The New York Times has won more Pulitzer Prizes than any other news organization, which makes their July 12th publication of Jay Caspian Kang’s “The Dark Side of American Soccer Culture” that much more dumbfounding.
An interesting 18th week in the MLS had some own goals, a goal saving handball (great stuff FC Dallas), an extraordinary hat trick by Clint Dempsey (goal, assist and a red card), and a preposterous banger courtesy of Cristian Techera. Fresh off of a 1-0 lead, Vancouver took advantage of another chance just minutes later to put the game out of reach. A failed freekick attempt led to a ball bouncing back out of the box where Techera received a pass to then take his chances with the ball on his left foot.
Jordan Morris is enjoying the finest form of his professional career to date. On Saturday, July 2nd, Morris scored a highlight reel equalizer against Toronto FC in MLS regular season action. It was the American striker’s sixth goal in 16 games in his rookie season.
Tim Howard’s presence in MLS was clearly felt during his return on Monday as the American goalkeeper registered a shutout in the 0-0 draw between Colorado Rapids, Howard’s new club, and the reigning MLS champion Portland Timbers.
Howard’s debut electrified Colorado’s fanbase — the club typically averages 14,978 spectators per match but had a season-best 18,759 attend Monday’s July 4th matchup.
Rapids fans were keen to see Howard and Jermaine Jones, both returning from Copa America action with the United States, take the field together for the first time for the club.
Andrea Pirlo, one of the most interesting men in the world, has had a cookout. We know this because he posted a picture of it on social media, and we are sad. Not sad that he had a cookout, but sad that we weren't invited.
The MLS did its reputation no favors in the US Open Cup the other day, by doing itself a favor. The LA Galaxy faced off against La Maquina FC, what a mounts to a 5th division club, and needed a despicable goal to win.
That was perfectly legal, by the way.
The Galaxy went on to win the game 4-1 in extra time, but really, are they the winners here?
It's safe to say that NYCFC fans are not completely impressed with Frank Lampard so far. He's been booed by his own supporters, he's been called the worst MLS signing in history and he's only managed to play 14 times for NYCFC in just under a year.
The Texas Derby betwen the Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas is always a thriller. Ricardo Clark was not about to let his team fall on Thursday night, as he seized his opportunity in the 51st minute to pull the Dynamo back to even. A blocked pass on the top of the 18 set up nicely for an incoming Clark who hit a screamer into the back of the net, tying the game at one's. An incredible goal to say the least. It is definitely worth a few views!
Andrea Pirlo and David Villa are coming to be a pair of human highlight reels. On Sunday afternoon around the 66th minute, Pirlo played a miraculous ball from just over half that led to a brilliant finish from Villa. David Villa made this finish look easy but it is far from that. Hats off to these two for providing us with yet another WOW moment.
Could Andres Guardado and Carlos Vela be headed to Atlanta United in the near future? It's possible, according to ESPN.
SB Nation's Atlanta United Blog, Dirty South Soccer, reported that John Sutcliffe, ESPN's Mexico National Team insider, had said that ATL United is interested in the two Mexico standouts (ESPN has evidently removed the video).