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September 6, 2016 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


1. Orlando City returns two defenders in time for road trip

By Alicia DelGallo Orlando Sentinel - September 5, 2016

Rafael Ramos and Seb Hines will be available for selection when Orlando City travels to Montreal and Los Angeles this week.

Both defenders have been working hard to come back from injuries and coach Jason Kreis said they will be ready to play if called upon when the Lions face Montreal at 7:30 Wednesday night. The club then heads out West for a 7 p.m. Sunday match against the Galaxy.

"I am available," Ramos said after training Monday. "I'm back to full training now, 100 percent. I feel great. I had some minutes with the B team, which was great for me to get back fit. And now I just want to work and get my spot back on the team."

Ramos has not played in an MLS match for Orlando City since its last meeting with Montreal on May 21, when he left in the 34th minute due to a hamstring injury. Veteran defender Kevin Alston has been the go-to starting right back since then.

Hines' ongoing knee issue flared up and kept him out of the last match against New York City FC, but the centerback is ready to help Orlando City on its two-game road trip.

Carlos cleared

The last time Orlando City went to Canada, midfielder Carlos Rivas could not cross the border.

The club said at the time he was unable to travel to Vancouver in July due to a visa and paperwork issue.

That was before Kreis joined the team and when he was asked about the setback, the coach said Rivas will be all clear to travel to Montreal.

"As far as I know. Hopefully not going to go back in there and they're going to tell me something different," Kreis said laughing. "But no, I think it's all sorted."

Rivas has played minimally since Kreis took over, notching 12 minutes in the Lions' 3-1 loss to Seattle at the beginning of August and some time in a friendly against Stoke City at the end of July. But Kreis said he likes Rivas' skillset and will be looking to get him an opportunity - Montreal would be a good time since standout forward Cyle Larin will miss the match due to international duty.

"Really, really pleased with what he brings to the table," Kreis said of Rivas. "He was a player who, from the very first match against Stoke, I thought he did a nice job. Probably if Cyle Larin is not in his position, he probably already [would have] gotten a few opportunities. So, first and foremost, I think he's a guy we'd be looking to get an opportunity, and I think he's in the right place and frame of mind for that right now."

Aja's passport

Carlos Rivas may be cleared for travel, but relative newcomer José Aja must jump through a few hoops to make it to Montreal.

Aja, signed by Orlando City July 21 on a six-month loan from Uruguay, flew to New York City Monday night to pick up his passport. He will meet up with the rest of the team Tuesday in Montreal.

CEO visit

Orlando City CEO Alex Leit=E3o watched the club's training session Monday morning from a row of bleachers lining the practice fields at Sylvan Lake Park in Sanford.

Also at the training ground with Leit=E3o was Brazilian Mario Magalh=E3es, a businessman and friend of Orlando City SC majority owner Flávio Augusto da Silva. According to Magalh=E3es' Twitter account and multiple Brazilian news articles, he was involved with Augusto da Silva's former educational venture, Wise Up, which teaches adult Portuguese speakers fluent English in 18 months. The business was acquired by one of Brazil's largest media companies in 2013.

2. Juergen Klinsmann wants to make sure U.S. doesn't let up in World Cup qualifier

By Kevin Baxter Los Angeles Times - September 5, 2016

It would take an epic collapse to keep the U.S. out of the next round of World Cup qualifying. But Coach Juergen Klinsmann is taking nothing for granted heading into Tuesday's game with Trinidad & Tobago in Jacksonville, Fla.

"We're not through yet," Klinsmann said. "And this is what you clearly tell the players so that even for one second we [don't] kind of underestimate the situation."

Trinidad & Tobago, which leads the U.S. by a point heading into the final game of the CONCACAF qualifying semifinals, has already clinched a berth in the final six-team "hexagonal" round. The only way the U.S. would fail to join that group is if it lost Tuesday and Guatemala beat St. Vincent and the Grenadines while overcoming a 12-score deficit in goal differential with the U.S.

That's not likely to happen. But the U.S. has more to play for than simply averting disaster since a victory Tuesday would allow Klinsmann's team to win its four-team semifinal group for the sixth consecutive World Cup cycle, setting up a showdown with Mexico in the first game of the hexagonal in November.

"The situation is very clear," he said. "We badly want to win this game. We want to finish first in our group.

