruled out of Wednesday's game for TFC, which means youngster Marky Delgado will likely start in his place for the second straight match in central midfield as a defensive shield for the back four.

However, Vanney stressed it just can't be up to Delgado to shut down Morales.

"It doesn't just go down to Marky, it's a collective defending thing because Morales will not just stay in one position where you can say to Marky, 'hey, keep an eye on him.' Between Drew [Moor] and the group that are in the back, they have to know where he is at all times," Vanney explained.

"[They need to] keep an eye on him because where he drifts that's where the play tends to go because they look for him, and he is usually very clever about setting up in areas where the ball will go."

Like Morales, Martinez likes to drift too in search of open spaces to exploit.

"He won't just hang out on the outside, and Plata won't just hang on the outside. They'll both be very active, and we have to communicate through their switches [of positions] and control our spaces," Vanney said.

Real Salt Lake (9-6-7) sits fifth in the Western Conference, and is coming off a 2-1 road win over the Philadelphia Union on Sunday.

NOTES: Toronto is 4-8-2 all-time against Real Salt Lake in MLS action. The previous meeting between TFC and RSL was March 29, 2015 when the Reds lost 2-1 in Utah. This is the only game between the clubs this season... The Reds are still missing goalkeeper Clint Irwin (quadriceps strain), Canadians Will Johnson (bone fracture) and Ashtone Morgan (toe), captain Michael Bradley (knee) and fellow midfielder Daniel Lovitz (knee)... Toronto completes its four-game homestand on Saturday versus the New England Revolution.

4. Steven Taylor ready for 'new chapter' with Portland Timbers

By Jamie Goldberg The Oregonian - August 2, 2016

Steven Taylor still remembers the excitement he felt back in 2003 when he turned pro and joined his hometown club Newcastle United F.C.

For the first time in a while, he's feeling that excitement again as he prepares to embark on a new chapter in his career with the Portland Timbers.

"I've got that feeling now where the excitement is back," Taylor said. "I've got my happy feet."

The Timbers officially announced Monday that they had inked the long-time Newcastle United defender to a contract.

Portland has struggled on defense for much of the 2016 season. They've conceded 34 goals in 23 games, which is second worst in the Western Conference.

The club is hoping that Taylor will give them a much-needed boost on the backline.

"Taylor is more of a guy that's going to throw his body about and put his face into things," Porter said. "He plays balls to the wall."

Taylor arrived in Portland last week and has been training with the Timbers as he attempts to work his way up to full fitness.

Porter said it could take the defender a few weeks to be fit enough to start and play 90 minutes for Portland. Taylor had an extra training session Tuesday and could possibly feature for T2, Portland's USL team, in the coming weeks as he works his way up to full fitness.

"My main thing now is getting fit," Taylor said. "I'm excited. I can't wait to get out there."

Once he is 90-minutes fit, Taylor is expected to slot in alongside captain Liam Ridgewell at center back for the Timbers. Taylor said he doesn't expect the transition to be too difficult. The 30-year-old English defender played alongside Ridgewell in the England youth national team system.

"I played in the England youth level with him," Taylor said. "I knew all about him when he was at Aston Villa, Birmingham. I played against him in the Premiership."

Even before Taylor made the decision to join the Timbers, he said he had been watching MLS games on Sky Sports in England and had been impressed with how much the level has improved in recent years.

He said he expects that he'll have to defend some "world-class" strikers in MLS and is excited for the challenge.

"I want clean sheets," Taylor said. "I'm going to try my hardest to give (the fans) something to shout about. The main thing for me is winning games. I don't care how we do it. As long as we win games, I'll be happy."

After 12 seasons at Newcastle, Taylor sees the opportunity to join the Timbers as an exciting step in his career.

In England, there weren't many opportunities for him to win things with Newcastle. In Portland, he hopes he can help the club win trophies.

"I want to win something," Taylor said. "I think back in England, the chances to win something are very little. For me to come out here, the opportunity to be a Portland Timber is something I'm going to relish."

5. Portland Timbers sign Nigerian defender Gbenga Arokoyo

By Jamie Goldberg The Oregonian - August 2, 2016

The Portland Timbers have signed Nigerian defender Gbenga Arokoyo.

The signing comes a day after the Timbers announced the acquisition of veteran English Premier League defender Steven Taylor.

Arokoyo will occupy an international roster spot. The 23-year-old will be added to the roster after the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 visa. The Timbers did not release the terms of the contract.

