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Published on October 11, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


1. Real Salt Lake locks up Movsisyan

By Christopher Kamrani Salt Lake Tribune - October 10, 2016

When Yura Movsisyan walked into Craig Waibel's office two months ago, Real Salt Lake's general manager knew immediately there would be no wasting of words. The RSL forward said he didn't want to wait any longer to secure his long-term future at the club.

The one-year loan deal from Russia's Spartak Moscow was set to expire at the end of 2016, and Movsisyan wanted a clearer view of what was on his horizon before the uncertainties of the offseason.

"This is where I want to be," Movsisyan told Waibel.

After nearly a year of negotiations, the 29-year-old striker will remain at RSL for a while. The club finalized the outright purchase of the Armenian goal-scorer from Spartak Moscow to be the centerpiece of its attack for years to come. Movsisyan's new deal at RSL is a multiyear contract including a club option. He will remain one of RSL's three Designated Players alongside fellow forwards Burrito Martinez and Joao Plata.

"I knew from Day 1 that I wanted to make this a permanent move," Movsisyan told The Salt Lake Tribune. "I didn't want to wait until December, because I wanted to get this thing done and squared away."

With fourth-place RSL on the prowl for another MLS Cup postseason appearance, Movsisyan didn't want his mind drifting during the stretch run of the season. Avoiding a distraction in a contract year was key for the striker with nine goals and three assists in 24 starts in 2016. That one-on-one meeting left an impact on Waibel, who first targeted Movsisyan's return to Major League Soccer from Russia in early 2015.

"When you target a player, you want to make sure they have effective years left," Waibel said. "When you make a Designated Player investment, you want to make sure they have multiple years left. System-wise, this is a guy who fits."

Movsisyan, who left RSL in 2009 after helping the club win its first and only MLS Cup title, has adjusted to life back in MLS after starring Denmark and later Russia. Flanked by Martinez and Plata in RSL's 4-3-3 attack, Movsisyan has the ability to occupy multiple defenders allowing the dynamic trio to often flow as one of the best in the league. RSL is 9-2-7 when that front-line starts this season and have combined for 25 goals and 17 assists.

Waibel said Movsisyan's new deal allows RSL to "establish a clearer identity up top again for us" after the club parted ways with the team's aging all-time leading scorer Alvaro Saborio last summer in a trade to D.C. United.

"This is a building-block as well as an assurance that we have a quality goal-scoring striker up there," Waibel said.

Movsisyan's swift adaptation back to his old club and league allowed RSL owner Dell Loy Hansen to feel comfortable making another high-profile offensive acquisition, Waibel said.

"I can't speak on behalf of all the GMs in the league, but I think any time you're looking at an investment the size of a Designated Player - regardless of what the name is - you want to make sure you're right," he said. "I don't want it to get lost that Dell Loy's more than happy to make the investments, as long as it's the correct investment."

Patrick McCabe, Movsisyan's agent, said the push to finalize the new deal at RSL started in early August. McCabe credited RSL's front office, the MLS league office and Spartak Moscow for handling the sudden timeliness of such a substantial move.

"A lot of people pushing in the right direction," he said.

That direction ultimately led to Movsisyan staying in Utah, where he said he's elated to lay down more permanent roots with his wife and three young children. Salt Lake City's pace is the "complete opposite" to the bright lights of Moscow's banner soccer club. The family, he says, feels comfortable here for the long haul.

"He really had a will to come to Salt Lake, and Salt Lake only," McCabe said.

With his outlook now less hazy, Movsisyan understands his place as part of RSL's evolving core group. The club was in the early stage of forming an identity during his first go-round with RSL before departing for Europe seven years ago, he said. Now that he's officially back, he hopes to be the latest name such as Beckerman, Rimando or Morales, all of which are synonymous with his organization.

"It gives me a lot of motivation to know that people have so much trust in you to, to be investing in you to be a face of the franchise," he said. "I take that with a lot of pride. I take that with a lot of joy."

2. Real Salt Lake signs Yura Movsisyan to new contract

By Aaron Morton Deseret News - October 10, 2016

Yura Movsisyan is no longer here on loan.

Real Salt Lake, which acquired the striker earlier this year from Russian club Spartak Moscow, has signed him to a new contract for the 2017 season. Movsisyan is the club's first-choice center forward. He leads the team with nine goals and three assists in 27 games.

Details of the deal were not disclosed.

"Real Salt Lake and the whole Utah community have been extremely welcoming for me and my family," said Movsisyan. "This is home for us. This is where we want to be."