"This is not the time to experiment. . . . It's important that our team knows this is serious stuff."

That figures to disappoint those hoping to see teenager Christian Pulisic get his first national team start. Pulisic, 17, had two goals and an assist off the bench in a 6-0 win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines last week.

However, Klinsmann will make at least three changes to his starting 11. He's already announced Tim Howard will replace Brad Guzan in goal, and defenders DeAndre Yedlin (yellow card accumulation) and Matt Besler (family leave) are unavailable.

Meanwhile, midfielder Michael Bradley and defender Michael Orozco are both returning from suspension and could play.

3. Their World Cup dream dangling by a thread, Canada dares to dream the impossible

By Marc Weber The Province - September 5, 2016

Allez les Rouges. Viva Mexico!

The Canadian men's soccer team needs goals at B.C. Place Tuesday. Help, too.

Canada hosts El Salvador at the same time that Mexico hosts Honduras in the final games of this fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

It's going to take a six-goal turnaround to see Canada, and not Honduras, through to the Hex - the final round of qualifying - for the first time since 1998.

Do the math however you want. 2-0 Canada and 4-0 Mexico? 3-0 in both games? Dare to dream the improbable, even: four goals at home?

However you add it up, it's going to take career-defining Canadian performances, Mexico in the mood, and maybe some luck.

"We have belief in ourselves," said midfielder Atiba Hutchinson, Canada's talisman. "We know what we're capable of doing at home. We've had good games in this stadium. The confidence is there.

"Obviously we have to have a good start. If we can get an early goal and get things open, anything can happen from there. But we have to approach the game in the right way. We have to be balanced."

And there's the conundrum for Canada, who've scored just twice in this qualifying round, including one off Cyle Larin's backside at B.C. Place.

They have to score, surely a few, but if they concede one it's probably lights out.

"You cannot rush into it," said goalkeeper Milan Borjan, who is the main reason Canada isn't looking at an even larger goal difference to make up on Honduras.

"You've got to take it step by step. Just continue playing. Not looking at the watch. Not looking at the other score. Just put our heads into it and try to score as many goals as possible."

Canada's coach, Benito Floro, wouldn't get drawn into talking tactics ahead of Tuesday's game. He said the focus had to be on process, on creating chances, not on the number of goals they need.

"It's not important to talk about how many," he said.

Floro asked for the early support of the home fans, who've turned up in numbers in Vancouver: 20,108 for the Honduras game last November and a record 54,798 for Mexico in March, even if one-third or more were rooting for El Tri.

"It's very important to get a good feeling from the stands to the players," he said.

A couple of questions linger.

Does Canada have the players to put three or more past El Salvador, who are already eliminated?

There's more attacking talent on this roster than any time in recent memory but they've not yet delivered on that promise.

Larin might only be 21 but he has to make a difference Tuesday. He has to be that player Canadian fans see banging in goals for Orlando City in MLS.

Scott Arfield, the Burnley winger, is a creative force and will also be key to any offensive surge by this goal-starved side. But does Junior Hoilett, the former Queens Park Rangers winger, have enough in the tank?

He's without a club and it showed Friday in Honduras, where Canada scored first but lost 2-1, setting up this mission improbable.

"The best feeling in the world is scoring a goal, so it's not as if we don't want to do it," said Arfield, who along with Hoilett committed to Canada for this qualifying campaign, raising hopes.

"We just haven't taken our opportunities. This time, everything needs to click and we need to take the game to them.

"We've got a game plan that's going to be different than the Honduras game. We need to get the fans right behind us and to believe in us."

Tuesday's lineup is sure to be scrutinized, too.

Floro's defensive substitutions in Honduras, after going behind 2-1, irked some supporters. So did his omission of Toronto's Will Johnson for these two games, citing fitness.

There is considerable debate as to whether the Spanish bench boss has it in him to take the reins off, if needed.

Will Canada risk enough?

"We are all thinking what is the best formation, the best plan, to win the game," Floro said, "and you can be sure we are doing that correctly."

Even if they do everything correctly, Canada will still need a favour from Mexico. Probably a big one.

The great hope is that Mexico will find sufficient motivation to punish Honduras, even though El Tri are already through to the Hex.

"I think they (Mexico) have a lot to prove, especially after having a bit of a difficult road in the Gold Cup," said Hutchinson. "But we don't want to focus on them too much."

