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Two Clubs Enter Week Five Riding Winning Streaks - This Week in MLS

March 30, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


D.C. United heads to Florida for the first time since 2001

Eras collide in this week's edition of Viernes de Futbol (7 p.m. ET, UniMás), as Orlando City SC hosts one of Major League Soccer's charter clubs, D.C. United. The Lions found themselves down 2-0 in the 27th minute of Saturday's match in Montreal, but responded with a pair of goals in the 29th and 30th minutes. D.C. United may pose Orlando's toughest task to date, however. The Black-and-Red have accrued six points through its first three matches, good for second-best in the Eastern Conference. Reigning Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year, Bill Hamid, picked up his second clean sheet of the season in Saturday's dramatic 1-0 win over LA Galaxy. With both clubs coming off emotional matches, the stage is set for a fiery meeting under the lights on Friday night.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC, LA Galaxy square off in Western Conference showdown

Week Four was a tale of two stories for Vancouver Whitecaps FC and LA Galaxy, which face off at BC Place on Saturday night at 10:00 p.m. ET (TSN). The 'Caps notched their third consecutive win of the season in dramatic fashion, as freshly-inked forward Robert Earnshaw potted a 90th minute score to lift his club over Portland. LA, on the other hand, yielded a 93rd minute goal to D.C. United's Chris Pontius and watched its road losing streak extend to six games. History sides with the Galaxy in this matchup, however. Vancouver has defeated the defending champs only once in the clubs' 12 meetings and has struggled to a 0-4-1 record in their last five matches. With Robbie Keane, Gyasi Zardes, and Jaime Penedo returning from international duty, Vancouver will have their hands full against a Galaxy team eager to reassert itself as the class of the Western Conference.

San Jose, Avaya Stadium, welcome another newcomer

The San Jose Earthquakes welcome Western Conference foe Real Salt Lake to Avaya Stadium for the first time to kick off MLS Soccer Sunday at 5 p.m. ET (ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes). The Earthquakes will be looking forward to returning home after falling to the New England Revolution 2-1 on Saturday, while the Claret-and-Cobalt will try to build off of their first win of the season last week. RSL Homegrown Player Jordan Allen netted the game-winning goal in the 89th minute to secure a 2-1 win over Toronto FC. RSL has recently had a good run of form against San Jose as they are 3-1-2 in their last six games against the Quakes. Real Salt Lake midfielder Javier Morales has had major success against the Earthquakes, scoring eight goals in 14 games against the Bay Area side.

Philadelphia Union head to SKC looking for first win of season

The Philadelphia Union hope to use their success against Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park as a launching pad towards their first win of the season in the tail end of MLS Soccer Sunday at 7 p.m. ET (Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes). Philadelphia is 2-1-2 all-time at Sporting Park and came away with four points in two matches last year at Sporting Park. Sporting earned their first win of the season as they defeated New York City FC 1-0 in Yankee Stadium behind Ike Opara's 13th minute header off a Matt Besler throw-in. It was Opara's fifth goal in MLS since 2013, which is the second most in MLS amongst defenders behind Vancouver Whitecaps' Jordan Harvey and FC Dallas' Matt Hedges, who each have six.

MLS National TV Schedule

Friday, April 3

Orlando City SC vs. D.C. United, 7 p.m. ET (UniMás)

Saturday, April 4

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. LA Galaxy, 10 p.m. ET (TSN)

Sunday, April 5

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

Sporting Kansas City vs. Philadelphia Union, 7 p.m. ET (Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes)

USMNT, Canadian Men's National Team wrap up international fixtures

The USMNT and Canadian Men's National Team wrap up their respective two-game slates this week as FIFA's international window comes to a close.

