MLS Major League Soccer

This Week in MLS

Published on March 19, 2013 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


Lineup Changes Add Intrigue to Week 4

Not only does MLS have a full complement of games, including D.C. United hosting the Columbus Crew on the NBC Sports Network this Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET) and the Chicago Fire hosting Chivas USA on UniMas on Sunday (5:00 p.m. ET), but World Cup qualifying begins again, with Friday and Tuesday matches, adding a unique element of intrigue to the week.

Players such as Chicago Fire goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi, likely to step in for Sean Johnson (USA), and midfielder Daniel Paladini, who started in place of Joel Lindpere (Estonia) last week, could get another chance to gain valuable experience and minutes against a feisty Chivas USA side during Sunday's nationally televised game.

Real Salt Lake will look to show their depth as five of their players step away for international duty. The opportunity could prove priceless for young players like rookie Devon Sandoval out of the University of New Mexico, currently RSL's leading Reserve League goal scorer, and 2011 USL Pro League MVP Yordany Alvarez.

While the United States vs. Costa Rica match will kickoff at 10 p.m. ET Friday on ESPN live from Dick's Sporting Goods Park, click here for a full list of matches involving MLS players during March 22-26.

LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders FC Advance to CONCACAF Champions League Semifinals

Two of Major League Soccer's top clubs have advanced to the CONCACAF Champions League Semifinals and will both face Mexican opposition. The LA Galaxy will face Monterrey while Seattle Sounders FC will face familiar foe Santos Laguna, who knocked the Sounders out of the competition last year. This will be the third time in the last eight years that two MLS clubs have reached the semifinals versus Mexican opponents, but on both previous occasions (2007-2008) the North American sides have failed to defeat their neighbors to the south. And the last MLS team to reach the finals of the CONCACAF Champions League was Real Salt Lake in 2011 when they lost to eventual champion, Monterrey.

CCL Semifinal Series - Leg One

Tuesday, April 2

Seattle Sounders FC vs. Santos Laguna, 10 p.m. ET (Fox Soccer)

Wednesday, April 3

LA Galaxy vs. Monterrey, 10 p.m. ET (Fox Soccer)

MLS WORKS Launches "Don't Cross the Line" Campaign

Don't Cross the Line promotes unity, respect, fair play, equality and acceptance throughout the soccer community.

Join Major League Soccer and Take a Stand For Soccer.

Take the Pledge...Don't Cross the Line

MLS Week 4 National Broadcasts

Saturday, March 23

D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew, 3:30 p.m. ET (NBC Sports Network)

FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake, 8:30 p.m. ET (Univision)

Sunday, March 24

Chicago Fire vs. Chivas USA, 5 p.m. ET (UniMas)

Quotables

"The climate alone - the stadium, the way we pack the stadium, the way the fans react when their team is on the field - is very special. Without a doubt, it's a place where the U.S. will feel at home."

-Nick Rimano, on Real Salt Lake's Rio Tinto Stadium hosting a U.S. World Cup Qualifying game

"I filled in the forms to stay here. I feel 100 per cent like a Montrealer. I want to live here after football."

-Hassoun Camara, French defender Camara commenting on how much he likes his new home in Montreal

"If you don't try, you never score that kind of goal, so that's what I did."

-Dijmi Traore, talking about his game-tying goal that was the No. 2 play on SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays

"Maybe if I was somewhere else, they'd be fed up with me and kick me to the curb. I was fortunate the coaches had faith enough to let me progress and get better. Hopefully, they could see my progression even though I wasn't playing a lot and were able to see something was there."

-Chance Myers, the No. 1 overall pick in 2008 talking about the benefits of the Generation adidas program after not playing much his first couple seasons

"He's a guy that we wanted to try to lock in for the ... I say the long-term, even (though) when his current deal expires, he'll still be a young player. The timing was just right for us, and obviously it was right for him."

-New England Revolution General Manager Michael Burns, speaking to the contract extention of 18-year-old Diego Fagundez

He would never, ever change his style. Never, ever. He believes in it so much. (In December 2011), a few of us were back at his house - we went to see him for a bit - and he spoke for three hours on his soccer philosophy, and he just wouldn't stop. He'll never change that style. ... They're going to work hard, give their all for the coach. His teams kind of carry his personality."

-Steve Zakuani-Seattle Sounders midfielder talking about new coach Caleb Porter

"Coming out with six points? No."

- -Patrice Bernier, commenting on his expectation for Montreal Impact's first two games on the road this season.

"It was three or four job descriptions rolled into one. It took only a month or two to realize I wasn't meant for an office and that I belonged on a field."