Movsisiyan played for RSL from 2007-09 before plying his trade in Europe.

"Yura has obviously been an important part of this club, both now and in the past," said RSL coach Jeff Cassar. "All can see what his quality has added to our roster and what it means for us getting results. Having him come back to the club with this kind of commitment, showing the love that he has for this club, this community and this state demonstrates what kind of person Yura is."

3. Just the beginning for TFC's Endoh

By Kurt Larson Toronto Sun - October 10, 2016

As his teammates raced for Thanksgiving break late last week, Toronto FC rookie Tsubasa Endoh remained, knocking long, driven passes with coach Greg Vanney on the training pitch.

It was an ice-breaker, of sorts - a chance for Vanney to chat with his slumping first-round draft pick away from the squad.

Post-practice talks are a pillar of Vanney's identity as a manager. He's obsessed with clarity.

"I think he's one of the smartest coaches I've ever had," Endoh said of Vanney.

A suck-up? Perhaps.

The Toronto Sun interrupted him mid-thought - with a smile - and asked him to expand on his vote of confidence.

"Greg's IQ and his soccer brain are one of the best I've had," Endoh continued, elaborating on his affection for Vanney. "I'm pleased that he's the first coach I've had in my professional career."

Vanney's also one of the few managers who believed the 23-year-old Japanese midfielder, who wasn't highly touted coming out of Maryland, was worthy of a first-round pick.

For some, the jury remains out.

Then there's the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately crowd. Endoh, a Rookie of the Year candidate back in May, peaked in a 1-0 win over visiting FC Dallas.

He scored the game-winner in what was BMO Field's grand re-opening - a magical first-half goal that saw the jam-packed stadium explode. It was unquestionably the high point of Endoh's first full season as a pro.

He's been up and down since, leading to a gradual, then stark, decline in minutes - which brings us back to last Thursday, and a post-practice kick around that ended in a lengthy discussion with his respected coach.

"My conversation with (Endoh) was just about things he needs to be aware of," Vanney said. "When he comes inside he needs to have a clear idea what he needs to do next.

"He's not a big guy. When he has to take multiple touches he can get muscled off the ball. Some guys who are bigger might have more capacity to wrestle space away."

Vanney blames Endoh's reduction in production on a mid-season system change. The Reds began the year in a 4-3-3, with Endoh playing high and wide, with more clarity, space and time.

"After our first eight games we rotated back into a diamond," Vanney explained. "Then it was about Tsubasa learning new things, like playing more centrally as an attacking midfielder.

"His responsibilities were different. These are positions he's getting a feel for. He can do those things, it's just something he's learning to get comfortable with. So his role has decreased."

Endoh hasn't started in two months - something that's not lost one the first-year pro. He shook his head in agreement when reminded.

One could argue he's far too hard on himself - a cultural tendency, I'm told.

"I wasn't satisfied with my performance at the beginning of the year, either," Endoh said. "I could have done better with the little details, but I didn't care enough because I was playing. That was a tough moment for me.

"I've tried to stay after training and do what I need to do to improve," he added. "It's my rookie year, but I don't want to make excuses because they don't matter."

The Japanese youth international has two goals in 20 appearances this season. He's nowhere near garnering the kind of excitement rookies Jordan Morris (Seattle) and Jack Harrison (New York City) have earned.

But when measured against the rest of his draft class, Endoh is one of just five first-round picks to appear in 20 or more MLS games this season. He's shown, in spurts, he can be an asset in certain scenarios.

"His value is still there," Vanney said. "For him, it's about slowing down. He has so much energy to do work and sprint. Every time he does that the picture changes. When the picture changes, your ideas have to change."

Especially if your bench boss moves away from a formation you're comfortable in.

Keep in mind Endoh also is jostling with Armando Cooper, Marky Delgado, Jonathan Osorio, Jay Chapman and Will Johnson for minutes.

It's why he's more of a situational player now than a regular contributor. For now, he provides width and service from wide areas late in fixtures.

"Personally, I think interacting with the coaches is one of the most important things to be on the right path every day," Endoh said. "The coaches know and they see the things objectively every practice, every game."

His penchant to learn is one of Endoh's most admirable traits.

Perhaps it's massive step towards completing his game.

4. Sounders' Jordan Morris: 'I wish I didn't have to dance ... but it's a lot of fun right now'

By Matt Pentz Seattle Times - October 10, 2016

Rookie Sounders forward Jordan Morris, whose unrefined dance moves have become a locker room staple during the team's ongoing winning streak, said Monday that the tradition is small price to play in his team's dramatic late-season turnaround.

