USL Pro Week 3: A Look Ahead

By MIKE GRAMAJO

There are several solid USL Pro match-ups on tap for this weekend, but none may be bigger than the debut of the Oklahoma City Energy FC, who are coached by MLS champion goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen.

The Energy will travel to California on Saturday to take on the Orange County Blues FC before making the trek north to kick off against the LA Galaxy II on Monday.

The Galaxy II, who top the standings with four points, look to keep their unbeaten start alive after a convincing victory over the Blues and late-game draw against Sacramento Republic last week. The LA Galaxy will more than likely send four or more players on-loan to Los Dos like previous matches.

Meanwhile, the Energy look very solid in depth, bolstered by on-loan goalkeeper Jon Kempin from Sporting Kansas City, who will get his first real chance as the No. 1 man after his loan at Orlando City in 2013 left him only as a backup for Miguel Gallardo.

Here’s a closer look at the rest of Week 3 action in the USL Pro:

CHARLOTTE EAGLES VS. DAYTON DUTCH LIONS (Friday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. ET WATCH HERE) 

The Charlotte Eagles look to start their new campaign on a positive note when they welcome the Dayton Dutch Lions to the Queens Sports Complex.

Dayton, who opened up their season last week, suffered a grueling 3-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls Reserves last Sunday, and often struggled offensively to find the back of the net.

Despite their USL Pro final run in 2013, the Eagles will look to replicate their performance but will have to do so with plenty of new faces. Only six players from last year have returned to Charlotte, one of which include forward Jorge Herrera, who scored 10 goals and notched four assists.

ORLANDO CITY VS. ROCHESTER RHINOS (Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET WATCH HERE)

Orlando City aren’t having the best start in the 2014 season, drawing in their first two matches, but they look to earn their first victory when the Rochester Rhinos visit.

Despite missing out on several scoring chances in games lately, the Lions added more depth to their midfield last Wednesday when they acquired midfielder Brian Span on loan from FC Dallas for the 2014 season.

Meanwhile, the Rhinos added some solid pieces to their roster last Tuesday when they announced the arrivals of defenders Tony Walls, Babacar Diallo and midfielder Johnny Mendoza.

RICHMOND KICKERS VS. PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS (Saturday, April 5 at 5:00 p.m. ET WATCH HERE) 

The Richmond Kickers open up their home season at City Stadium when they host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday.

Both sides drew respectively on the road last week, with Richmond drawing 2-2 at Charleston while Pittsburgh finished with a 1-1 draw at Orlando. It will be a tale of two strikers, as the Kickers bolster George Davis IV, who scored both goals for the Kickers last week while the Riverhounds look to lean on 2013 USL Pro MVP Jose Angulo.

Last time the Kickers and Riverhounds met was on August 2013, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Highmark Stadium.

WILMINGTON HAMMERHEADS VS. HARRISBURG CITY ISLANDERS (Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET WATCH HERE) 

Despite missing out on the opening two weeks, both the Wilmington Hammerheads and Harrisburg City Islanders begin their 2014 USL Pro season at Legion Stadium.

“I feel confident coming into this season,” Hammerheads head coach David Irving told the club’s website. “The players have been ready to take the field and be part of the action for weeks now. There has been a good spirit coming through preseason amongst the team and they are ready to get to work.”

Wilmington will be one of the 11 USL Pro clubs that will augment an MLS affiliate, after clinching a partnership with Toronto FC, which has resulted into the Reds sending goalkeeper Quillan Roberts and midfielders Daniel Lovitz, Manu Aparicio for the whole season. However, the City Islanders added a solid defensive piece when they announced the signing of right back Neil Shaffer on Thursday.

CHIVAS USA RESERVES VS. SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC (Monday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m. ET WATCH HERE) 

After making their league debut last week in a 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy II, Sacramento Republic FC return to the StubHub Center, but this time to face off against the Chivas USA Reserves.

Despite not being able to clinch a victory, three Sac Republic players received USL Pro team of the week honors for week two, which include goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, defender Harrison Delbridge and forward Justin Braun (scored first-ever goal in club history).

—

What do you think of Week 3? Excited to see OKC Energy begin their inaugural season? Do you think Orlando City will earn their first win? Can Los Dos remain in first place? How do you think Sac Republic will perform?

Share your thoughts below.

