This weekend, Fulham and American defender Tim Ream reached an agreement to extend the defender’s contract by one year. The Premier League side have tied the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> international until the end of the next 2024-25 campaign.



Ream’s initial contract was scheduled to conclude at the end of the ongoing season. He has committed to staying at Craven Cottage for another year after signing an agreement.



He will have served as a Cottager for ten years when his new deal runs out in the summer of 2025. The centre-back made the move from Bolton Wanderers to Fulham in 2015. Since then, he has had phenomenal success.



With his 300th appearance for the club on October 7, Ream joined an exclusive group of 28 players who have achieved this feat. The last player to reach 300 appearances for the English outfit was Simon Morgan back in 1997.



<h2>What did Tim Ream say?</h2>



“It’s nice to get this done,” Ream told <a href="https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/december/29/ream-extends-contract/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fulham’s website</a>. “To be somewhere for as long as I have, it takes a lot of hard work. To be able to say you are looking at being at a place like this for ten years is not something that happens very often these days.



“To be someone who has that opportunity is a great feeling. It fills me with pride to continue to adapt, to continue this rollercoaster that is football.”



With Ream’s guidance, the club has won three promotions to the Premier League, and last year they finished in the top half. 



They have been at the top level for the second year in a row. On top of that, he has three assists and five goals to his name during his nine-year stay in London.



In all, the seasoned defender has seen action in 15 games this season, 13 of them in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a>. The 36-year-old has maintained his role as a crucial leader for the United States men’s national team while still being a consistent player for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/fulham-tv-schedule">Fulham</a>.



The native Missourian has featured for the United States national soccer team 55 times so far. He was a mainstay in Gregg Berhalter’s starting lineup at the 2022 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">World Cup</a> and has continued to be consistently selected for competitive matches since then.



The timing of this announcement suggests that Ream will maintain his pursuit of a starting position even for the next World Cup in 2026.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="436" height="409" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231231_WST_480772_image-35_eae7ac6e.webp&amp;width=436&amp;height=409" alt="" class="wp-image-480806" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/image-35.png 436w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/image-35-300x281.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 436px) 100vw, 436px"></figure><figcaption>Tim Ream has played more than a decade in English Soccer</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What did Fulham say?</h2>



Additionally, Fulham’s Tony Khan, who is both the vice-chairman and head of soccer operations, praised the veteran.



“Tim Ream embodies what Fulham stands for, and I am delighted that with this new contract, he will reach a decade with the Club in 2025”, Khan said.



“He is a huge character on the pitch and in the dressing room and a very important part of Marco’s squad. Mr. Ream is a great favorite amongst our fans too, and I’m sure that you’ll all join me in saying congratulations and thank you, Tim! Come on Fulham!”



After missing Fulham’s last five matches in all competitions due to a calf injury, the American is now working on a recovery. The title-chasing Arsenal will be to Craven Cottage on Sunday for a challenging match. However, Marco Silva will still be without Ream.



Photo credit: IMAGO / Sportimage

Tim Ream resolves future, aims for 2026 World Cup big role

This weekend, Fulham and American defender Tim Ream reached an agreement to extend the defender’s contract by one year.

Tim Ream resolves future, aims for 2026 World Cup big role - World Soccer Talk

Fulham defender and key United States player Tim Ream is out for the season with an apparent right elbow injury. 



The Fulham physio helped him off the pitch with his right elbow in a sling. 



The injury could be concerning for Anthony Hudson and the United States ahead of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/usa-to-face-mexico-in-concacaf-nations-league-semifinals-20230329-WST-425774.html">Nations League semifinals</a>, where they will take on Mexico.



<h5>Ream was injured against Manchester City</h5>



Ream started for Fulham in Sunday’s match against Manchester City, a game that would not bring Fulham closer to the European places nor bring them down towards the red. 



Ream had a nightmare start to the game as he conceded a penalty within the first three minutes, colliding with Julian Alvarez inside the penalty box as the Argentine looked to control a Mahrez cut-back. 



Up stepped <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/man-city-to-offer-haaland-new-deal-as-release-clause-erased-20230419-WST-429098.html">Erling Haaland</a>, who scored the penalty to mark his 50th goal of the season, thirty-four of which have come in the Premier League. 



Each game brings new records for Haaland, and this goal made him the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65443667" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most prolific top-flight striker in England for 90 years.</a>



<h5>Ream has suspected broken arm</h5>



Ream was on the pitch to watch Carlos Vinicius equalize, but hobbled off the pitch after he and Alvarez tangled, causing Ream to slip and Alvarez to accidentally stomp on his arm.



Although nothing is official, many believe the injury is a broken arm.