Canada heads to Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel for an exhibition match with Puerto Rico at 7:30 p.m. ET tonight. The Canadians blanked Guatemala, 1-0, in Fort Lauderdale last Friday, thanks to an 11th minute goal from FC Dallas' Kyle Bekker. Seven MLS players, including Maxim Tissot (MTL), Marcel de Jong (SKC), Kyle Bekker (DAL), Karl Ouimette (NYR), Russell Teibert (VAN), Chris Mannella (TOR), and Cyle Larin (ORL), suited up for Benito Floro's side in the win. With a 2-2-2 record over its last six matches, Canada is seeking a positive result as it preps for a busy year that includes CONCACAF Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the USMNT looks to rebound from a late collapse in Denmark when it faces Switzerland at 12:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday (Fox Sports 1, UniMás). Though the Americans failed to secure a win, standout performances from Toronto FC stars Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley should give the squad momentum heading into tomorrow's date with a stingy Swiss side led by Inter Milan's Xherdan Shaqiri. All five of the MLSers selected by Jurgen Klinsmann saw action in Denmark, with four-Nick Rimando (RSL), Gyasi Zardes (LA), Michael Bradley (TOR), Jozy Altidore (TOR)-in the starting XI and one-Brek Shea (ORL)-coming in off the bench.

2014-15 Generation adidas Cup kicks off in Texas

While Major League Soccer's Week Four action was in full swing, the league's future stars were commencing the 2014-15 Generation adidas Cup in Frisco, Texas. FC Dallas and Dallas Cup are hosting the annual, week-long tournament that features 17 MLS Academy teams, the Chivas USA youth squad, and several international clubs including River Plate (Argentina), Athletic Club Bilbao (Spain), Pumas UNAM (Mexico), Palmeiras (Brazil), Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany) and Aspire Academy (Qatar).

The tournament's Champions Division, which includes the top three finishers from three regional qualifiers, got underway on Sunday. Of the six MLS academies in the Champions Division, only Sporting Kansas City and FC Dallas secured wins in their opening matches. Toronto FC, Real Salt Lake, the San Jose Earthquakes, and Philadelphia Union will look to rebound from their opening-day losses on Monday.

News and Notes from Around MLS

MLS and Abu Dhabi Sports Channel Partner to Broadcast MLS in the Middle East and North Africa: Major League Soccer (MLS) announced that it has partnered with Abu Dhabi Sports Channel, owned by Abu Dhabi Media Company, to televise league matches live across the Middle East and North Africa, reaching 25 countries throughout the region. This marks the first time MLS matches will be telecast on Abu Dhabi Sports Channels.

MLS AND GLOBOSAT ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO BROADCAST MLS IN BRAZIL: In the latest in a recent string of TV partnerships, Major League Soccer and Globosat announced a four-year deal to televise league matches live in Brazil. Globosat is Latin America's biggest pay-TV operator and this marks the first time Globosat will have MLS broadcast rights.

Quotables

"There was a lot of times where I was watching from the stands wondering if I was ever going to get that moment again. For me to have that moment so early in the season, hopefully I can build on it and there'll be a lot more moments like this throughout the rest of the year."

Real Salt Lake's Jordan Allen on scoring his first ever goal after missing most of last season with a knee injury

Allen's late goal lifts RSL to 2-1 win over Toronto FC (Salt Lake Tribune)

"Amazing. Even with the length of time I've been playing football, that feeling when the ball hits the net, oh my God, it's the best. The best."

Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Robert Earnshaw on his game-winning goal on his debut for new club

'Earnie' quickly finds a home with Whitecaps (Vancouver Sun)

"It's great. It's good for the community, good for the state. I think it not only affects the state of Minnesota, I think it affects Wisconsin, where I spent a lot of time growing up. I was born in Duluth but it's a quick trip over. I know a lot of people in my neck of the woods that would make the trip to the Twin Cities. They'll have a great draw."

Columbus Crew SC midfielder Ethan Finlay on Minnesota being awarded an MLS franchise

Finlay excited for new Minnesota MLS team (Columbus Dispatch)

"He just has an exceptional level of commitment and a level of honesty and a level of professionalism in how he goes about his work on a daily basis. He's always a player that turns up to work hard. He came from nothing and he's overcome adversity to get to where he is today."

Portland Timbers General Manager Gavin Wilkinson on Jorge Villafaña's journey to the MLS

From 'sueño' to success: Timbers left back Jorge Villafaña's dream road to Portland (The Oregonian)

"You talk to any team around the league, and to play in the Club World Championship would be an absolute dream. Like Garth says, it's one thing to play against Chelsea and they don't care. It's another to play them when there's millions of dollars on the line for players."

