MLS needs to build on Real Salt Lake’s run in Champions Leagues to come 28 Apr 2011 Real Salt Lake finally lost a home game, the first since 2009. With a 1-0 win in the second leg, thanks to a goal from Chilean national-teamer Humberto Suazo, Monterrey took the CONCACAF Champions League title.
Leathers doesn’t deserve extra scrutiny because of Mullan tackle 25 Apr 2011 Jonathan Leathers shouldn’t become a victim of bad timing. Each and every week during the season, the league’s disciplinary committee reviews the goings-on of the previous week’s games. Of course, the red cards are looked at, but so are all of the other incidents. General managers will ask the league to review plays; those requests are always agreed to. That means that Leathers’ tackle Saturday on reigning MVP David Ferreira is being reviewed. That shouldn’t be news.
FC Dallas loses MVP Ferreira, rallies to stun Whitecaps 24 Apr 2011 Ferreira was hurt on what looked to be a rather innocuous play; as he charged to get to a ball deep in Whitecaps territory, defender Jonathan Leathers slid and got all ball with the challenge. No foul was called. Ferreira went over and was down for several minutes, clutching his ankle in pain. He was sent to hospital for tests to his ankle.
Ferreira named MLS Player of the Week for two-goal night 11 Apr 2011 The reigning MLS MVP is also the Player of the Week. David Ferreira scored twice and provided the corner kick for Winnipeg native Ugo Ihemelu’s opening marker as FC Dallas thrashed the previously undefeated Colorado Rapids 3-0 on Friday night.
Manchester United… or the CONCACAF Champions League? You decide! 28 Mar 2011 MLS confirmed that Manchester United, which thrashed the MLS All-Stars last season, will be back for more. Manchester United will provide the opposition for the All-Stars July 27 at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, a year after the Red Devils dominated the best in MLS in Houston. But, will the game resonate with Canadian fans? That’s up for debate.
MLS finds “no evidence” to fine players involved in abandoned match 17 Mar 2011 Last week’s preseason brawl between Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City has resulted in some supplemental justice from MLS. RSL defender Jamison Olave got a US$250 fine for Tweeting about his displeasure for the match official after last Wednesday’s game was abandoned in the second half because of the fisticuffs. That’s right. The fighting and fouling hasn’t earned anyone a suspension or fine as of yet — but Tweeting about a referee losing control of the game… well
Antoniuk signs with FC Edmonton 16 Mar 2011 Dan Antoniuk has accepted FC Edmonton’s contract offer. The American striker, whose trial with FC Dallas was aborted when the MLS team managed to fill its roster before his tryout was set to begin, agreed Tuesday to join the NASL club for its inaugural season.
The super-duper MLS season preview 14 Mar 2011 It’s become obligatory for every sports journalist to provide season previews for the league he or she covers. It’s automatic, and a great space killer! In that vein, The 11 presents its “waited until the last possible second before the regular season” season preview! Why the wait? Because it’s hard to figure out the East. The West? Wow, a lot of power and depth there. As for the East? Last season, New York and Columbus and six other mediocre to bad to awful clubs were in the conference. New York and Columbus left them all in the dust.
FC Edmonton and FC Dallas trialist returns for PASL championship 13 Mar 2011 But, Antoniuk was in Cincinnati Saturday, helping the Sockers defend their crown, as they beat Mexico’s Guerreros de La Raza de Guadalajara 10-6 in the PASL final. Antoniuk scored in the victory.
Whitecaps ink Wagner and Tan 11 Mar 2011 Long Tan’s days as a trialist are over. Blake Wagner has made the return to MLS from Division-2. Both players signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps Friday after impressing the brass with their preseason performances.