There's a lot riding on Tuesday's games.

Floro's future will naturally be questioned if Canada doesn't advance. But more than that, this group can sense the opportunity in front of them, however grim the math might look.

"We can completely change the culture of this country in football," said defender/midfielder Adam Straith, a Victoria native.

"It sounds like a big jump for one game, but we're so close. You see it building every time we come here (to Vancouver) but the team needs to get into the Hex for it to push us over the edge."

It's only 90 minutes - and six goals - away.

4. Canada not giving up in quest for qualifying for World Cup

By Naoko Asano SportsNet.ca - September 5, 2016

VANCOUVER - Cyle Larin knows his side is facing long odds. The Canadian men's national team striker understands how it looks from the outside - a tall order, an uphill battle, however you want to describe it.

In order to reach "the Hex," the final stage in CONCACAF World Cup qualification, Canada must beat El Salvador at BC Place on Tuesday evening. At the same time, the Reds, currently third in Group A and trailing Honduras by three points, need to overcome a five-goal differential in order to grab the second spot in the group - which means scoring a bunch of goals, and also hoping for some help from Mexico, who will host Honduras that same evening.

Considering that Canada has scored just twice in this fourth round of qualifying, it's a lot to presume that it can unleash a flurry of goals in one high-pressure match. But asked about the task at hand and Larin smiled, embracing the role of the underdog.

"Anything can happen in sports," he said. "Leicester City won the championship."

Prior to last Friday's 2-1 loss in Honduras, Canada's odds of continuing on the path toward the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia were more favourable. The dropped points were a huge blow, but the attitude on display after training this week was one of defiance in the face of tough odds.

"I think we just have to be patient," said Tesho Akindele, another forward who'll be charged with trying to pile on the goals for the Reds. Akindele acknowledged that Canada is planning on taking a more attack-minded approach given all that's required of them.

"Obviously we're gonna have to score a lot of goals, but I think we have the goals in us, and if we're patient and we stick to the game plan I think we'll get it done," Akindele offered.

If there's a danger in such an attack-minded approach it's that Canada could leave itself too open, vulnerable to a Salvadoran side that might be eager to redeem itself from embarrassment (the team is last in the group and will not advance to the next round). As much pressure as there could be for Canada to score, then, a clean sheet will be almost as imperative.

"I think the game will be open, but I think we'll put a lot of pressure on them," Larin said.

If anything, Canada's approach is likely to put more pressure on the defence. The group will want to stay compact at the back, and they'll need another formidable performance from goalkeeper Milan Borjan, who made some crucial saves last Friday to prevent the game from turning into a blowout.

"You just have to make sure you keep your shape defensively," Akindele said. "I think it's going to come down a lot to the back four especially. Maybe they'll have a lot more pressure on them than usual because the front guys are going to be a little more focused on attacking and less focused on defending."

Against Honduras in San Pedro Sula, the Canadian side seemed to lose its shape as the match stretched on, the oppressive heat causing several players to look sluggish and fall out of place. But on Tuesday, Canada will have the cooler and friendlier confines of BC Place, and the team is hoping Vancouver's stadium will once again act as a fortress.

"In a game like when we played Mexico here I thought [the crowd] made a big difference, and the first 30 minutes of the game we were just back and forth with them," Akindele said. "I think the crowd was a big reason for that, so I hope they come out in numbers again."

Larin, who scored Canada's first goal of this round of qualifying in the team's 1-0 win over Honduras at BC Place in November, explained that he's grown used to playing at BC Place. The 21-year-old Brampton native scored here in July, when his Major League Soccer team, Orlando City, faced the Vancouver Whitecaps.

"Each time I play here I get comfortable," Larin said. "I have to figure out the field and how it moves ... I like playing here now. It's like home here."

While fans taking in Canada's matchup with El Salvador will no doubt keep one eye on the Mexico-Honduras game occurring at the same time, Akindele insisted his team is trying to focus on steering its own fate when it comes to making up the goal differential.

"I think the best that we can do is come out and try to score five goals," he said. "If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen, but I don't think we can be worried too much about what's going on over there."

Larin echoed his teammate's sentiment, noting that Mexico is a strong team but placing the responsibility for a scoring onslaught in Canada's hands.