Seattle Sounders FC defender Brad Evans on what it would mean to play in the Club World Championship

Sounders have eyes on larger prize entering friendly (Seattle Times)

"I wanted Matt to be pushed. I wanted to put him in a position where he needs to take risks and develop a mentality and a character. Get him out of his comfort zone. That's when growth happens."

FC Dallas head coach Oscar Pareja on making Matt Hedges youngest team captain in club history

Why FC Dallas coach Oscar Pareja made Matt Hedges youngest captain in team history (Dallas Morning News)

Sweet Tweets

Jordan Allen (@jayalllen) : great moment for myself and the team. can't begin to explain how much it means. #FirstGoal #RSL

https://twitter.com/jayalllen/status/582370880711307265

Jermaine Jones (@Jermainejunior) : A huge thanks to the #Celtics for the sick floor seats today!!

https://twitter.com/Jermainejunior/status/582368817466200064

Dom Dwyer ( @Ddwyer14 ): 6plus is officially too big for my hands, my second cracked iPhone screens because of @Snapchat

https://twitter.com/Ddwyer14/status/580929436515602434

Robbie Rogers ( @RobbieRogers ): Congrats @SteveNash on an amazing career. More importantly thank u 4 being such an incredible role model for us all.

https://twitter.com/robbierogers/status/580471629521805314

Chad Barrett ( @CBarrett19 ): You fans are ridiculous! Tuesday night game with that traffic and 40k in the seats?! Words don't do u justice. You guys are the best!

https://twitter.com/CBarrett19/status/580604029027373056

Week Five Game Previews

Friday, April 3

Orlando City SC vs. D.C. United, 7 p.m. ET (UniMás)

- D.C. United won their second consecutive 1-0 game at home to open the season, defeating the LA Galaxy behind a late stoppage-time goal from Chris Pontius, their first win against the defending MLS Cup champions in seven seasons.

- Kaká scored one goal and set up another as Orlando City SC grabbed a result for the third time in four MLS matches with their come-from-behind 2-2 draw at the Montréal Impact. Kaká has been involved in three of OCSC's four goals (2 goals, 1 assist); the fourth goal was an own goal.

- Rookie Pedro Ribeiro also netted a goal and added an assist in the Impact draw; Ribeiro was also involved in the play that led to the own goal in the Houston win.

Saturday, April 4

Chicago Fire vs. Toronto FC, 3 p.m. ET

- The Fire won for the first time this season, with new signing Adailton heading home the game's only goal for a 1-0 win against Philadelphia Union on Sunday afternoon. Harry Shipp assisted on the goal; he has been involved in both Fire goals this season.

- Toronto FC lost for a second consecutive match as Real Salt Lake answered a late equalizer with a late winner of their own for a 2-1 result Sunday at Rio Tinto Stadium.

- Toronto FC have not defeated the Fire since the 2010 season, when they won 4-1 on May 8 at BMO Field. The Fire have won five of the 11 meetings since, with six draws. The teams played to draws in each of their three meetings a year ago, two of those at Toyota Park and one at BMO Field.

- The Fire have never lost to TFC at Toyota Park, with four wins and five draws in nine meetings all-time in Bridgeview.

Colorado Rapids vs. New England Revolution, 7 p.m. ET

- The Rapids have become the first team in MLS history to start a season with three consecutive scoreless draws, following their result at Houston on Saturday evening.

- The Rapids saw their scoreless drought reach 510 minutes, dating back to last Oct. 11; they also saw their winless streak extended to 17 matches with the draw, one short of the all-time MLS record held by Real Salt Lake (2005-06).

- Kelyn Rowe netted his second career multiple-goal game, scoring the Revolution's first goals this season in their first victory, a 2-1 defeat of the San Jose Earthquakes at snowy Gillette Stadium on Saturday. The Revs scored their first goals in 346 minutes in league play dating back to last season.

- The Revolution have not won in Colorado since 2002. The Rapids have won six of the 11 meetings at home with New England since; the Revolution have never won in six matches all-time at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

- The Rapids haven't won at Gillette Stadium since 2010; the Revolution won last year's lone meeting, a 3-0 triumph July 30 in Foxborough.