Seattle (13-13-5) carries a four-match win streak into Wednesday night's home game against Houston and can clinch a playoff berth with a win.

"I wish I didn't have to dance, but it's just a lighter atmosphere," Morris said at Starfire Sports upon his return from U.S. national team duty. "When you're winning games and things are going your way, it's just more fun to be in the locker room. It was tough at the beginning of the year. Results weren't going our way and when that happens, training, the locker room setting, everything is a little bit more dreary. It's been a turnaround completely. It's a lot of fun right now."

On the influence of interim coach Brian Schmetzer: "Schmetz does a great job with that," Morris said. "I think Sigi (Schmid) did a great job with that, too. We're just getting the results now and I think that's kind of the main difference to the beginning of the season."

On the impact of Roman Torres' return from injury: "He's always happy, always smiling. Obviously, he started the whole dancing trend and roped me into that one. He's a great guy to have around - obviously a great player, but he does so much more off the field."

5. Orlando City midfielder Brek Shea recovering from foot injury, questionable for Philadelphia

By Alicia DelGallo Orlando Sentinel - October 10, 2016

Orlando City, joined by several OCB players, broke into two groups for 6-on-7 scrimmages at the end of a long training session Monday.

As they dueled under the watchful eyes of head coach Jason Kreis and his assistants, one player noticeably was missing: midfielder Brek Shea.

"He's injured," Lions coach Jason Kreis said. "It's something that hasn't been made real public, but he took a foot injury in the last home match that he played. He was going to be in the starting lineup the next weekend and he got pulled out of the starting lineup the day before the game. Um, he went into the next game and kind of hurt it again.

"Since he'd been suspended from last game, we were really trying to safeguard it from then until now, to hopefully put him in a situation where he can begin training again on Wednesday, after our day off tomorrow, and be in contention for the weekend."

Shea last played in Orlando City's home match against Columbus, a 4-1 loss Sept. 17 in which he subbed on in the 68th minute. He remained on the bench in the following match at D.C. United and then started and played 75 minutes at Toronto. During that game, he earned a yellow card that forced him to miss the Lions' home contest Oct. 2 against Montreal, the loss that eliminated them from playoff contention.

Shea continued to participate in training between matches.

He now joins centerback David Mateos on the injury list, although Mateos' MCL tear is much more serious and will keep him out of competition for four to six weeks.

While the missing bodies won't have a negative affect on the season because Orlando City no longer is in playoff contention and has just two matches left, it does interrupt Shea and Mateos' efforts to show Kreis they belong on the roster next season.

Kreis, however, said injuries will not sway his offseason decision-making.

"You never, never, never want to be somebody who lets injuries dictate guys' chances," Kreis said. "I think that's entirely unfair. An injury is part of being a professional soccer player, it really is. And so, the answer to that is a steadfast no."

6. Portland Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson ruled out of New Zealand game due to groin injury

By Jamie Goldberg The Oregonian - October 10, 2016

Portland Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson has been ruled out for New Zealand's friendly against the United States due to a minor groin injury.

The New Zealand federation announced Sunday that Gleeson had entered camp with a minor groin injury and had not recovered during his time with the national team, prompting New Zealand to make the decision to rule him out for Tuesday's game at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC.

Gleeson was listed as a substitute, but did not play Saturday when New Zealand fell 2-1 to Mexico in Nashville, Tennessee.

This was Gleeson's first call-up to the New Zealand National Team since 2014. The 26-year-old goalkeeper has earned eight caps for New Zealand and was part of the All Whites' 2012 London Olympics squad.

Gleeson, who became Portland's No. 1 goalkeeper this season after a five-year wait, has started and played every minute for the Timbers since taking over the starting role in April. Gleeson leads MLS with 112 saves this season.

If Gleeson were forced to miss time with Portland due to the groin injury that would be a major blow to the Timbers.

The Timbers (11-13-8, 41 points) are currently two points below the red line with two games left in the regular season and are desperately fighting for a playoff spot. Portland's backup goalkeeper Chris Konopka has not made an appearance this season.

7. Major StubHub Center upgrades will help Galaxy compete with new MLS team across town

By Sandy Mazza Daily Breeze - October 8, 2016

It will be two years before Los Angeles' upstart MLS soccer team moves into its new $350 million digs near downtown, but the home of the LA Galaxy isn't waiting around to lose fans to a crosstown rival.

The StubHub Center in Carson recently invested $15 million in the intimate, 27,000-seat Major League Soccer stadium that since 2003 has housed the Galaxy.