European Weekend Preview: Everton host Arsenal; Real Madrid face Sociedad; and more | Soccer By Ives

Photo by Michael Zemanek / ISIPhotos.com

By JUSTIN FERGUSON

Arsenals draw with Manchester City last weekend may have kept them alive in a crowded race for the English Premier League title, but a road loss this weekend could do more than keep them out of contentionit could keep them out of the Champions League next season.

Fourth-place Arsenal are four points of fifth-place Everton heading into Sundays trip to Goodison Park, where Everton have only lost once in league play this season. Everton, who have a match in hand on Arsenal, have won six straight at home and will be looking to move closer to a Champions League spot with a victory Sunday. The Toffees could be boosted by the return of Phil Jagielka to the starting lineup, but bright young midfielder Ross Barkley might miss Sundays clash after leaving last weekends match against Fulham with an injury.

Arsenal are slowly getting back to health as Aaron Ramsey and Nacho Monreal return to Arsene Wengers squad this weekend. Although Everton will enter the match with more momentum, the two sides battled to a 1-1 draw at Emirates Stadium and have played extremely tight matches in recent seasons. In the last eight EPL fixtures between Arsenal and Everton, neither side has won a match by more than one goal, making for another intense battle at Goodison Park on Sunday.

In Spain, third-place Real Madrid have rallied from their short slump with a 5-0 rout of Rayo Vallecano in league play and a 3-0 first-leg victory against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarterfinals. This weekend, Los Blancos look to stay within striking distance of crosstown rivals Atletico when they visit fifth-place Real Sociedad. Madrid had no problem with Sociedad in their 5-1 smashing earlier this season, but Sociedad have won three of their last four home matchesincluding a 3-1 victory against Barcelonato keep them in the hunt for a Champions League spot.

Here is a closer look at the weekend’s action from the top leagues in Europe:

ENGLAND

First-place Liverpool take their two-point lead atop the EPL table into Upton Park this weekend for a road match against 11th-place West Ham United, who have won four of their last five matches at home. Liverpool have won eight league matches in a row and are on a remarkable offensive tear, scoring three or more goals in seven of those victories. While West Ham have cemented themselves in the midtable of the EPL after a solid run of form, they will definitely have their hands full against a Liverpool side that controls its own destiny in the race for a league title.

Second-place Chelsea are looking to stay unbeaten at Stamford Bridge in league matches under Jose Mourinho this weekend, when they take on a 10th-place Stoke City side that defeated Chelsea 3-2 earlier this season. The Potters have also won four of their last five league matches to put them into the top half of the league table, but they also sport won of Englands worst home recordsjust two wins in 16 trips away from the Britannia. Mourinhos Blues have lost back-to-back matches after their 6-0 destruction of Arsenal and will need to get back to their winning ways this weekend.

Here are this weekend’s matches in the English Premier League:

Saturday:Manchester City vs. SouthamptonAston Villa vs. FulhamCardiff City vs. Crystal PalaceHull City vs. Swansea CityNewcastle United vs. Manchester UnitedNorwich City vs. West Bromwich AlbionChelsea vs. Stoke City

Sunday:Everton vs. ArsenalWest Ham United vs. Liverpool

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SPAIN

First-place Atletico Madrid are winners of five straight in La Liga, and they hope to stay ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid with a victory against Villarreal at the Vicente Calderon. Atletico also grabbed a precious road goal against Barcelona earlier this week in the Champions League, a competition that could lead to some interesting lineup decisions for manager Diego Simeone. Villarreal forced Atletico to share points in their meeting earlier this season, but the league leaders will most likely need all three from the match to stay on top in La Liga.

Second-place Barcelona will hope to end their rough week on a high note against last-place Real Betis at Camp Nou. On top of the clubs 1-1 home draw with Atletico in the Champions League quarterfinals, Barcelona now have to deal with the news of a transfer ban for the next two windows. Barcelona handled Betis 4-1 in their first meeting of the season, and they should have no problem posting another victory at home as they prepare for an all-important second leg with La Ligas leaders next week.

Here are this weekend’s matches in La Liga:

Friday:Almeria vs. Osasuna

Saturday:Atletico Madrid vs. VillarrealBarcelona vs. Real BetisReal Sociedad vs. Real MadridRayo Vallecano vs. Celta Vigo

Sunday:Malaga vs. GranadaElche vs. GetafeSevilla vs. EspanyolReal Valladolid vs. Valencia

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GERMANY

Before Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich return to the Allianz Arena for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester United, the title holders must visit eighth-place Augsburg in league play. Bayern had no problem with Augsburg in their 3-0 meeting earlier this season, and Augsburg will enter Saturdays match on a four-match winless skid. With the title already sealed for Bayern, the storyline surrounding this match will be if Bayern can continue their impressive domestic unbeaten run and get ready for the visit from Man United.