-Mike Petke, on how he found his way back to the field after retiring from playing soccer

Sweet Tweets

@ESPNMAG - March 19

Bruce Arena on people who watch EPL but not @MLS : "They're pretty stupid. MLS is like any league: There are good games and bad games."

@Alex_Caulfield - March 19

Front page of this morning's Columbus Dispatch. Great work from @AdamJardy, @JairoArrieta25 will approve. #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/ai3uJ4flz2

@MLSInsider - March 19

37 goals for PSG. RT @NewYorkRedBulls Welcome the newest #RBNY signing, former PSG forward Peguy Luyindula http:// win.gs/137YEaF

@NickFirchau - March 19

Most interesting tidbit from US camp in Denver: Brian McBride working with the team, via Klinsmann's invite, until Wednesday. #USMNT

@dwaynederosario - March 18

The soccer community is about acceptance and fair play. We pledge to not cross the line, do you? http:// soc.cr/j1o0U #Dontcrosstheline

@WillJohnson04 - March 16

A huge thank you to the @timbersarmy for making the trip and supporting us, it means a lot to the guys. Just gotta keep pushing onwards.

@SFranklin5 - March 16

Great time with the kids at the #SunshineKids5K Event today w/ the @GalaxyStarSquad #GalaxyStreetTeam @LakerGirls pic.twitter.com/pYJw0eszXG

@NickRimando - March 13

Congrats to #Seattle and the @LAGalaxy on reaching the #CONCACAF semifinals. #MLS #OneLove #RSL

@BMcDonald4 - March 13

Must be the day of the comeback!! Barca, now Sounders!! #MLS @eddie_johnson7 what a goal!!!!

MLS Week 4 Previews

(Home team listed first; all times Eastern)

Saturday, March 23

D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew, 3:30 p.m. (NBCSN)

- International Connection: Another South American connection combined for the Crew goal in their 1-1 draw with San Jose last weekend. Brazilian center back Glaúber headed home his first MLS goal from a corner kick delivered by Federico HiguaÃ-n; the Argentinian playmaker recorded his first assist, after scoring the Crew's opening goal this season.

- Road Woes: D.C. United were shut out for a second consecutive road match in their scoreless draw at the New York Red Bulls, a match where they were outshot 24-5.

- Back in Action: Dwayne De Rosario made his season debut for United in New York after missing the first two games through suspension.

- Home Advantage: D.C. United have won the last three league meetings at RFK Stadium between the teams, but they haven't won in Columbus since 2007. United hold a 25-21-8 edge in the all-time series record.

Montreal Impact vs. New York Red Bulls, 4 p.m.

- On Top: The Impact sit atop the Eastern Conference with the maximum nine points from their first three matches, following their 2-1 win Saturday vs. Toronto FC. It's the first time the Impact have led the East since coming to MLS; their longest winning streak in their inaugural season was five games (July 28-Aug. 25).

- Perfection: Patrice Bernier remained perfect from the penalty spot, converting the penalty kick that sent the Impact on their way to victory vs. Toronto. Bernier is 7-for-7 from penalties in MLS.

- Slow Start: The New York Red Bulls are still looking for a first victory for new coach Mike Petke, now 0-1-2 following their home debut, the scoreless draw with D.C. United on Saturday afternoon.

- Goals Galore: The teams played to three high-scoring affairs in Montréal's inaugural MLS season, with 14 goals between the games. The Red Bulls won 5-2 at home and 2-1 at Olympic Stadium; the Impact won 3-1 at Stade Saputo.

New England Revolution vs. Sporting Kansas City, 4 p.m.

- Winning Streak: Sporting are unbeaten in their last four meetings with the Revolution, including all three meetings a year ago, when they won twice. KC won 1-0 on Aug. 4 in the lone meeting at Gillette Stadium.

- History Made: Bobby Shuttleworth was in goal for the Revolution in their 1-0 loss to Philadelphia on Saturday. In the season opener, Matt Reis started in goal, becoming the third player in Major League Soccer history to make one appearance in at least 16 different seasons, joining Pablo Mastroeni and Kevin Hartman.

- Stiff Competition: The Revs loss at Philadelphia - they have never defeated Union - came after a season-opening win in Chicago. The Revolution have never won their opening two games in a season in the 18 years of their existence.

FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake, 8:30 p.m.

- Dallas Dominating: Real Salt Lake have still never won in Dallas. FCD is 8-0-2 all-time in league games between the clubs, and have also won a game in the MLS Cup Playoffs (in 2010) and a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal (in 2011). FCD's win at Rio Tinto Stadium in the final meeting last year was their first win in Utah since 2007.