"I think we have to just focus on our game - focus on our game and just live in the present and make sure we're doing our job, every player," he said. "And I think if we do that, hopefully we get a result."

As much as there's pressure on Larin and Akindele to bury the ball into the back of the net, there's a collective sense of urgency with this team to get the necessary result. The Reds are sharply aware of just how much this match means: moving on to the next round for the first time in nearly 20 years could do wonders for the growth of the game in Canada.

"It's huge," Akindele said. "We're trying to kinda make soccer mainstream in this country. We're trying to bring - and the women's team is doing a great job of it too - we're trying to just kind of help the movement and just bring soccer to everybody."

After the loss in San Pedro Sula, the job of reaching "the Hex" became a whole lot harder. But Akindele and his teammates haven't lost hope.

"I'm still confident," he said. "We've still got this."

5. Tim Howard ready to carry over fine form with Rapids into U.S. qualifiers

By Doug McIntyre ESPNFC.com - September 5, 2016

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Games like the United States' World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago could be considered routine for U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard at this stage of his long and decorated international career.

At 37, the three-time World Cup vet is the elder statesman of this American squad. He's participated in more qualifiers, 31, than any player on the current roster. And even though the U.S. hasn't officially qualified for the final Hexagonal stage of CONCACAF qualifying en route to the Russia 2018 World Cup, the U.S. would probably advance even if it loses on home soil Tuesday against Trinidad and Tobago -- something that's never happened.

So you'd forgive Howard if he was even a little bit jaded. He's not.

"They're all exciting, they're all meaningful," Howard, who will man the U.S. nets at EverBank Field, told reporters before the team trained on Sunday. "I'm always excited to play."

These days, Howard is even more eager than usual. After spending almost a decade as the undisputed U.S. starter, he lost his job to Brad Guzan for June's Copa America Centenario and has appeared in just two of the national team's 14 games this year, his first year with the U.S. since taking a 12-month sabbatical after his superhuman performance at the 2014 World Cup.

Howard was also supplanted as Everton's No. 1 in January after he inked a pre-contract with the Colorado Rapids of MLS. But he's been on top of his game since arriving in Denver in July, proving that he's got plenty left to give for club and -- when he gets the chance -- for country too.

"I feel good," Howard said. "Feel like I'm playing well, so hopefully [I can] keep that going."

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann has rotated Howard and Guzan in qualifying since the semifinal round began late last year, with each playing two games so far. Both of Howard's starts came on the road: a tie in Trinidad last November and a loss in Guatemala City in March. Now Howard gets to play in the same venue where he won his 100th cap in the send-off match before Brazil 2014. The U.S. is 4-0-1 in five previous visits to Jacksonville.

Still, Tuesday's game will be far trickier than the 6-0 U.S. rout at St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday. Captain Michael Bradley and veteran defender Michael Orozco joined the squad after serving suspensions last week, but surefire starters John Brooks (back), Clint Dempsey (irregular heartbeat), Jermaine Jones (knee) and Gyasi Zardes (foot) remain out. Klinsmann will also be forced to make at least two changes to his back four: central defender Matt Besler returned to Kansas City after the birth of his daughter on Friday, and right-back DeAndre Yedlin is unavailable because of yellow-card accumulation.

"I'm comfortable with all the guys, so it's not really something that I'm too worried about," Howard said. "We have guys who will probably get a game who deserve a game who are good enough to play."

With Besler out, Steve Birnbaum is probably the leading candidate to step into that spot alongside Geoff Cameron. Another possibility is Liga MX standout and 2014 vet Omar Gonzalez, who was left off Klinsmann's roster for the Copa.

"I'm happy to be back," said Gonzalez, who won the Mexican title with Pachuca in May. "I think that I'm playing some of my best football right now."

Whoever is in the lineup, the U.S. knows a tie Tuesday would be enough to move on. The fact that T&T is already through adds an extra wrinkle. "It becomes a little more dangerous because they have nothing to lose," Cameron said.

"We know that they're dangerous," Howard added. "They've got pace. They've got height. Physically, they match up with us well, which a lot of these teams don't do. So we'll have our work cut out for us."

Make no mistake, however: It's a game the hosts are supposed to win. The U.S. was a perfect 8-0 in home games last cycle. They haven't lost a home qualifier in more than 15 years. They're feeling good about themselves after Friday's lopsided result.