Fulham ended up losing 2-1 after Alvarez’s sensational winner in the 35th minute. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Just STUNNING by Julian Alvarez. 😍 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/USANetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USANetwork</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FULMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FULMCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/2S3zSroN3Z">pic.twitter.com/2S3zSroN3Z</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1652669264967417856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Genk’s Mark McKenzie, Nashville’s Mark Zimmerman, LAFC’s Aaron Long, or even Birmingham’s Auston Trusty could replace Ream at the center-back position. 



Although the US will be anxious to lose so much experience in the back line with Ream’s injury, they still have a lot of depth in the center-back position.



Tim Ream has played 34 Premier League games for Fulham this season, getting one goal. He’s been indispensable for the Cottagers this season as they stroll to a mid-table spot.



Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images

Fulham defender and key United States player Tim Ream is out for the season with an apparent right elbow injury.

Tim Ream injured for season, could miss Nations League in June - World Soccer Talk

Tim Ream injured for season, could miss Nations League in June

Tim Ream has claimed that the USMNT is welcoming Gio Reyna back with open arms. The defender spoke at length about the star attacker during a press conference on Tuesday. Reyna was <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/tyler-adams-misses-out-on-usmnt-squad-with-training-injury-20230315-WST-423472.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently reintroduced</a> back into the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> squad by interim head coach Anthony Hudson. The midfielder is set to play his first games for the team since the World Cup.



Reyna’s family essentially started a feud with former head coach Gregg Berhalter during the World Cup in Qatar. Berhalter barely used Reyna during the competition. Then, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/claudio-reyna-and-wife-reported-berhalter-abuse-to-us-soccer-20230104-WST-414381.html">Reyna’s family notified US Soccer</a> of a domestic violence incident by Berhalter in 1992. The organization then conducted an <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/investigation-shows-claudio-reyna-pestered-us-soccer-over-gio-20230313-WST-423230.html">investigation on the issue</a>.



<h5>Center back says that it’s time to move on from situation</h5>



Nevertheless, Reyna is now back with the USMNT after not being selected in January. Ream told reporters on Tuesday that it is time to move on from the controversy. “The biggest thing is making sure that everybody knows we’re here for a reason and what’s happened with Gio in the past is in the past and what happened at the World Cup happened at the World Cup and we moved on from that as players,” <a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soccer-reyna-berhalter-ream-d6a8a743cc5ae56f707a6458b399eeab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Ream.



“I think the biggest thing for us as a leadership and all the guys in camp is to see that he’s working hard, training hard, that he’s wanting to be here and up to this point, it’s been nothing but positive. Having conversations with different guys, everybody knows what he can bring to the table, everybody knows how talented he is.”



“And to see him come in here with that attitude and the work rate and the desire to be a part of the group and just get back on level terms with everyone without having to overly address it has been a big positive for all the guys to see.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">All the best saves and finishes from day one in Orlando caught on film 🎥 <a href="https://t.co/GpiCgusfOs">pic.twitter.com/GpiCgusfOs</a>— U.S. Men&apos;s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1637981862189572096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Reyna and Ream have talked to help ease back into USMNT</h2>



Ream also revealed that he has had personal conversations with Reyna on the issue. The defender, however, said that these talks will remain between the players. “I’ve had individual conversations with him. Those will stay between him and I because I think that’s important, to have that kind of line of communication and trust between players, between teammates, between groups.” 



“What he’s feeling, what he’s seeing, what his worries may be will stay between him and I, because I think that’s important to allow him to move past everything that’s happened,” continued Ream. “And I think it’s important for all of us to be able to move past that and work together as a good team.”



Ream, Reyna, and the rest of the USMNT will travel to face Grenada on Friday, March 24. They will then host El Salvador three days later back in the States.



PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

Tim Ream has claimed that the USMNT players are welcoming Gio Reyna back into the squad with open arms after all the drama.

USMNT welcoming Reyna back into squad, says Ream

<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">United States men’s national team</a> defender Tim Ream has extended his contract at Fulham. The center back was previously about to enter the final months of his old contract. However, a new deal ties Ream down in west London under the summer of 2024.



<h5>Ream says new extension was an ‘easy decision’</h5>



“I feel the best I’ve ever felt, as confident as I’ve ever been,” <a href="https:\/\/www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/december/26/new-deal-for-ream/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Ream. “To extend it another 12 months into 2024 is a proud moment for myself and my family. I’m happy to continue on this journey with the Club, the fans and all the guys in the changing room.”