Timbers coach Caleb Porter said last week that the Timbers were looking to sign both a veteran defender (Taylor) that can step in now and a younger player (Arokoyo) that the club could groom for the future.

"He's young," Porter said. "He's 23. We do think he has some areas of his game that will need improvement, but he's an athletic profile and he's young. He needs a little bit of work tactically, but he's already been playing as a professional, so he's not unproven."

Below is the full release from the Timbers:

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers have signed Nigerian defender Gbenga Arokoyo, it was announced today. He will be added to the Timbers roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa.

The Timbers acquired the Discovery Priority on the defender from New York City FC in exchange for Targeted Allocation Money and a conditional third-round 2017 MLS SuperDraft pick.

"Gbenga is a young, athletic defender who we believe will be a strong asset to our back line as he continues to develop within our club," said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers.

Arokoyo, 23, joins the Timbers with over 90 matches played in Europe, featuring in the top divisions in Sweden and Turkey since beginning his professional career in 2010 with Nigerian club Kwara United.

"Gbenga is a talented young player with an athletic profile and he has a big upside for the future," said Caleb Porter, head coach of the Timbers.

Most recently, Arokoyo spent the past two seasons with Turkish S-per Lig club Gaziantepspor, recording 40 appearances, one goal and three assists during that two-year span. Prior to joining Gaziantepspor, Arokoyo spent three seasons with Mjällby AIF in Allsvenskan, the top division in Sweden, recording 56 appearances and one goal.

At the international level, Arokoyo has earned two caps with the Nigerian National Team, making his senior-team debut against Mali on May 27, 2016. Coming up through the youth national team ranks, Arokoyo made 20 appearances for the U-20 Nigerian National Team and was part of the squad that won the 2011 U-20 African Youth Championship.

Arokoyo will occupy an international slot on the Timbers roster.

6. Portland Timbers examining new stadium expansion plan that could add 3,500 seats

By Jamie Goldberg The Oregonian - August 2, 2016

The Portland Timbers are in the process of examining the feasibility of a new stadium expansion plan that could add up to 3,500 seats to Providence Park.

The Timbers have been looking at ways to significantly expand the seating capacity at the stadium for over a year.

Providence Park currently seats 21,144 fans, but the demand for Timbers tickets is much higher. There are now nearly 13,000 fans on the Timbers' season ticket waitlist.

Earlier this year, the Timbers had been looking into a plan that could add up to 2,000 new seats to Providence Park, but in recent months they've abandoned that initial plan and started to hone in on a new design that could add even more seats.

"We have huge demand to attend our matches and we need more seats to satisfy at least part of that demand," Timbers President of Business Mike Golub said. "We've been examining a new approach in last few months that we're excited about that would add as many as 3,500 seats."

While adding seats is obviously a priority for the Timbers, Golub said that the club is only interested in expanding capacity in a way that would not adversely impact the current fan experience.

"This new design that we're focusing on is really exciting because it's new real estate in an area that's really complimentary to the existing fan experience," Golub said. "If it ends up being feasible, we think it will be a really exciting scenario."

While Golub would not discuss the specifics of the design, he said the Timbers are currently working with a firm to determine whether the new plan is both operationally and economically feasible. The Timbers have said in the past that they plan to pay for any renovations.

To move forward with the plan, the Timbers would need approval from the city. If the new plan does pans out, renovations could not feasibly begin until after the completion of the 2018 season at the earliest, Golub said.

"We're really serious about it," Golub said. "It's just a matter of finding the right design and the right approach, which we think we're potentially honing in on."

7. Norberto Paparatto officially joins FC Dallas

By Buzz Carrick Dallas Morning News - August 2, 2016

FC Dallas has officially acquired Argentine defender Norberto Paparatto pending receipt of his ITC. Paparatto played in 2014-15 with the Portland Timbers but declined the contract offer the club made last off season.

FC Dallas acquired the Right of First Refusal on Paparatto from the Portland Timbers in exchange for Targeted Allocation Money.

Paparatto started his career at CA Lanús and played for CA Tiro Federal and Tigre (where he won the 2008 Apertura) prior to joining Portland. He, as FC Dallas fans will be well aware, won MLS Cup last season with Portland.

As for the CONCACAF Champions League opening match against Real Esteli FC this week, FCD said they "expect [Paparatto] to be eligible for Thursday night but it is not yet 100% completed."