A 5,100-square-foot LED screen, VIP lounge and a slew of hip, cool restaurants was just the beginning. Towering new palms adorn colorful signs at the main entrance. And cascading Clematis buttercups, flowering jasmine vines and other lush foliage are packed into every nook of the venue's concourse.

Anschutz Entertainment Group, the sports and entertainment empire that owns StubHub and the Galaxy, even built a chicken coop so players can have fresh eggs with breakfast. It also introduced healthier concession meals like Hawaiian tuna poke and vegan banh mi sandwiches and local craft beers that can be enjoyed in private, picnic-style seating areas.

The upgrades, among others, haven't gone unnoticed.

Season ticket sales climbed from an average of 6,000 to 7,000 a year to 10,000, and seven of the first 10 Galaxy matches this season sold out, stadium officials said.

It's all part of a bid by owner AEG to modernize and boost ticket sales after a period of lagging attendance. The former Chivas USA, which suffered dismal attendance in Carson, shared the stadium with the Galaxy until the 2014 season ended and the team was disbanded. It will resurface as the Los Angeles Football Club when the region's second MLS facility opens at the former Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena site in Exposition Park in 2018.

The new Banc of California Stadium is being billed as a flashier, more central place to catch a professional soccer game than the suburban StubHub Center, which is on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills. But officials at the Carson stadium complex said they will continue to compete by enhancing the fan experience and providing a more comfortable atmosphere.

"We think that, by the time Los Angeles Football Club gets here, people in our community are going to be well aware of the StubHub Center and what a great venue it is," said Bruce Arena, Galaxy's head coach and general manager. "We'll be well-positioned for the competition."

The sprawling, 125-acre grassy complex - formerly known as the Home Depot Center - also houses a 2,450-seat indoor velodrome for track cycling that could host Olympics competition if Los Angeles wins its bid for the 2024 Games. The 2017 UCI Track Cycling World Cup will be held at the Velodrome.

An adjacent tennis and boxing stadium seats 8,000 people and has been resurfaced. The complex's track and field stadium also was enlarged.

The Stadium Club for VIP ticket holders was renovated with new furniture, and a 2,200-square-foot Champions Lounge was added for club seat holders to enjoy an exclusive food and drink menu in plush seating.

The club's trophy wall, displaying all five LA Galaxy MLS Cup Championship trophies, was remodeled. New Galaxy branding has been splashed throughout the stadium, and training facilities and locker rooms for professional and youth teams were upgraded.

"Having permanent Galaxy signage really makes you feel like you're home," said StubHub General Manager Katie Pandolfo. "We have a stronger identity."

Community events also took off at the stadium this year. Pitch & Pale, a nighttime free summer concert series, was one of the stadium's most popular local initiatives.

"I've already had people write me handwritten letters requesting bands for next summer," Pandolfo said. "Two thousand people came for the last concert."

A weekly farmers market on Thursdays and holiday events are offered alongside major concerts and sporting events, including KIIS FM Wango Tango, CrossFit Games and various fun runs.

Along with the new facilities and amenities, StubHub Center is incorporating sustainable, environmentally friendly practices. The facility has a composting program for food waste, new small gardens, and is the first stadium to install Tesla Powerpack commercial batteries to store energy on site - reducing demand during peak times.

Next season, stadium officials plan to introduce shuttle service that will make it more convenient to get to games and events.

"There are a lot of things going on in Los Angeles that we could react to, including the new soccer team coming in at some point," said Galaxy President Chris Klein.

"But we're very happy with what we have here. We have over 20 years of experience to build on. The branding of the stadium and new video board are intended to (keep us) at the top of our sport in this country. The experience at our stadium is like none other in the country."

Arena said he and other stadium officials are working to finalize new offerings and upgrades for next season, in addition to a shuttle service and more Galaxy branding.

"We're in a very competitive market for sports and entertainment," Arena said. "We now have a venue in Carson that makes the experience on game day remarkable and brings people back. Our attendance has improved. Season ticket plans have grown. Everything's headed in a positive direction."

8. Klinsmann set to experiment against New Zealand

By Doug McIntyre ESPNFC.com - October 11, 2016

WASHINGTON -- Tuesday's friendly against New Zealand (8 p.m. ET, ESPN/WatchESPN) isn't the highest-profile affair for the U.S. national team, but it is still anything but meaningless.

The contest at RFK Stadium represents the final chance for the Jurgen Klinsmann and his staff to evaluate players before the final round of 2018 World Cup qualifying kicks off with two of the most difficult games the national team will play on the way to Russia: A visit from archrival Mexico on Nov. 11 and a trip to Costa Rica -- where the Americans have never won -- four days later.