The match of the weekend in the Bundesliga will be second-place Borussia Dortmund vs. fifth-place Wolfsburg at the Signal Iduna Park. While Dortmund hold a one-point lead over Schalke for the runners-up spot in the league, Wolfsburg are one point behind fourth-place Bayer Leverkusen for the final Champions League spot in Germany. Wolfsburg have not lost since their 6-1 demolition at the hands of Bayern Munich, and they will have more momentum heading into a match against a Dortmund side that was humbled 3-0 at the Bernabeu earlier this week.

Here are this weekend’s matches in the Bundesliga:

Friday:Hamburg vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Saturday:Eintracht Frankfurt vs. MainzAugsburg vs. Bayern MunichNurnberg vs. Borussia MonchengladbachStuttgart vs. FreiburgWerder Bremen vs. SchalkeBorussia Dortmund vs. Wolfsburg

Sunday:Eintracht Braunschweig vs. HamburgHertha Berlin vs. Hoffenheim

————

ITALY

Second-place AS Roma can put extra pressure on league-leading Juventus, who play Monday, when they visit 15th-place Cagliari. The two sides battled it out to a scoreless draw, the only one of the season for Cagliari, in their first matchup at the Stadio Olimpico earlier this season. Roma are rolling on a five-match winning streak as they try to keep their long-shot chance at a league title alive, while Cagliari have done just enough in an up-and-down run of form to stay five points above the drop zone.

Sixth-place Parma are gunning for a return to European action next season, and they will have a tough matchup standing in their way this weekend when they host third-place Napoli. Rafa Benitezs squad is fresh off a 2-0 victory against league-leading Juventus, but Parma managed to squeak out a 1-0 road win against Napoli earlier this season. Parma have dropped three straight close matches against top Serie A competition, and they are hanging onto their Europa League spot by a thread heading into Sundays match.

Here are this weekend’s matches in Serie A:

Saturday:Chievo Verona vs. Hellas VeronaInter Milan vs. Bologna

Sunday:Lazio vs. SampdoriaAtalanta vs. SassuoloCagliari vs. AS RomaCatania vs. TorinoFiorentina vs. UdineseParma vs. Napoli

————

FRANCE

First-place Paris Saint-Germain will start their stretch of matches without star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic when they host seventh-place Stade de Reims this Saturday. Ibrahimovic was injured in PSGs victory against Chelsea in the Champions League, and now they will have to go a few weeks without the Swedish goalscorer. The capital club should have few problems against a side it beat 3-0 away from home earlier this season, but they will have to replace the offensive production of a dynamic playmaker like Ibrahimovic.

Second-place AS Monaco will try to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Evian Thonon Gaillard this Sunday when they face 14th-place Nantes at the Stade Louis II. Monaco are 13 points behind league-leading PSG and nine points ahead of fourth-place Saint Etienne in the race for Champions League qualification, but they will want to finish their grand return to Ligue 1 strong with only seven matches to play. Nantes are unbeaten in their last four matches and sit a safe eight points above the drop zone and will be looking for a better result than their 1-0 loss to Monaco earlier this season.

Here are this weekend’s matches in Ligue 1:

Friday:Marseille vs. AC Ajaccio

Saturday:Paris Saint-Germain vs. Stade de ReimsBastia vs. SochauxBordeaux vs. Stade RennesGuingamp vs. MontpellierLorient vs. Evian Thonon GaillardToulouse vs. Lille

Sunday:Saint Etienne vs. NiceValenciennes vs. LyonAS Monaco vs. Nantes

————

Which European matches are you looking forward to the most this weekend? See Everton getting an important win at home Sunday against Arsenal? Think Real Madrid continue their turnaround against Real Sociedad? See any potential upsets this weekend?

Share your thoughts below.

Caught in a struggle for playing time, Lade eager to build on rookie promise

Photo by ISIphotos.com

By FRANCO PANIZO

HARRISON, N.J. Preparing for their match vs. Chivas USA last Friday, the New York Red Bulls squad was split into their first and second teams for some 11-v-11, game-situation drills. Four players were left out of the drill due to numbers.

One of them was Connor Lade.

