MLS

Dynamo’s Home-Field Advantage Wreaks Havoc On Timbers Health

That was one heck of a home-field advantage for the Houston Dynamo. Playing the first leg of the Western Conference semifinals Monday at BBVA Compass Stadium, the Portland Timbers lost three players to injury in the opening 60 minutes on a playing surface that wasn’t in playoff condition. 

Toronto FC Are Going To Win The MLS Cup Because They Have Sebastian Giovinco, And Nobody Else Does

Sebastian Giovinco is extremely good at free kicks. The little Italian is as good as just about anybody in Europe, barring the truly world-class free kick-takers. He's certainly the best free kick-taker in MLS.

Giovinco displayed his exceptional talents in the 72nd minute with Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls knotted at 1-1 Monday.

Bang.

Houston Boos Graham Zusi’s Every Touch In Pretty Shoddy Playoff Match

Thursday night’s MLS playoff action provided us with the perfect examples of an exhilarating 0-0 stalemate (Atlanta vs. Columbus earlier in the day) and an entirely forgettable one. The opening 90 minutes between the Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City was highlighted by a relatively subdued BBVA Compass Stadium (the Astros might just be the talk of the town at the moment) booing Graham Zusi’s every touch. 

Zack Steffen Was Absolutely Unstoppable Against Atlanta United

Zack Steffen had himself a game on Thursday night. The young Columbus Crew goalkeeper saved everything kicked, headed and scuffed his way against this season’s darlings Atlanta United in an MLS Knockout Round playoff. 

Cristian Techera Is Your Favorite Player For The Rest Of The MLS Playoffs

Look, I don't want to talk about how short Cristian Techera is for a long time, because it really doesn't matter. If you must know, he's 5'2".

The important thing about Techera, though, is how freakishly good he is at kicking a soccer ball. The Vancouver Whitecaps, Techera's team, demolished the San Jose Earthquakes, who admittedly aren't very good, 5-0. The moment of the match belonged to Techera and Techera only.

The New York Red Bulls Dump Trucked The Chicago Fire Out Of The Playoffs

Y'all, the Chicago Fire's back line is just awful. That was the main takeaway as the New York Red Bulls unceremoniously dumped the Fire out of the MLS playoffs, 4-0.

In (near) Chicago, no less.

New York's omnipresent Brit opened the scoring seven minutes in.

5 Reasons Why Atlanta United Will Win The MLS Cup

Atlanta United has set the standard for MLS expansion teams this year, from breaking the MLS attendance record to becoming the fourth expansion team to make the playoffs in its inaugural season. Now that the playoffs are here, Atlanta has a legitimate chance to take home the MLS Cup. 

Clint Dempsey Goes Mental After Controversial VAR Red Card And Playoff Suspension

Just like last season, the Seattle Sounders are rolling into the MLS playoffs. Unfortunately, just like last season, they’ll have to make due without Clint Dempsey — at least for the first leg of their Western Conference semifinal. Dempsey was issued a straight red card in the 24th minute of the Sounders' final regular season match on Sunday after the VAR was consulted to spot an elbow from the USMNT legend on Colorado Rapids defender Mike da Fonte.

Bill Hamid Opts For European Move To Seriously Contend For USMNT No. 1 Spot

You could forgive Bill Hamid for electing to stay with DC United for the rest of his playing career — he’s got a pretty good thing going in the nation’s capital. Having risen through the ranks of the club’s youth system, Hamid established himself as the team’s No. 1 over the course of eight stellar seasons, including a 2014 campaign that saw him named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

If You Throw A Beer At Jozy Altidore, Sebastian Giovinco Will Drink It

On Sunday, MLS decision day, Jozy Altidore tied Toronto FC up with Atlanta United, 1-1 (Michael Parkhurst, what are you even doing over there). During his celebration, a fan threw a beer at him.

Jozy tried to head the beer, but was unsuccessful. Luckily, Sebastian Giovinco was lurking behind him and cleaned the situation up.

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