- Texas Troubles: Real still have yet to ever win in the state of Texas. All-time combined vs. Houston and Dallas, over all competitions, Real are 0-18-3 in the Lone Star State.

- Lone Scorer: RSL's Álvaro SaborÃ-o has scored all three of his team's goals this season, after netting the late equalizer in its 1-1 home draw with Colorado on Saturday afternoon.

- Familiar Territory: Kenny Cooper scored his first goal in his return to his former club, the dramatic game-winner to give FC Dallas a 3-2 victory against Houston in the Texas Derby on Sunday. Cooper scored 40 league goals for FCD from 2006-09.

Houston Dynamo vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 8:30 p.m.

- Looking Good: Whitecaps FC are off to a good start for a second consecutive season, winning both of their matches after a 2-1 win against Columbus in their last game on March 9. Last year, Whitecaps FC opened the season with four consecutive shutouts, posting two wins and two draws.

- First and Famous: Daigo Kobayashi's first MLS goal was a stunning long-range blast that set Whitecaps FC on their way to the win vs. Columbus, a strike that won MLS Goal of the Week honors.

- Hitting his Stride: Brad Davis scored his first league goal of the season in the Dynamo's 3-2 loss to FC Dallas, but it was his second goal this season, having also scored in the CONCACAF Champions League series with Mexico's Santos Laguna.

- Got their number: Whitecaps FC won 3-1 in the only meeting last season, June 10 at BC Place, their second consecutive victory against the Dynamo, both coming at home. The Dynamo have won the only meeting between the teams in Houston, the first encounter ever, April 10, 2011.

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 10:30 p.m.

- Revenge Factor: San Jose won all three league meetings between the teams last season, with two victories coming at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. But Sounders FC defeated the Quakes in a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal in Santa Clara.

- Called into Duty: Obafemi Martins was able to come to Seattle and make his debut for Sounders FC, playing the final 20 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Portland. But he'll miss the San Jose match, called into the Nigerian national team for its World Cup qualifier with Kenya this weekend.

- Late Heroics: For a second consecutive week, the Quakes once again demonstrated their propensity for late heroics, getting a 73rd-minute equalizer from Justin Morrow for their 1-1 draw in Columbus. Last year, 40 of San Jose's league-leading 72 goals came from the 60th minute onward.

- Long Ranger: The last player remaining from Major League Soccer's inaugural season, San Jose's Ramiro Corrales, recorded his first assist of the season in setting up Morrow's equalizer.

LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids, 10:30 p.m.

- Home Cooking: Galaxy Homegrown Player Jack McBean has now made four appearances in league games - and has scored two goals, after netting the opener in the SuperClásico vs. Chivas USA on Sunday. McBean's first professional goal came in his debut, in 2011 at Houston.

- Tough Times: The Rapids suffered a blow when goalkeeper Matt Pickens suffered a fractured left forearm early in the 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake. Clint Irwin, making his professional debut, made two saves after coming on in relief; Pickens will be out an expected 3-4 months.

- Tough to Beat: The Galaxy are undefeated against the Rapids over the last two seasons. The Galaxy had won four in a row between the teams before a 1-1 draw in Commerce City in the last meeting on Sept. 30.

- Been too long: The Rapids last defeated the Galaxy at home in 2008. In the five meetings since at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, LA has won three, with two draws.

Sunday, March 24

Chicago Fire vs. Chivas USA, 5 p.m. (UniMas)

- Welcome to LA: Carlos Alvarez, the No. 2 overall selection in this year's SuperDraft, scored his first professional goal in his MLS debut against the LA Galaxy on Sunday. Alvarez came on at halftime and scored the dramatic equalizer to leave the SuperClásico in a 1-1 draw.

- Finishing Problems: The Fire are still looking for their first goal this season after three games, following their scoreless draw with Sporting KC on Saturday. In 2004, the club opened the season with three consecutive attacking shutouts - playing to two consecutive scoreless draws before a 2-0 loss at Dallas.

- Streak ended: Fire midfielder Joel Lindpere saw his consecutive start streak ended at 91 games when he went to the substitutes' bench for Saturday's scoreless draw at Sporting KC. Lindpere joined the Fire from New York over the offseason.

- Fire on Fire: Chivas USA have not defeated the Chicago Fire since 2008. Over the last eight league meetings, the Fire have won six, with two draws; they also won a SuperLiga match over that span.

Check out the Major League Soccer Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from March 19, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central