Lade sat on a ball near midfield and locked his eyes on the drills, his hands pressed together over his mouth as he carefully watched every move that his teammates made on the field at Red Bull Arena. It was a moment that depicted how Lade not too far removed from a strong rookie campaign in 2012 and a U.S. Mens National Team call-up in 2013 is currently on the outside looking in with regards to playing time.

Its really tough for anyone, Lade told SBI last week of his current situation. You want to be in that 18, you want to be in the starting 11, but its a grind. I know we have a really deep team this year and that makes it even tougher. First of all, its nice (to have that depth) but it hurts you at times, too.

I think Im really trying (since) the beginning the of year, the preseason, to really find a spot and kind of put my mark on it and show the coaching staff that I can bring some stuff to the table. Hopefully, I can consistently get in that 18 and hopefully break my way into the 11.

The 24-year-old Lade faces an uphill battle to do so. New York is currently looking at him in more of a central midfield role which already boasts Tim Cahill, Dax McCarty, Peguy Luyindula and others than in the fullback spot where he enjoyed much of his professional success and earned Rookie of the Year consideration two seasons ago.

Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke said earlier this week that Lade is indeed still an option at fullback, but that the club thinks the versatile Homegrown Player is better suited to be deployed elsewhere in part because of his height.

Lade is officially listed at 5-foot-7, a generous listing for a player who is probably closer to 5-foot-5.

With Connor, for all the bite that he has and all the work rate that he has, the one thing thats tough for playing on the outside back that has happened before even though he did have success before is that far-post long balls and guys targeting that situation, said Petke via a conference call. Not only by the goal, but even 20-30 yards out when the ball is being switched and headers are being knocked down in front, things like that. We have Roy Miller at the left back, where hes played, and we have another young guy in Ambroise Oyongo who could potentially be something for the future.

Its about knowing the qualities that Connor has: his work rate, his dedication, his quickness, and hes gotten steadily better with the ball at his feet, Petke said. Whether that means hes ever going to play in that (holding midfielder) position or not is yet to be seen. Hes impressed us over the last 2-3 weeks since we dabbled a little bit and wanted to look at different positions.

Lade showed well in that spot when he played there as part of a five-man midfield in the reserve game that immediately followed the 1-1 draw with Chivas USA this past Sunday. He demonstrated defensive bite, good passing, his usual high motor, and also assisted on the second goal of the Red Bulls 3-0 win vs. USL Pros Dayton Dutch Lions.

Without hesitation, Petke mentioned Lade first earlier this week when asked who impressed in the reserve match and went on to rave about his performance. Still, Lade is admittedly adjusting to its differences and figuring out all of its nuances.

It was my second game playing like a center defensive mid, said Lade, who also captained the reserve team in the victory. I like it. I like to get into tackles, so its nice getting in there. Its a new spot, but Im learning, and if thats where theyre looking at me, Im going to take advantage of it.

An upbeat and healthy Lade made it clear he would play anywhere the Red Bulls could use him, but he also admitted that he has explored the possibility of going on loan given that he needs minutes to continue his development. Especially after battling repeated knee issues that helped to limit him to just five appearances in his second pro season last year.

By contrast, he started 22 times and played in 26 games playing as a left back and left midfielder in his rookie campaign.

Lades lack of playing time has led to questions about whether he might not be better served by going on loan and earning playing time elsewhere in order to keep improving as a player. Nothing is in the works on that front at the moment, but Lade wouldnt rule out that option if it means earning regular playing time.

Theres always options, said Lade. Theres been interest from (other teams) and things like that. Its kind of hard because you want to feel it out and obviously I love playing here and family is here, everything is here, so its nice. But at the same time, you want to be playing. Its something that I have explored and well see what the future holds.

For now, Lade will bide his time by continuing to push to earn the kind of playing time that has eluded him for so long. In fact, Lade has not played extensive first-team minutes for the Red Bulls since logging 53 minutes as a starter in a loss in Colorado.

Due to injury and coaching decisions, he has played just one minute since.

Im kind of seeing the best of both worlds, said Lade. First year, it was kind of surreal being in there and playing almost every game and I think last year with the injuries, it was a very frustrating year. Now this year, Im still trying to work my way in, so Im kind of seeing all the different kind of roads you can go and I think it overall might be a blessing kind of.

It makes me appreciate that time even more and makes me even hungrier. If this is the road that you need to take to get to where you want to be then so be it.