"You want to be confident going into the Hex knowing that you finished first in the qualifying group," Cameron said.

A victory would also set up another home match, against Mexico in November.

"We win our home games," Howard said. "It's something that we take pride in."

And something that never gets old.

6. LA Galaxy's A.J. DeLaGarza: 200th appearance 'an incredible feat'

ESPNFC.com - September 5, 2016

LA Galaxy defender A.J. DeLaGarza has called his 200th career appearance for the club "an incredible feat" and says he's looking forward to making many more.

DeLaGarza joined franchise greats Cobi Jones, Landon Donovan, Kevin Hartman and Mauricio Cienfuegos as the only players to reach the milestone in the Galaxy's 2-1 defeat of Columbus Crew SC on Saturday.

"It means I've been here a long time. It's an honor to be at the same club for a long time and to be at a club so established as the Galaxy who are the best franchise in MLS," DeLaGarza said on Monday.

"It's an incredible feat. I can be proud of that, and I now look forward to appearance 201, 202, and keep it going as long as I can."

The timing the achievement, however, could have been better timed for the DeLaGarza family. DeLaGarza's son Luca died due to complications of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome two years ago last weekend.

The Galaxy helped celebrate Luca's life with a week of tributes leading up to DeLGarza's accomplishment on the field.

"I would have liked for it to happen last week, but it's good," DeLaGarza said.

"It was a special week in my life and to cap it off with being captain, my 200th game, and most importantly, a win was big. Going into September, we need to start going on a roll."

The Galaxy will next face Real Salt Lake in Utah on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

7. LA Galaxy's Bruce Arena lauds players for getting him to 200 MLS wins

ESPNFC.com - September 5, 2016

LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena heaped praise on his players for helping him become the second man to reach 200 wins in Major League Soccer.

The Galaxy have been winless since July. 23 and finally nailed their first three points in a 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew SC on Saturday at the StubHub Center.

A goalless first half was followed up by three goals in the second period. Baggio Husidic and Giovani dos Santos gave the Galaxy a two-goal advantage before Adam Jahn reduced the deficit at the death.

"I think it was gonna take a special play by someone to win the game," Arena told MLS.com.

"It [Husidic's goal] was a fantastic goal, obviously,

"Gio's was a good goal, an opportunistic goal, and overall, I think we played very well."

Arena's assessment of Husidic's goal was similar to the player's own vision, as he admitted that the team wanted to get more shots on target to break their six-game winless streak.

"It just kinda laid out perfectly, and I took a chance," Husidic said. "We've been talking about all week to be a bit selfish and shoot the ball, and I did. When I saw it go in, It was just like 'sick!'"

As for Arena's glorious record of 200 MLS victories, the former national team boss was quick to deflect the praise to all the players who he has had the privilege of coaching in his career.

"When you win a fair amount of games, when you're coaching, it's because you have good teams and good players," Arena said of his accomplishment.

"I know one day it will be important, probably to my grandchildren to read about,

"I'm honored to have coached some great players in this league, and that's the reason I've been able to pile up a few wins along the way."

8. What the USMNT has to do on Tuesday to advance in 2018 World Cup qualifying

By Ryan Rosenblatt FOXSports.com - September 5, 2016

The United States haven't clinched a spot in the final round of 2018 World Cup qualifying yet. At least not officially. But realistically, it's already done and the Americans are going to the Hex.

Heading into Tuesday's World Cup qualifiers, which are the final matches of the semifinal round of qualifying, the Americans only need a draw at home against Trinidad and Tobago to move on. Any result at all, and they're through, but it probably won't even take that because barring results so extreme that nobody can believe them to be possible, the U.S. will advance even with a loss.

The Americans hold a three-point lead over Guatemala for second place in their group and the top two teams advance. They also have a 12-goal advantage in goal difference, so the only way for the U.S. to not make the Hex is to lose, see Guatemala beat St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and have the goal difference in those matches reach 12. And even if it is a 12-goal difference, Guatemala still have to make up seven goals to get even on the next tiebreaker, goals scored. But even if Guatemala get equal on goal difference and goals scored, they'd lose the next tiebreaker, so they need to surpass the U.S. on goal difference or goals scored to win.