Paparatto has been with FC Dallas all week training, as spotted by Deporte Total USA.

8. Red Bulls officially announce addition of Daniel Royer

By Daniel Falkenheim NJ.com - August 3, 2016

The New York Red Bulls officially completed the transfer of Austrian winger Daniel Royer, the club announced through a press release on Wednesday.

"Soccer wise, from wide spots he can be very dangerous," Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch told reporters after Tuesday's training session. "He can be dangerous, he can be active, he can be mobile, he's clever. He's played against Salzburg, so he knows a little bit of the Red Bulls' style of play."

Royer tallied two goals in 23 Danish Superliga appearances with FC Midtjylland in the 2015-16 season, and has also appeared in 13 UEFA Champions League matches. The 26-year-old winger has played in six games for the Austrian national team since 2011.

"I had dinner with Daniel [Royer] last night," Marsch said after Tuesday's practice. "You can tell that he's a really smart player, really smart guy, has a good mentality, is excited about this challenge. He asked a lot of really educated questions last night about our team, our players, about our style."

"On that level, I think [Royer]'s way to fit into this team will be seamless," Marsch added.

Marsch said he expects Royer to help the team right away, but he didn't say that Royer would start from day one. When talking about a potential move last week, Marsch said whoever comes in would have to "earn the right to put Alex Muyl on the bench."

Dax McCarty walked off the field and had to be carried off by a trainer and coach Jesse Marsch into the locker room during Sunday's game against the Chicago Fire.

The addition of Royer is not a good sign for Red Bulls forward Gonzalo Veron. Veron, who played 35 minutes against the Chicago Fire on Sunday, continues to be pushed down the depth chart and hasn't shown enough that he is worthy of more opportunities this season.

The Red Bulls experimented moving from a 4-2-3-1 formation to a 4-2-2-2 in the second half of Sunday's match, with Veron operating as the second striker.

Veron didn't show much and, with the Red Bulls reportedly receiving Israeli striker Omer Damari on loan from RB Leipzig of the Bundesliga, it looks like Veron's time is running out this season.

Regardless, the addition of Royer should open up the Red Bulls' attack and give them a more dynamic player on the wing. The infusion of Royer's creativity and cleverness will make the Red Bulls' offense less predictable.

The Red Bulls' next MLS match is on the road against the L.A. Galaxy on Aug. 7.

9. Frank Lampard continues to shine for NYCFC

By Tony Williams Metro New York - August 2, 2016

Frank Lampard is a futbol veteran who has seen and been through almost every scenario. But what the Englishman has endured during his second season in the Bronx is unique even to him.

New York City FC has seen a rejuvenation from Lampard, who just a few weeks ago was lambasted by the City fandom and deemed a poor designation signee.

But since his early struggles, Lampard, a former Chelsea and Manchester City FC star, has seen his profile rise. He's gone from a zero to a hero in the minds of the City faithful, and it's been capped by his stellar performance on Sunday when he netted the franchise's first-ever hat trick during a 5-1 thrashing of the Colorado Rapids (10-3-8, 38 points).

It should be noted that City isn't particularly good at home, as their Yankee Stadium record is 4-3-5, compared to league best road mark of 6-4-1. But the way they handled one of the league's premier teams should put everyone on notice. The effort wasn't just monumental in allowing NYCFC (10-7-6, 36 points) to stay atop the Eastern Conference, four points ahead of the New York Red Bulls (9-9-4), but it also sent a message to the league that the 38-year old still has lots in the tank - and that the squad can win shorthanded.

The win was heartening as it showed they can bounce back from defeat following its 4-1 loss to the Red Bulls on July 24. And it also showed that City can still score big despite the absence of the league-leading goal scorer David Villa, who was suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

Lampard, who now has eight goals on the season - all of which have come in the last nine games -- was proud to know that his performance was arguably the best in the franchise's brief two-year history. He reasoned that he knows how off his game was earlier in the season, but is appreciative of his recent stretch.

"I know it is a very short history, but it's a great accolade for me as a person," he said of his triple. "I'm very happy when I'm playing well [and] feeling good ... obviously I can score goals, [and] I've managed to do it since I've been fit."

Being fit is the one caveat that detractors failed to acknowledge, as Lampard is finally healthy. A major reason for his early slump was due to the calf malady that nagged him. But since getting real playing time, and coupled with the playmaking skills of 19-year old Jack Harrison, Lampard has been as valuable as any City member.