Soccer Saturday: Your Running Commentary | Soccer By Ives

Photo by Javier Garcia / ISIPhotos.com

By JUSTIN FERGUSON

Before their crucial meeting with league-leading Liverpool next weekend at Anfield, third-place Manchester City will try to maintain pressure on the high-scoring Reds with a home English Premier League victory against eighth-place Southampton.

Manchester City drew 1-1 with Southampton in their first meeting this season, but they will definitely want all three points from their encounter with the Saints at Ethiad Stadium, where they have posted 13 wins and just one loss this EPL campaign. Southampton have been up-and-down in form recently, routing Newcastle United yet losing to Tottenham Hotspur away from home, but they will be looking for their first big upset of the season this Saturday in Manchester.

Elsewhere in the EPL, second-place Chelsea can pull ahead of Liverpool for at least a temporary basis with a victory at Stamford Bridge against Stoke City. The Potters stunned Chelsea in their first meeting this season but have been awful on the road this season. Chelsea have dropped their last two matches to put their dreams of a double in jeopardy, and they will look to keep Jose Mourinhos unbeaten league run at the Bridge going on Saturday.

In Spain, all three horses in La Ligas race for the title are in action Saturday. First-place Atletico Madrid, who face second-place Barcelona in a Champions League showdown in a few days, lead off with a home match against Villarreal. Barcelona host last-place Real Betis later in the day, and third-place Real Madrid look to keep their high-scoring ways going in a road match at Real Sociedad.

Tonight, the rivalry clash between league-leading Cruz Azul and Club America highlights a slate of matches from Liga MX. The rematch of the 2013 Clausura final features a role reversalCruz Azul are the dominant force in Mexico right now, while Club America are fighting to grab a playoff spot with just a few matches left to play in the season.

If you will be watching today’s action, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.

Enjoy the action. (Today’s TV schedule is after the jump):

7:15am – Wigan Athletic vs. Leeds United – beIN Sports USA

7:45am – Manchester City vs. Southampton – NBC Sports Network

7:45am – Dundee United vs. Celtic – Fox Soccer Plus

9:30am – Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich – GolTV USA

10am – Newcastle United vs. Manchester United – NBC Sports Network

10am – Atletico Madrid vs. Villarreal – beIN Sports USA

10am – Aston Villa vs. Fulham – Premier League Extra Time

10am – Cardiff City vs. Crystal Palace – Premier League Extra Time

10am – Norwich City vs. West Bromwich Albion – Premier League Extra Time

10am – Hull City vs. Swansea City – Premier League Extra Time

11am – PSG vs. Reims – beIN Sports Play

12pm – Barcelona vs. Betis – beIN Sports USA

12:30pm – Chelsea vs. Stoke City – NBC Sports Network

12:30pm – Borussia Dortmund vs. Wolfsburg – GolTV USA

12:45pm – Heerenveen vs. PSV Eindhoven – ESPN3

2pm – Toulouse vs. Lille – Univision Deportes

2pm – Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid – beIN Sports USA

2:45pm – Inter Milan vs. Bologna – beIN Sports USA (Tape delay beginning at 4pm)

3pm – Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders – NBC Sports Network

4pm – Montreal Impact vs. New York Red Bulls – MLS Direct Kick

4pm – Rayo Vallecano vs. Celta de Vigo – beIN Sports en Español

5pm – Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union – MLS Direct Kick

6pm – Columbus Crew vs. Toronto FC – MLS Direct Kick

6:30pm – Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Colorado Rapids – MLS Direct Kick

7pm – D.C. United vs. New England Revolution – MLS Direct Kick

7pm – Club America vs. Cruz Azul – Univision Deportes/Univision

8pm – Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas – MLS Direct Kick

8:30pm – Sporting KC vs. Real Salt Lake – MLS Direct Kick

9pm – Pachuca vs. Chivas de Guadalajara – UniMás

9pm – Monterrey vs. Santos Laguna – Univision Deportes

10:05pm – Club Leon vs. Queretaro – Telemundo

11pm – Atlas vs. Puebla – Univision Deportes

MLS Week Five: SBI Live Commentary | Soccer By Ives

By IVES GALARCEP

It is rivalry week in Major League Soccer this week, as many of the leagues most intense match-ups are on the schedule, led by the Seattle Sounders visit to take on the Portland Timbers.

The Timbers are still searching for their first win of the 2014 season as they take on the same Seattle side they eliminated from the MLS playoffs last year.