In short, it would take Guatemala closing a 13-goal difference or doing it at 12 with something like a 8-0 win and 4-0 U.S. loss. Which are not things likely to happen, or really even believable in any world.

So what do the Americans need to do to advance? Nothing.

9. Once on the brink of early retirement, Pontius has found new life with Union

By Paul Tenorio FourFourTwo - September 5, 2016

Chris Pontius thought he might have been staring down the end of his career.

Hamstring issues had stymied a player many believed was a potential perennial All-Star. Pontius was named MLS Best XI in 2012 after scoring 12 goals with four assists, and it looked like he was bound for the U.S. men's national team as one of the brightest American attackers in the league. But injury issues kept coming back for Pontius, who twice had hamstring surgery, most recently in 2014.

These were not easy injuries, nor easy recoveries. As many days as Pontius wondered what he could do if he just stayed healthy, the winger said he spent just as many contemplating whether he would ever step on an MLS field again.

"If you caught me on a bad day maybe I would have told you retirement wasn't so far out of my thought process," Pontius told FourFourTwo.

In the midst of a resurgent season with a team that has MLS Cup aspirations, it's easy to forget that Pontius was considered a high-risk signing by the Philadelphia Union. It's been nothing but high-reward, however.

Two years after his last surgery, Pontius has been injury-free and looks much like the player that tore up the league four years ago. He has nearly matched those career-best numbers from 2012 this season, leading the Union with 10 goals and adding five assists. Pontius fits perfectly into the Union's midfield, where his penchant for cutting inside to combine and look for shots is complemented by the skill of the players around him, including Tranquillo Barnetta, Alejandro Bedoya and Roland Alberg,

Pontius chuckled when asked if this season causes him to think back on those days a couple years ago when retirement might not have been so far away for the 29-year-old.

"My friends that don't play soccer, my friends that saw me during that dark period, as we call it, it's kind of a laughing point almost now," Pontius said. "I'm very thankful that I've been healthy and able to play this year, because I want to help this team. I enjoy playing with these guys. We've got a lot left this season. We want to do something special."

And that's the key. Pontius has landed in the perfect place at the perfect time, and it was a much-needed move. The California native said about midway through last season he realized a change of scenery was in order. He had seen plenty of stories about a fresh start in a new city being just the thing to re-spark a career. As much as Pontius loved D.C., a city he embraced in his seven seasons there, it was time to move on.

He landed on a team that was in the midst of a building process, but it was a project nearing completion. Under Earnie Stewart, the Union took a solid core - Andre Blake, Maurice Edu, Barnetta and C.J. Sapong - and nailed its four biggest signings: Bedoya, Keegan Rosenberry, Alberg and Pontius.

Pontius said he saw glimpses of the potential in preseason. When he scored twice in the second game of the season, Pontius got the individual monkey off his back, he said. The rest started to fall into place after that.

The result is a team that has already surpassed its point total from last season, when it finished second-to-last in the East. Philadelphia's 47 goals is tied for second-most in the league, and the Union are four games out of first place in the East with a comfortable path to the postseason.

But making the playoffs isn't the end goal. The Union believe they can be the team that comes out of the East.

"We've shown that we can do it," Pontius said. "We've hung in there with the best teams. I'd put our team up against those guys any day. ... I think we can certainly make a run at things."

10. Kljestan feeling confident as he makes most of second chance with U.S.

By Ives Galarcep Goal.com - September 5, 2016

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - To understand how long it has been since Sacha Kljestan was a regular for the U.S. national team, consider that most players currently on the squad weren't even in the picture when Bob Bradley made the central midfielder a starter during the 2010 World Cup qualifying cycle.

Seven years later, Kljestan has found himself back in the national team fold, having ended an almost three-year absence since being a part of a U.S. squad for World Cup qualifying. A handful of injuries, coupled with Kljestan playing some of the best soccer in MLS, led Jurgen Klinsmann to call in a player he has used scarcely during his five years in charge.

The New York Red Bulls midfielder made the most of his first chance, shining in Friday's World Cup qualifying win against St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and he is determined to show well again if Klinsmann calls on him for Tuesday's qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago.

Kljestan scored a goal and delivered two assists in his first U.S. match in more than two years, an absence that provided more than enough motivation when it ended.