Seattle Sounders FC vs. Houston Dynamo, 10 p.m. ET

- When Sounders FC and FC Dallas did not record a single shot on target in their scoreless draw Saturday, it marked the first time in MLS history (in 4,059 games all-time) that a game ended with zero shots on goal.

- The Dynamo recorded their second shutout in four games - and were shut out for the second time in four games - in their scoreless result with Colorado on Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium. Neither the Dynamo nor their opponents have scored more than one goal in any of the four Houston games this season.

- Sounders FC have never lost to the Dynamo in Seattle. In five league meetings all-time, Sounders FC have won four, with one draw, outscoring Houston 9-2. Sounders FC also won a U.S. Open Cup match at home vs. Houston; the teams played a scoreless draw in the 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs.

- The teams have alternated wins over the last five seasons, each winning only on their home ground. Sounders FC won last year's lone meeting, 2-0 on Aug. 10 at CenturyLink Field.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. LA Galaxy, 10 p.m. ET

- Whitecaps FC have matched their MLS club record with three consecutive league wins, following their 2-1 triumph over the Portland Timbers on Saturday evening at BC Place. The 'Caps have recorded three-game winning runs once in each of the last three seasons.

- The Galaxy saw their road winless streak in league play extended to six games dating back to last season, following their first loss of the season, a 1-0 defeat at D.C. United on Saturday.

- Whitecaps FC have defeated the Galaxy just once in 12 matches all-time in all competitions - that coming May 11, 2013 at BC Place. The Galaxy are undefeated in their last five meetings with Whitecaps FC, dating back to 2013, winning four of those with one draw.

- The Galaxy won all six regular season meetings with Whitecaps FC in Carson, outscoring them 13-1; they also took a victory there in the 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs, a 2-1 win in the Knockout Round.

Portland Timbers vs. FC Dallas, 10:30 p.m. ET

- Fanendo Adi scored his third goal of the season (all of the Timbers' goals in 2015), but saw his club's winless streak to start the season stretched to four games in its 2-1 defeat at Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The Timbers opened the year with three consecutive draws.

- FC Dallas saw their perfect start to the season put to an end, but still remain the overall leader in MLS following their scoreless draw with Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday evening at Toyota Stadium.

- The teams evenly split their three meetings a season ago, each winning one, with one draw. The teams split the two matches at Toyota Stadium; they played to a 2-2 draw June 11 at Providence Park.

- FC Dallas have never won at Providence Park, the Timbers winning three of the five league meetings there with two draws. The Timbers have won once in six visits all-time to Frisco.

Sunday, April 5

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2)

- Real won for the first time in 2015 following a pair of draws in dramatic fashion, with Homegrown Player Jordan Allen heading home the game-winner in the 89th minute for a 2-1 win Sunday against Toronto FC at Rio Tinto Stadium.

- Chris Wondolowski scored his third goal in the last two matches, but the Earthquakes saw their two-game winning streak come to an end in a 2-1 defeat at the New England Revolution on Saturday.

- RSL defeated the Quakes 2-0 on Oct. 11 of last year at Rio Tinto Stadium, the only victory in the three meetings between the teams.

- The Quakes haven't defeated RSL at home since the final meeting in 2012, a 5-0 San Jose victory that is the largest win in the all-time series.

Sporting Kansas City vs. Philadelphia Union, 7 p.m. ET (Fox Sports 1)

- Center back Ike Opara scored his second goal in four games as Sporting Kansas City won for the first time this season, defeating New York City FC 1-0 at Yankee Stadium.

- Philadelphia Union lost for a second consecutive match and saw their season-opening winless streak extended to four games following their 1-0 defeat at the Chicago Fire on Sunday.

- The all-time series is evenly tied, each club with four victories in 12 meetings, with four draws. Each team has won twice, lost twice and drawn twice on their home ground.

- The Union won last year's lone meeting between the teams at PPL Park, a 2-1 win on Oct. 18, ending a two-game Sporting KC winning streak in Chester.

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