In Texas, Western Conference-leading FC Dallas take on the Houston Dynamo in a clash of teams off to solid starts in 2014. The Dynamo suffered a tough road loss in Vancouver last week, but return home to BBVA Compass Stadium, where they will look to hand FC Dallas their first win of the season.

Sporting Kansas City plays host to Real Salt Lake in a rematch of the 2013 MLS Cup Final. Both teams have multiple players coming off international duty with the U.S. Mens National Team, and both teams head into the match unbeaten.

SBI will be providing live commentary

Shorthanded TFC stun Crew on road | Soccer By Ives

By DAN KARELL

COLUMBUS, Ohio Toronto FC proved on Saturday that this season will be different from the previous seven iterations.

Playing without four starters including Designated Player Jermain Defoe and captain Steven Caldwell, TFC stayed disciplined tactically and made the most of their chances, defeating the Columbus Crew on the road, 2-0. Its only TFCs second win at Crew Stadium and third win against the Crew in club history.

For the Crew, it was their first defeat of the season.

I thought the guys did a great job especially playing such a good team away from home, TFC head coach Ryan Nelsen said following the match. It’s extremely hard to win away from home in this league and we had a quite a few injuries and quite a few guys who hadn’t even played pre-season let alone league minutes. It was just a very hardened professional away performance.

Toronto did their best to frustrate the Crew throughout the match, clogging up the middle of the field and forcing the Crew to constantly try and send crosses from both sides. TFC rookie Nick Hagglund and English veteran Bradley Orr made their season debuts together in central defense and were very impressive in defending the Crew attacks.

While TFC continued to defend solidly, they moved forward quickly on the counter-attack. Dwayne De Rosario, starting up top in place of the injured Defoe, had a chance in the sixth minute that was saved from close range by Clark and played a big role up top along with Designated Player Gilberto.

The Crew were made to pay for a poor start when the in-form Bradley appeared at the edge of the box in the 11th minutes. The U.S. Mens National Team star dashed into the box and after being fed a pass from TFC right back Mark Bloom, Bradley spun towards goal and fired through the legs of Crew goalkeeper Steve Clark to give TFC the lead.

Mark (Bloom) slipped me a great little ball and at first youre just trying to make sure you get there before it goes out of bounds and I was able to get there, Bradley said. Youre sizing things up and thinking if I can nail this one low and hard, its got a chance.

Youre trying to size up the angle and hit one across low and hard on the ground that puts the keeper on an uncomfortable position.

The Crew began to regain some momentum late in the half, earning three corner kicks in a row. However, all three corners came to nothing with TFC goalkeeper Julio Cesar saving one corner and watching another one go through the box without touching anyone.

The second half began with more pressure from the Crew but TFCs two blocks of four stayed organized and compact. Kyle Bekker, playing in midfield in place of Jonathan Osorio, put together a strong performance in his first start of the season in central midfield alongside Bradley. Bekker sat in the passing lanes and made five interceptions to go with 11 recoveries.

We knew the strengths of Columbus and we knew some of their weaknesses, Nelsen said. We knew if we were patient that we would get a couple clear chances but we had to be disciplined because they are a very good team. We have our own tactics and we know what we think we know that can give these guys the best opportunities to win games and sometimes it works and sometimes we get it completely wrong, especially in this league because it’s so hard to win away from home in this league.

Despite TFCs compactness, the Crew were able to pass their way through the TFC defense and have more crosses in on goal. However, even a chance in formation did them no favors.

Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter brought on both Jairo Arrieta and Ethan Finlay in the second half in an attempt to add more target men to the Crews crosses, but neither could get on the end of the passes. Too often the crosses found their way to a space with more TFC players than Crew players, or a spot with no one in yellow at all.

As the Crew kept pushing forward late in second half, TFC added their second goal of the match when substitute Issey Nakajima-Ferran poked home at the near post in the 85th minute.

I didnt think twice really, Nakajima-Ferran said. I saw Justin (Morrow) going down the line and I just took my chance and just kinda sprinted for the near post and luckily the ball was delivered fantastically from Justin and I just got my toe to it and secured three points.

In the final minute of stoppage time, Finlay nearly scored on a brilliant individual effort Cesar got a finger to Finlays close-range and deflected it off the crossbar.

Despite finishing the match with nearly 62 percent of the possession, Berhalter said the loss came down to a poor opening half.

We had a horrendous start to the game, Berhalter said. It was sloppy in every sense of the word. Our defending, our ball possession, our ball movement, our aggressiveness in our movements, and we paid for it. I think they capitalized on a great individual effort by Michael Bradley and then were chasing the game.