"I don't know if it was a high comfort level or just the huge boost of energy and a lot of drive and determination," he told Goal USA when asked about his showing Friday. "If this was going to be my one chance I wanted for it to be the best it possibly could be. Obviously there was a lot of space on the field and guys were getting tired, and it was hot and humid, so Christian (Pulisic) and I were able to come in and bring a lot of energy to the game and find some open spaces and make a few plays. More than anything, it was determination."

Though it was a second-half cameo against an overmatched opponent, Kljestan did enough to boost his stock on the national team depth chart, and the fact that he was chosen ahead of Darlington Nagbe suggests he may already have gained ground on that list even before he took the field. What stood out about Kljestan on Friday was his confidence in attack, a sort of fearlessness we rarely saw from him with the U.S. in his first go-round seven years ago.

"I think back then I was also a bit apprehensive as well to make mistakes," Kljestan said. "I think I wanted to be more on the safe side of things. When you play like that you're never going to play at your best. Now, having spent so much time away, and also spending the last year and a half being a No. 10 in the Red Bulls system, and just having more comfort playing closer to the strikers, I think I'm just more comfortable making those final plays. I think I'm a little more daring and a little more confident to make those final plays."

Kljestan was a late addition to the squad after Gyasi Zardes was forced to withdraw with a broken foot. Clint Dempsey's absence because of an irregular heartbeat also left a playmaking void on the roster, as did Michael Bradley's absence for the St. Vincent match because of suspension. Klinsmann didn't have a ton to say to Kljestan, but made it clear he was getting an opportunity he needs to capitalize on.

"He just said there were a couple of guys suspended, and a couple of guys injured in my position, and now it's a chance for me to break in and it's up to me to prove myself," Kljestan said. "I've just gone in one day at a time trying to do the best I can to prove to him that I deserve to be here and that I can be a plus for the team. So far so good, hopefully tomorrow night it's another big step."

Bradley's return from suspension could make it tougher for Kljestan to crack the starting lineup, but if Klinsmann is interested in seeing more of Kljestan as a playmaker, something in short supply in the U.S. player pool, then he could choose to reunite Bradley and Kljestan, who partnered well together in the past. In the previous incarnation of the partnership, it was Bradley in a more attacking role while Kljestan often deferred the offensive side of his game. Now, Bradley has honed in on the more defensive aspects of his game while Kljestan has improved his playmaking, which could lead to an even more effective partnership.

Kljestan's experience in World Cup qualifying could also help him earn a start Tuesday. Though it has been a few years, Kljestan has played in some important matches for the U.S. before, and won't be fazed by the big stage.

"The biggest qualifier for me that sticks out in my mind was the game against Mexico in Columbus (in 2009). Michael and I played in the middle together, and had a good understanding," Kljestan said. "We played a good game and we won 2-0. That one I'll always remember and always think back on whenever I'm approaching another big qualifier so tomorrow's no different. We know we're pretty safe, but we want to leave no doubts about it."

Kljestan will also want to remove any doubt in Klinsmann's mind that he should be back with the U.S. when the Hexagonal round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying begins in November - possibly in Columbus, Ohio, against Mexico.

11. Supporters' Shield increasingly within FC Dallas grasp

By Jon Arnold Goal.com - September 4, 2016

FRISCO, Texas - FC Dallas is undefeated at home, the Portland Timbers are winless on the road. Perhaps the home team's 3-1 win Saturday wasn't a surprising result, but the way FCD controlled the game showed just how strong the team is.

Missing five players because of the international break, three of whom typically start, FCD coach Oscar Pareja had to improvise. Ryan Hollingshead started at left back, then moved into central midfielder after Juan Esteban Ortiz, making only the second start of the season, made way. Mauro Rosales also slotted into the starting lineup in a season that has seen him largely play the role of veteran locker room leader and strong substitute.

The result spoke to the team's depth, that even when a reserve like Ortiz is pressed into action, he's able to slot into Pareja's system and contribute to the team. Ortiz and fellow defensive midfielder Victor Ulloa didn't have to deal with Darlington Nagbe, the Timbers playmaker also on international duty, but kept the attack quiet while Mauro Diaz pulled the strings as usual to power FCD's attack.

"Juan had an excellent game. I'm very happy to see him perform in that way, giving us that composure in the middle, his passing, he glued Muaro, Victor and the forwards. the experience he showed in the game as well, it was really a highlight," Pareja said.