With that in mind, here are four things to watch for against the Kiwis.

1. Opportunity for Green, Gooch

Julian Green seems set to start again after the 21-year-old's goal and assist earned him man of the match honors in Cuba on Friday. And with a host of attacking players among those released from the squad, that also could open up a place for Sunderland's Lynden Gooch, 20. Given the available personnel, there's a distinct possibility that Klinsmann opts for three forwards and that means the two youngsters could be asked to flank target man Jozy Altidore.

Gooch also can fill a holding role but, wherever they play and however they perform, only an avalanche of injuries would make them contenders for significant minutes next month. Still, Gooch and Green are among the most intriguing young players in the American pool and, against New Zealand, they'll get a chance to make a case for roster spots for the games that count.

"In that transition that we always talk about between two World Cup cycles," Klinsmann said Monday. "We made a huge step forward over the last year, getting these youngsters pushing more and more."

2. Which central midfielders will emerge?

Even with 2014 World Cup vets Jermaine Jones (knee) and Kyle Beckerman (not called in) out, no part of the field is more packed than the middle. Michael Bradley and Sacha Kljestan started the Americans' two previous games and are still with the squad. Scotland-based Perry Kitchen was on the Copa America roster and is eager for more field time; he has played just 46 minutes in his two appearances in 2016.

Danny Williams is having a career season at English second-tier club Reading but he has never fully established himself under Klinsmann despite being capped by the coach in each of the past five years. And the aforementioned Gooch has seen Premier League action in central midfield this season, although he figures to play closer to goal in this one.

3. Reserve defenders make their case

The backline that started in Havana -- right-back DeAndre Yedlin, central defenders Geoff Cameron and John Brooks and left-back Fabian Johnson -- remains Klinsmann's first-choice unit. But Yedlin is the only one who is still on the roster and considering Brooks' and Johnson's history of missing international matches because of injuries, it makes plenty of sense to give one final look to a few other candidates.

Steve Birnbaum emerged as Cameron's backup earlier this year and he remains ahead of Omar Gonzalez at right center-back. But D.C. United's Birnbaum received 10 stitches after being kicked in the head on Friday and so is probably a long shot to play in his home stadium. That points to a Gonzalez-Matt Besler reunion in the center with Yedlin in his usual spot and 21-year-old FC Dallas standout Kellyn Acosta on the opposite side.

4. Who starts in goal?

Ethan Horvath backed up veterans Brad Guzan and Tim Howard at June's Copa America Centenario and again in last month's World Cup qualifying wins over St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago, so it was no surprise to see the 21-year-old get the nod in Cuba. But Horvath, who kept a clean sheet, was one of nine players sent back to their clubs following that match and it isn't clear if San Jose Earthquakes keeper David Bingham or Mexican-based William Yarbrough will get the assignment against the All Whites.

Whoever Klinsmann picks, there's a possibility that both will play a half as the No. 3 job remains open. But D.C. United fans shouldn't bank on seeing Bill Hamid, who replaced Horvath on the roster, making a cameo; not after Klinsmann told reporters that the 25-year-old is now "number six or seven" on the positional depth chart.

9. United States' Jordan Morris 'OK' with early return to Seattle Sounders

ESPNFC.com - October 10, 2016

Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris is happy to be back with the MLS club after receiving an early release from United States national team duty.

The former Stanford product played 30 minutes as a substitute in the U.S.'s 2-0 friendly defeat of Cuba on Friday, then returned to the Sounders the following day, despite the U.S.'s upcoming match against New Zealand.

The Sounders have a chance to clinch a postseason berth against the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday, and Morris confirmed he's "OK" with returning to help his employers.

"The Sounders came to me and wanted to make sure I was OK with coming back early," Morris said on Monday. "I've never really had to do that before with the national team. I wanted to come back and help the Sounders."

With their playoff hopes extinguished over the weekend, Houston can still play spoiler for the Sounders -- a fact Morris fully understands.

"They're playing for jobs, they're playing for spots next year," Morris said. "We know we haven't made the playoffs yet. If things don't go our way in the last three games, we could drop out and all the hard work would be for nothing. We know we still have a job to do."

10. 5 questions for the USMNT match vs. New Zealand

By Caitlin Murray FOXSports.com - October 11, 2016

The U.S. men's national team returns to action today against New Zealand in their final friendly before the Hex begins. The result, of course, doesn't matter - what matters is it's the USMNT's last chance to prepare before facing Mexico on Nov. 11 to open the final round of World Cup qualifying. Manager Jurgen Klinsmann has shuffled his roster quite a bit and is likely looking to answer some questions before World Cup qualifying. Here are some of the questions we have that today's game may be able to shed some light on.