Check out video highlights of the match below:

D.C. United snap league winless streak, beat struggling Revs | Soccer By Ives

Photo by Jose L. Argueta/ISIPhotos.com

By CLIFF STARKEY

WASHINGTON — It had been eight long months since D.C. United tasted victory in an MLS match. A grueling stretch that has only been made barely tolerable by the U.S. Open Cup the team won last year.

The streak is over though, and it ended with the help of their opponent.

Jose Goncalves scored a comical own goal just before halftime, and Chris Rolfe marked his D.C. United debut with a goal in second-half stoppage time to give D.C. a 2-0 victory over the New England Revolution at RFK Stadium on Saturday.

After a cagey start, where both teams looked content to feel each other out, both teams began to find success down the wings. Eddie Johnson and Lee Nguyen dictated the play, and the game began to open up.

Despite the slow start, the first half was full of half-chances, but as halftime neared, it looked like both teams would be going in to the locker room looking for a way to break the deadlock. In the 43rd minute, the game finally got the goal it deserved, albeit in unexpected fashion.

Goncalves looked set to make the most routine of clearances on a tame cross, but he could only watch in horror as the ball rolled off his foot, and into the back of his own net. The own goal put D.C. United ahead 1-0 going in to the break.

Goncalves was frustrated, but didn’t see his own goal as the end of the game.

“We were not ready for this goal—myself, too. But this stuff will happen, and you have to move on,” Goncalves said after the game. ”We knew that we had to play forward and direct, and that’s what we did. But we didn’t have enough chances to score.”

“The own goal hurts, but I do think we were a little hard done to be down a goal,” New England Revolution head coach Jay Heaps said.

The second half again saw a handful of half-chances, and it looked like Goncalves would be directly responsible for D.C. United’s first win in over seven months.

However, as the game entered its final seconds, Conor Doyle found Rolfe on an impressive, long distance pass, and Rolfe put the game to bed.

Rolfe’s goal completed a whirlwind week, after being traded from the Chicago Fire just a few days before.

“It’s been crazy,” Rolfe said. “I only found out I was traded a few hours before I got to D.C. The guys have been great—the organization has been awesome—they’ve made it really easy for me, and that helped me tonight.”

After the game, D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen was happy not only for getting a long-awaited win, but also for the outlook of his team.

“It feels good. It feels good for the new guys, but in particular, some of the old guys, Olsen said after the match. “We got a little bit of a demon off our back, and we can continue to move forward.”

The match was an ugly one that featured just three combined shots on goal between the two teams. Despite a few cutting passes to release teammates, Eddie Johnson struggled to make his mark on the match, while strike partner Fabian Espindola proved to be a handful.

“[The offensive struggles aren’t] because I’m telling them not to shoot. I thought there was one or two—I think [Johnson] had one where he probably should’ve put it on goal, but that stuff will get better,” Olsen said.

Nguyen, who was center of New England’s attack throughout the night, said that despite the lack of shots on target, the offensive play was something to see some positives in.

“We were close, but it’s not good enough,” Nguyen said. We need to make the goalie make a save, at least. Had we put any of those on target, we would have had one or two goals in the first half.”

Andrew Dykstra made just one save in posting a shutout in place of injured starting goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who missed the match with a toe injury.

D.C. United play their third home game in a row next week, as they host the New York Red Bulls. New England Revolution host the Houston Dynamo on Saturday.

Check out video highlights of the match below:

Watson leads FC Dallas in rout of 10-man Dynamo | Soccer By Ives

By CAITLIN MURRAY

The lone season match of the so-called Texas Derby turned into a Texas Nightmare for the Houston Dynamo, who were handed a humiliating 4-1 home loss Saturday by FC Dallas after a late game-changing red card.

The Dynamo looked poised to hand Dallas their first bit bad luck this season with a close first half, exchanging a goal each. But a straight red card in the 60th minute touched off a three-goal rally for Dallas in just eight minutes.

Chasing after Fabian Castillo up the left flank, David Horst slid from behind to catch Castillos feet, drawing the red and dropping Houston to ten men. The awarded free kick taken by Michel to the head of Je-Vaughn Watson and past goalkeeper Tally Hall signaled the beginning of Houstons demise.