Harrison, who's taken the league by storm over the last month, has been thrilled to be taken under Lampard's wing. He assisted on one of the veteran's goals on Sunday and has marveled at the way he's bounced back from injury.

Harrison should know, considering he also dealt with a fractured pelvic bone that stunted his arrival.

"He's a true leader. And he showed that as our captain," Harrison said of Lampard, who was designated team captain by manager Patrick Vieira prior to the Rapids match, due to Villa's absence. "He's been a key part our success as a team. He's also been a great mentor to me and to see him doing so well, now that he's scoring goals, it's a big accomplishment. I hope it continues."

City and its rabid "Third Rail" fanbase also hope it continues, as it finally seems as if Lampard is no longer the weak link among the high-priced Designated Players.

City notes:

- The win over the Rapids was no small feat, as Colorado is one of the better teams in the league and would be leading the Eastern Conference. The Rapids saw its club record 15-game unbeaten streak come to a screeching halt in the Bronx.

10. Whitecaps 1 Central FC 0: Young Caps capture CCL opener

By Marc Weber The Province - August 2, 2016

Those who gripe about Carl Robinson not taking certain competitions seriously enough are missing a rather large point.

At some stage, you have to find out what you have in players, and that can't just come from scrimmages and lower-league games.

On Tuesday in Trinidad and Tobago, Robinson took another risk with his lineup and was rewarded. The Caps beat Central FC 1-0 in their opening CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) game.

The starting lineup included two USL-signed players on short-term call-ups: left-back Brett Levis of Saskatoon and goalkeeper Spencer Richey of Seattle.

Both did well.

The game wasn't much to look at in front of a sparse crowd at Ato Boldon Stadium, but it was a good team performance from the Caps, who sputtered in their CCL debut last year.

Cristian Techera scored the lone goal in the 34th minute after some excellent work in the box by Erik Hurtado, who pulled away from two defenders and cut his pass back in front.

Levis' smart pass to Hurtado had started the sequence.

After that, it was mostly about managing the game, and the Caps were hardly troubled. Richey was sharp but didn't have to be spectacular.

The veteran centre-back pairing of David Edgar and Pa-Modou Kah helped settled the team from the opening kick, and if Edgar doesn't play in Colorado this weekend, surely he's due for his MLS debut the following weekend at home to San Jose.

Robinson started five Canadians, including midfielder Russell Teibert, who made his return from a quadriceps strain that forced him to miss all of July.

Canadian 15-year-old Alphonso Davies made a late appearance off the bench and almost made it 2-0 in the dying minutes. His header was well saved.

Robinson used another USL-signed player as a substitute as Kyle Greig, WFC2's leading scorer, replaced Hurtado for the final 15 minutes.

With a road win in their back pocket, the Caps have given themselves a decent chance to advance in this competition.

Their other Group C opponent is Sporting Kansas City, whom they'll host in their next CCL game on Aug. 23.

The reverse fixtures go in September with the top team from each of eight groups advancing to the quarter-finals in 2017.

The other MLS teams in the mix are FC Dallas, Portland Timbers and New York Red Bulls.

11. Whitecaps top Central FC in CONCACAF Champions League

The Canadian Press - August 2, 2016

COUVA, Trinidad And Tobago - Cristian Techera scored in the first half and the Vancouver Whitecaps held on for a 1-0 victory over Central FC on Tuesday night in their opening CONCACAF Champions League group match.

Techera found the back of the net in the 34th minute off a cross from Erik Hurtado.

Whitecaps FC2 goalkeeper Spencer Richey, in his first-team debut, made five saves as Vancouver jumped into first place in Group C after the first day of this year's competition.

Known as the Sharks, Central FC plays in the TT Pro League, the country's top division, where they have won back-to-back titles. They also have won the last two Caribbean Football Union Club Championships.

Both the Whitecaps and Central FC are second-timers in the CONCACAF Champions League, a 24-team competition between the top clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The other team in Group C is MLS' Sporting Kansas City.

Vancouver head coach Carl Robinson made a number of changes to his starting lineup after facing FC Dallas in MLS action in the 40-degree Texas heat on Sunday.

Regulars Hurtado and Techera got the start along with Nicolas Mezquida, Fraser Aird, and Russell Teibert. But there were also some relatively new faces.