Can Juan Agudelo make a case for more call-ups? In a Facebook QA over the weekend, Klinsmann chose to answer a question about forward Clint Dempsey's status and said he was "counting still on Clint, definitely" for a return next year. Dempsey, who has been sidelined until 2017 with heartbeat issues, is 33. Yes, he has been extraordinarily important for the USMNT, even as recently as Copa America, but at least part of that has been due to a lack of striker options behind him. With his age and the possibility that his heartbeat issues aren't resolved, Dempsey's future with the USMNT is far from certain.

Now, Jozy Altidore and Bobby Wood are both in excellent form and there is no reason they won't be Klinsmann's preferred starters. They are similar target strikers though - unlike the deep-lying striker that is Dempsey - and there is room for depth at the center forward position. Enter Agudelo, at least potentially. The New England Revolution striker has had his share of struggles in the past, but he is in fine form lately, nabbing three goals and three assists in his last five MLS games. There's no unseating the Altidore-Wood pairing right now, and Jordan Morris seems to be third in line for the future, but Agudelo, who offers a creative striker option, could make a case to be in the mix.

Can Perry Kitchen and Danny Williams push out Jermaine Jones? Jones, 34, hasn't played for the Colorado Rapids since July after an injury. He is back to training with the Rapids finally as of last week and Klinsmann seems to be hoping he'll be in form for the Hex. "We have clear thoughts of how to put the team together for the Mexico game, but a lot will happen over the next four weeks," Klinsmann said. "Certain players have to have a good rhythm with their club teams and we still have hope that some players will come back in the picture, like a Jermaine Jones for example."

But his injury problems as of late may be giving other players the opportunity to potentially take his spot. Jones has been the USMNT's best defensive midfielder option, to the point that even at 34 years old, nobody has emerged to overtake the German-American, who Klinsmann still sees as the best option. Klinsmann's second choice has often been Kyle Beckerman, who is also 34 and close to being aged out of the job.

Meanwhile Perry Kitchen, 24, is doing well at Hearts, recently being named the team's captain and probably warrants a look in the role. Danny Williams, 27 has had chances with the USMNT and for whatever reason has never impressed Klinsmann enough to stick around. But a combination of good form and the aging starters in the defensive midfielder position could change things for Williams. This is a big opportunity for both.

Is Sacha Kljestan a first-choice starter now? No player's stock for the national team has risen as quickly in recent weeks as Kljestan, it seems. He scored two goals and two assists in World Cup qualifying last month against St. Vincent the Grenadines and Trinidad Tobago. It was a continuation of his excellent club form for the New York Red Bulls that has him leading the league at 17 assists and looking like the best playmaker in MLS. "Sacha really took his opportunity 100 percent," Klinsmann said this weekend. "He is the perfect example of, even if you're out of the picture for a while and maybe things are going wrong in your club environment or maybe you're just having a down period with your performances, there's always the next opportunity waiting for you."

"Sacha really understood that message and he's making a very strong case for a starting position."

Kljestan, who had been away from the national team for more than two years before his call last month, did have a pretty quiet outing against Cuba last week. But the bumpy surface and poor conditions make that match easy to write off. As long as he puts in a decent enough performance against New Zealand, there's a good chance Kljestan will have locked his spot in for the Hex.

Did Julian Green earn a chance to fight for a spot? As strange as the Cuba match was, there's no way Green's contributions can be denied. He scored a goal and orchestrated another, and he was relentless down the left flank for the Americans. No player on the pitch played with as much energy or confidence. He was the best player for the USMNT that day. But the caveat of the poor pitch and the odd circumstances is surely in the back of Klinsmann's mind. That's not to mention that it's only been one good game out the youngster after almost two years without USMNT call-ups.

"He deserves a compliment. He played a good game," Klinsmann said afterward. "But most importantly, we see Julian maturing. He's getting stronger. As it is with all young players, sometimes you make a step backward and you try to make two forward."

Klinsmann's comments were complimentary, but hardly gushing. In the past, Klinsmann has said he wants to see Green get more playing time with his club and that hasn't happened. Still, Green's performance in Cuba may have been enough to convince Klinsmann to give him more looks and consider him, even while Green sorts out his club situation with Bayern Munich.