Once FC Dallas took the 2-1 lead with the man advantage, the Dynamo fell apart. A few minutes later, Giles Barnes scored an own goal trying to keep Watson away from a corner kick. Two minutes later, Watson got his second goal from a Mauro Diaz assist.

Even Houstons lone goal off a Brad Davis free kick to the head of Ricardo Clark in the first half came with bad news. The foul that resulted in the free kick left Davis walking gingerly on his right ankle and the U.S. National Team winger had to be subbed out minutes later.

On the other end, Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz had a phenomenal game, holding the Dynamo at bay through the first half as the Orange got the better of chances and saving a second-half penalty kick by Oscar Boniek Garcia.

The win keeps FC Dallas in first place in the Western Conference and increased their unbeaten streak to five matches as they look to host the Seattle Sounders next week.

The Dynamo will try to turn things around next week when they head to New England to face the Revolution.

Watch match highlights below:

Attinella stellar in goal as RSL tie Sporting KC at Sporting Park | Soccer By Ives

By TATE STEINLAGE 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Real Salt Lake isnt used to playing without Nick Rimando in goal, but they got a performance Saturday from Jeff Attinella that was anything but a drop off.

Attinella had to make eight saves and face a total of 20 shots from Sporting Kansas City to help his team earn an important 0-0 draw in front of 19,838 fans at Sporting Park.

The defending MLS Cup champions were unable to score on a barrage of chances, including a 63rd minute scrum inside the box that led to two saves — one by the post and another by defender Chris Schuler — or overcome a 83rd minute red card given to Oriol Rosell en route to a disappointing finish.

The result is Sporting KCs second draw at home so far on the season, putting its record at 2-1-2. Real Salt Lake remain unbeaten and see its record move to 2-0-3.

The initial 45 minutes lived up to the week-long hype of a revenge-and-defend tale. Both teams came out and opened up the field with aggressive play that would lead to 12 total shots in the first half. Real Salt Lake set the matchs tone two minutes into the contest with forward Olmes Garcia firing a shot inches above the crossbar and Sporting KC goalkeeper Eric Kronberg after receiving a well-excuted pass from midfielder Javier Morales.

Sporting KC nearly responded with an opening goal of its own in the 11th minute. Defender Matt Besler found a wide-open Dom Dwyer on a long run, leaving the forward all alone to deal with Attinella. However, the back-up would do what he would do all evening: stonewall Sporting KCs shots.

Real Salt Lake will take the road draw with them into next Saturdays match in Philadelphia against the Union. Sporting KC have next weekend off before returning to action on April 19 at home against the Montreal Impact.

Watch highlights of the match below:

Robles helps short-handed Red Bulls earn draw in Montreal | Soccer By Ives

By IVES GALARCEP

The list of missing starters read like a whos-who for the New York Red Bulls. Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill, Jamison Olave and Dax McCarty. None of them were in the starting lineup for Saturdays clash with the Montreal Impact, and their collective absences made the Red Bulls an underdog against a winless Impact side.

Rather than roll over in Canada, the Red Bulls reserve-laden squad gave the Impact all they could handle, battling back from an early 1-0 deficit to take a 2-1 lead. Montreal playmaker Felipe Martins kept the Red Bulls from taking all three points though, as his second-half goal helped the Impact salvage a 2-2 tie.

Jonny Steele scored a goal and set up a Peguy Luyindula goal in the space of three minutes in the first half to give the Red Bulls the lead, but Martins headed home a Justin Mapp cross in the 59th minute for the final goal of the match.

Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles made a handful of top-shelf saves to help preserve the point for the Red Bulls, who were without injured star Cahill, and Henry and Olave, who were both left home to avoid having them play on artificial turf for fear of having them pick up injuries.

The Impact looked like they would blow the game open when Martins set up Andres Romero with a perfect pass that Romero tucked past Robles in the fifth minute to make the score 1-0.

Montreal kept attacking in waves, with Marco DiVaio coming close to adding a second, but Robles made a handful of early saves to keep the Red Bulls close.

The Red Bulls rallied in the 31st minute when Sam sent a perfect cross from the right flank to a streaking Steele, who finished perfectly to tie the match. Steele made it 2-1 just three minutes later when he sprung Luyindula with an inch-perfect pass after a Marco DiVaio turnover.

The Red Bulls had a chance to make the score 3-1, but Luyindula fired a penalty kick off the post and out to keep the Impact within striking distance.

The Impact tied things up with Martins header in the 59th minute to earn their second consecutive draw, while the Red Bulls also remained winless, with a third consecutive draw.