And for Hollingshead, who has even played minutes as an emergency goalkeeper for FCD this year, it was another night in a season that has seen him move all around the pitch.

"Ryan who has not been playing in that position. one more time he showed us that versatility that he has," his coach said. "His concentration today was first level and the way he occupied the position when Juan had to leave the field showed one more time that the unit is the most important thing and they know that."

That unit is one that is excelling. The victory puts the team on 51 points, seven ahead of New York City FC in the Supporters' Shield race. With six games left, half of those at home, the team looks set to match and perhaps surpass last season's 60-point total and lift the Shield. But the coach refused to let the idea that a trophy might be secure enter his mind.

"One game at a time. One step at a time is the best way that I can help this group of players stay in the competitions," Pareja said when asked about his team closing in on its first bit of hardware since 1997. "Respect for the competitions, the games in Major League Soccer, in CONCACAF, arrival in the Open Cup final, for me the best way to do it is preparing for the next game like it's the last one."

Last year FCD hit 60 points, tied for the top in the league, but saw the New York Red Bulls lift the Supporters' Shield because of a better goal difference. For defender Walker Zimmerman, who scored the insurance goal in Saturday's triumph, that's motivation for the team to intensify its focus rather than relax.

"We know we control our own destiny, but at the same time we know what happened last year, and we know that the Supporters' Shield is always a close race," Zimmerman told Goal USA. "Teams come out of nowhere winning three or four of their last games and come up strong."

"We don't want to look back, we don't want to have any regrets, so we're going into each game not even thinking about getting one point to help ourselves. We want three points every game and we want to keep growing as a team and bring trophies to the city."

Dallas-Fort Worth better get ready. With FCD in the Open Cup final, leading the Supporters' Shield race and looking strong in MLS and CONCACAF Champions League, some sort of trophy surely is coming. Just don't tell FC Dallas.

12. NYCFC and NYRB have MLS in a New York State of Mind

By Carson Merk Fansided.com - September 5, 2016

As teams continue to jostle as the top of the Eastern Conference table, New York City FC and New York Red Bulls are both representing the Empire State to the fullest.

On the state of New York's coat of arms, Excelsior appears as the motto. It's a Latin word that translates closest to "Ever Upward." Both of the state's MLS clubs have seemingly taken that motto to heart in the 2016 season.

They hold the top two spots in the Eastern Conference, NYCFC at the number one spot, New York Red Bulls only one point behind at number two. While they both are elite teams in Major League Soccer, the club's are very different, and have had different routes to getting to this point.

New York City FC is the flashier of the two sides. With global stars like Andrea Pirlo, David Villa, and Frank Lampard, they carry an abundance of international honors from past teams, and also individually. In addition to the three veteran Designated Players, Jack Harrison has been a huge boost to NYCFC in 2016.

They're led by first year coach, and Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira. He took over for Jason Kreis, who was let go after the club's inaugural season last year after failing to meet lofty expectations. The club scores a lot of goals, and allows nearly as many.

Currently, their 48 goals scored is atop MLS. Their 47 allowed is tied for most in the league. The 2016 season has completely turned around since a 7-0 shellacking they took at the hands of NYRB. Lampard's return to form has been a major key to that turn around.

Speaking of those Red Bulls, unlike their second year crosstown rivals, they're an original member of Major League Soccer. They've been consistently good in recent years, but have never won an MLS Cup in their club's 21 year history, dating back to their time as the MetroStars. This team feature's club record holders, and MLS veterans.

Bradley Wright-Phillips is the club's leader in goals, MLS and in all competitions. Captain Dax McCarty just became the club's top man for MLS starts last weekend. Fans have been clamoring for Sacha Kljestan to get a serious look from the USMNT, and Mike Grella is one of the most skilled dribblers across the league. They carry a 10-2-1 record at home, but a rough 2-7-6 tally on the road that must improve.

Both teams are legitimate MLS Cup contenders, with NYRB's extensive experience in the league, and NYCFC's eye-catching, talent loaded roster. As the season winds down post Labor Day, the club's will need to not only stay consistent, but hit their top strides, as both teams look to bring the first Major League Soccer crown back to the Empire State.

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Major League Soccer Stories from September 6, 2016


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