Can anyone break up the Geoff Cameron-John Brooks centerback pairing? It seems like the centerback pairing for the USMNT is all but set. Cameron and Brooks were two of the best players for the Americans at Copa America, and they appeared to have developed a real partnership. But both players looked a bit rattled in Cuba, perhaps due to the unpredictable, bouncy pitch. With Cameron and Brooks both sent back to their clubs, a new pair of centerbacks will be starting against New Zealand. Matt Besler has been a favorite of Klinsmann's to slot in where needed. Steve Birnbaum has also been making his case and getting regular call-ups from Klinsmann. Omar Gonzalez was passed over for Copa America, despite good club form, and is a good option, too.

(Birnbaum took a very nasty kick to the head in Cuba and there was a lot of blood, but Klinsmann said this weekend that Birnbaum amazingly did not suffer a concussion and will be available against New Zealand.)

11. Colorado seizing inside track on Supporters' Shield

By Scott French FourFourTwo - October 10, 2016

If it seems FC Dallas is streaking toward the Supporters' Shield, take a closer glance. This is the Colorado Rapids' crown to lose.

The Rapids climbed within two points of Dallas with an often impressive 3-2 victory Saturday night in Houston, and with a victory at home Thursday night against San Jose, Colorado would take command of the Shield race.

The Rapids have already outdone themselves, clinching a top-two spot in the West and a bye into the conference semifinals. They've set a club record for points, besting 2013's 51, have clinched the club's first top-two conference finish, and will post their greatest win total since the shootout era if they take down the Earthquakes.

That would create a two-weekend sprint to the wire, with the New York teams (both 14-9-9, 51) also chasing Dallas (16-8-8, 56). With no playoff teams in its run-in, Colorado has the least daunting schedule among them.

The Rapids ruled the league for a couple of months early in the season, but Dallas took charge on the fourth of July and might have been untouchable but for a 1-0 loss to the Rapids in Frisco on Sept. 10, when Oscar Pareja left four starters out of his XI three days before the U.S. Open Cup final. Draws at NYCFC and Real Salt Lake followed, giving the Hoops their third three-game winless stretch of the year, and Colorado has rebounded from a difficult August and up-and-down September with successive victories over Portland and, now, the Dynamo.

The Rapids, who trailed by as many as six points while holding games in hand, have closed the gap despite something of an injury crisis. Jermaine Jones is still out (since July 4) with a knee injury that's gone on far longer than anticipated, Irish striker Kevin Doyle has been sidelined the past month with ankle ailment (and could be back this week), and center back Bobby Burling's toe has been an issue even longer. Against Houston, they also were without midfielder Marlon Hairston, among the season's breakout performers, but his leg injury isn't serious.

Dallas has been the league's best side for the most part this season, but its grip on the race slipped with the loss to the Rapids, who have since had the higher ceiling. They can get to 63 points; the Hoop,s only to 62. Pareja's group must be at its best to prevail in this battle, and that still might not be enough. Here are three reasons the Rapids will win the Supporters' Shield:

Simpler Schedule With two of its final three games in Commerce City, Colorado has the most favorable schedule among the contenders, even with a trip to Portland -- the Timbers are 11-3-2 at Providence Park -- between them. The Rapids at home are while conceding just five goals, none in the four games since a 1-1 draw with Dallas on July 23. They've never trailed and never given up a goal before the 60th minute, and San Jose and Houston (7-12-11, 32) aren't the most formidable opposition.

The Portland trek is a tough one, and it's a crucial encounter for the Timbers (11-13-8, 41), who are two points below the red line and could be eliminated from postseason contention with a loss. The teams' first two meetings, both at DSG, produced just one goal, by Sebastien Le Toux, in last weekend's victory.

The task is harder for the New York clubs, who are battling Toronto FC (13-9-10, 49) for the Eastern title, and both could be eliminated from the Shield race next weekend, even with victories. Their games aren't easy ones, either: Columbus, visiting Red Bull Arena on Saturday, is still in playoff contention and has won three of its last four; D.C. United, hosting NYCFC at the same time, is playing its best soccer of the season.

Yet it figures this is going to come down to the Western frontrunners, and Dallas' path is far more difficult. The Hoops are home Sunday against Seattle (13-13-5, 44), the league's hottest team, and finish the following weekend at LA (11-6-15, 48).

It's the game in between those two encounters that's most problematic. Dallas is in Guatemala for its final CONCACAF Champions League group-stage match three days before the Galaxy game, and it needs a draw or better to finish above Suchitepequez and advance to next year's quarterfinals. Pareja must be judicious in determining his roster for that one, and for all three.