Richey was joined by his WFC2 teammate Brett Levis, who helped set up Techera's tally. Centre back David Edgar -- one of five Canadians in Vancouver's starting lineup -- made his competitive debut with the Whitecaps, partnering in the middle of defence with Pa-Modou Kah, who wore the captain's armband.

Both sides had some decent chances in the opening half. Central FC controlled possession slightly, but Vancouver looked more dangerous going forward.

Kah headed a corner over goal, Aird came close on a couple opportunities at the back post, and Techera caused all sorts of problems for the Sharks backline.

Techera was rewarded with his goal in 34th minute. The play started when Levis found Hurtado at the corner of the box with a nice ball from the left. Hurtado then beat his man to the endline before feeding Techera, who volleyed the ball in from close range.

At the other end, Richey was busy in the first half with five saves, none bigger than a diving stop in injury time before Edgar slid in to clean up the rebound.

Central controlled possession in the second half, but aside from a long-range effort from Nathaniel Garcia in the 50th minute, they never came close to tying the match.

The Whitecaps next Champions League campaign is against Sporting Kansas City on Aug. 23.

Central FC will play the Whitecaps Sept. 28 at BC Place Stadium.

Vancouver's next MLS game is Saturday night against the Rapids in Colorado.

12. Crew owner open to making a major addition

By Tom Reed Columbus Dispatch - August 3, 2016

Crew SC coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter said last weekend that his club still possessed "a little flexibility" if it wanted to make one more addition before the Major League Soccer transfer-trade window closed Wednesday night. His owner made it known Tuesday the Crew is quite financially limber if the right deal presents itself.

Taking to social media, Anthony Precourt wrote his team is "actively looking for a new (Designated Player)" and " ownership is willing" to spend big money if Berhalter can acquire one that improves the club. No pressure there, Coach.

Precourt's series of remarks on Twitter adds some drama to the final hours before the deadline, which is 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. MLS franchises are allowed three Designated Players per roster. Argentine midfielder Federico Higuain represents the team's lone Designated Player.

A season removed from the MLS Cup Final, the Crew (3-8-10) is riding a nine-game winless streak -- second-longest in franchise history -- and seven points adrift from the final playoff spot with 13 matches remaining.

Fans have been waiting for a major signing since the Crew traded Kei Kamara to New England in May and received a league-record $500,000 in targeted allocation money. The club added center back Nicolai Naess, backup goalkeeper Zach Steffens and reserve forward Adam Jahn since the window opened July 4.

Naess, who played for a first-division Norwegian club, is the only one in the group expected to make a significant impact in the stretch run. He also absorbed a chunk of the targeted allocation money, although the league keeps financial details under wraps.

Berhalter, who calls himself "an eternal optimist," thinks the Crew remains a playoff contender despite mounting evidence to the contrary, the latest coming in a brutal 3-0 loss to Toronto FC on Sunday. The coach made it clear Tuesday he has no intention of disbanding the team's core prior to the deadline.

"I'm a firm believer this group deserves a chance to prove themselves again," he said. "It was a great season last year, and they've been building toward something and I think they have earned that right. I don't necessarily know if we'd do a major shakeup in this window. I don't know if that's appropriate."

The statement doesn't preclude adding to the team's nucleus. The Crew is on a bye week, giving it time to sign a difference maker and potentially getting him in the lineup prior to the Aug. 13 match against Eastern Conference-leading New York City FC.

Are Precourt's tweets wishful thinking, a means to keep fans engaged or a signal that a big signing is imminent? The answer will be revealed by Thursday morning.

13. Sporting KC defender Ike Opara named to MLS team of the week

By Sam McDowell Kansas City Star - August 2, 2016

Sporting Kansas City defender Ike Opara had an eventful Sunday afternoon.

He helped the club post its second straight shutout in a 1-0 victory against the Portland Timbers, but it came at a painful cost.

Midway through the second half, he absorbed an elbow to his chin, drawing a flow of blood that spilled onto his jersey. After getting the wound patched up and changing uniforms, Opara returned to the match, only to take another hit to the same spot on his chin, forcing his removal.

With that injury came a reward.

Opara was named to the MLS team of the week after he was credited with four clearances and four interceptions during the shutout.

Sporting KC has not allowed a goal against the Timbers in 482 minutes, a streak it will try to extend Sunday when the clubs meet in Portland. The match starts at 3 p.m.

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