Consistency and execution Jermaine Jones and Tim Howard have well-established reputations, but relatively, the Rapids are virtually without superstars. What they have are role players who do their jobs and rising players finding their footing at this level.

Pablo Mastroeni, among the MLS Coach of the Year candidates, emphasizes defensive organization, and nobody's been better. The Rapids are on target to become the 15th MLS team to concede less than a goal per game, and so their attacking limitations -- they're tied for 18th in the league, averaging just 1.16 goals per outing -- haven't been as costly as they could have been. The emergence of Hairston, whose speed and energy in midfield have been valuable, and Dominique Badji up top have been vital. Badji scored two fine goals against the Dynamo.

Colorado gets the job done. The team has a league-best 13 shutouts, and is 12-3-0 in one-goal games. When it's tight, it prevails more often than not.

Peaking at the right time The Rapids have looked great the past few weeks, especially going forward. They've got a nice mix among the attacking group, and if there's been some defensive hiccups -- foes have scored multiple goals in four of the last seven matches after doing so just once in the first 17 and three times in the first 24 -- they're still getting a fair share of clean sheets, with four in the last eight.

They've not lost in five games, and there's a sense things are falling into place. We know they can defend, and so the added boost in attacking prowess and in the chemistry up front bodes well.

And here's one reason they won't: Five in a row?

The Rapids could drop the game at Portland and still pull out the Shield, as long as the Sounders or Galaxy can prevail against Dallas. But the Hoops have the most balanced roster in MLS, they've defended as well or better than Colorado most of the campaign, and Mauro Diaz provides something truly special.

And what's the likelihood of the Rapids pulling off five successive victories? They won three in a row back in April (to start at 15-game unbeaten streak) but have gone back-to-back just twice since. Nobody in MLS has won five in a row this year; four teams (LA, NYC, the Red Bulls, Toronto and now Seattle) have strung four wins together.

There's not much room for error, either. Yes, Colorado hasn't lost at home, but all but two games at DSG have been decided by a goal or less, and in seven home games since the end of June, Colorado has scored just five times and been shut out on three occasions. Most DSG matches are tight triumphs decided in the second half that might have gone the other way or ended even. At some point, luck will run out.

12. Five MLS Players Called Up to USMNT For Friendly Against New Zealand

By Jerry Stephens MLSMultiplex.com - October 10, 2016

Jurgen Klinsmann has made some changes to the United States Men's National Team roster ahead of their friendly against New Zealand. After the team's 2-0 win over Cuba on October 7th, they will return stateside to take on New Zealand in a tune up for their World Cup Qualifiers later this year. The USMNT manager called up five MLS players while dropping two others.

This is common practice and was expected from Klinsmann. He sent home the bigger names so that they could return to their clubs. Many of the European players like John Brooks, Christian Pulisic, Bobby Wood, Ethan Horvath, Fabian Johnson, Timmy Chandler and Geoff Cameron all returned to their domestic teams.

Kellyn Acosta of FC Dallas, Juan Agudelo of the New England Revolution, Matt Besler of Sporting KC, Bill Hamid of D.C. United, and Tim Parker of the Vancouver Whitecaps all got the call up from Jurgen. These players will get the chance to prove themselves on the international stage. Chris Wondolowski and Jordan Morris were the two MLS players dropped.

Both Wondo and Morris have games coming up on their club's schedule during the international break. Both the San Jose Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders will have matches in the coming days in Major League Soccer competition. Klinsmann likely sent them home so that they could help their clubs in those important matches ahead of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Outside of Major League Soccer, both Michael Orozco and Terrance Boyd were both called up along with the five MLSers. After Ethan Horvath's impressive performance and clean sheet against Cuba, he may now be the leading goalkeeper behind Tim Howard and Brad Guzan. Bill Hamid will likely get his chance between the sticks as he looks to impress Jurgen.

Wondolowski proved important in the USA's recent victory as he recorded one goal and one assist. Young prospects in Acosta (21), Agudelo (23), and Parker (23) will get their opportunity with the national team alongside veteran Matt Besler (29).

The match against New Zealand will take place on October 11th in Washington D.C. at RFK Stadium. I would expect to see a number of MLS players feature in the Starting XI and as subs in the game for the USMNT.

Klinsmann will be giving young players a chance in this friendly as he wants to give them one last look before World Cup Qualifiers. While the U.S. are the favorites in this match, there is more to the game than just winning. These friendlies allow guys who don't regularly get a chance on the national level during competitive competitions to get their chance to prove themselves.

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Major League Soccer Stories from October 11, 2016


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