“It was an easy decision for me,” the defender continued. “I obviously have a young family who are very much settled, and I’m very much settled on the pitch, settled in the changing room and, with this group, the sky’s the limit.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Tim Ream with AUTHORITY! <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USMNT</a><a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/MyPLMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyPLMorning</a> | <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/CRYFUL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CRYFUL</a> 📺: <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> <a href="https:\/\/t.co/GY5udqDrKy">pic.twitter.com/GY5udqDrKy</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1607416789591379974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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“It’s such a good group of guys, a wonderful club. The connection with the fans is stronger than it’s ever been at this moment. A no-brainer for me.”



<h2>American Tim Ream earns Fulham contract extension</h2>



Ream is currently having a solid season with Fulham. In fact, he has started every single <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> fixture so far this season. A mainstay in central defense, Ream has helped Fulham reach eighth place in the current standings. This is particularly impressive considering the club was competing in the <a href="https:\/\/www.worldsoccertalk.com/championship-tv-schedule">Championship</a> last season.



Fulham head coach Marco Silva was delighted to extend Ream’s contract. “It’s been an unbelievable year for him – collectively for us as a football club, and for him as an individual he’s been fantastic,” Silva <a href="https:\/\/www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/december/26/new-deal-for-ream/">said</a>. “He’s a great professional, a very good player, a really important player for me, a player that is leading by example.”



The agreement was announced shortly after the defender scored his first Premier League goal on Monday. Ream was one of the team’s star players as Fulham thumped Crystal Palace 3-0 on the night. Fulham, and their vice captain, next host Southampton on New Year’s Eve.



PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images

United States men's national team defender Tim Ream has extended his contract with Fulham through the 2023/24 campaign.

USMNT defender Tim Ream receives Fulham contract extension

<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/rimando.jpg"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/rimando.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-115785" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20140903_WST_115780_rimando-600x738.webp&amp;width=420&amp;height=516" alt="rimando" width="420" height="516"></a></figure></div>
The first friendly after a World Cup is usually a particularly mind-numbing affair, but there were certainly positives for the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/09/03/usmnt-whos-who-september-2014-camp/">United States</a> to take out of another win on European soil at the Czech Republic, and one big sound-bite from Jurgen Klinsmann on his 2018 expectations. Here are the player ratings.
Brad Guzan, 7: Did well in his half in goal, doing nothing to jeopardize his place as the number one goalkeeper in Tim Howard’s temporary absence.
Timothy Chandler, 6: After not seeing any time at the World Cup, Chandler had a nice game getting forward on his flank, and mopping things up effectively on defense.
John Brooks, 6: Brooks very nearly made a few bad mistakes – even though he’s imposing physically and has a strong future, he needs to cut out the errors.
Michael Orozco, 6: Played solidly in his 45 minutes, as he tries to play his way back into the picture after missing the World Cup roster by a long way.
Fabian Johnson, 7: Clearly playing with a high level of confidence after his summer move, Johnson marauded with the prowess we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him.
Julian Green, 3: Once again, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/08/30/julian-green-leaving-bayern-munich-for-one-year-loan-to-hamburger-sv/">Green</a> looked physically overmatched – a boy among men. Unable to compensate on this occasion with on-ball skill, Green was ineffective.
Mix Diskerud, 8: Terrific outing from Diskerud – maybe his best in a US shirt. He made the goal, and was ever-present in the game, not drifting in and out as he usually does. More of this, and he becomes an important player in the buildup to Russia.
Joe Corona, 5: Not a particularly memorable outing from Corona, who like Orozco is one of a few Mexican-American players who missed out on the World Cup roster and is now trying to get back into the picture.
Alejandro Bedoya, 7: This was a good outing from Bedoya, who was the senior player in that midfield. Scoring the game-winning goal – his second tally for the US – didn’t hurt either.
Joe Gyau, 6: Gyau did some things to make American fans perk up. The final product isn’t there yet, but the hope is that that is coming. Gyau is very much like Green in terms of potential.
Jozy Altidore, 5: It was the type of game we’ve seen a number of times from Jozy, the captain for the day. He held the ball up well, worked hard, but at times was found lacking with his touch.
Substitutes
Nick Rimando, 10: Absolutely brilliant as usual. This guy is hot right now, and he has a real chance to beat out Guzan for meaningful minutes going forward.
Tim Ream, 7: Very steady in central defense, Ream made some big plays late and made his case for more minutes in the national team jersey.
Brek Shea, 3: A poor performance from Shea, who needed a big performance as he tries to secure a move away from Stoke City. This is a career that has stalled in a big way.
Greg Garza, 6: The youngster did a nice job after he got settled and got a few shaky moments out of his system just after coming on.
Alfredo Morales, 6: Looked calm on the ball and helped give some shape to the US midfield late.
Emerson Hyndman, 5: Good debut for the Fulham man, who, aside from one giveaway that he made up for, had a smooth outing.

USMNT Player Ratings In 1-0 Against The Czech Republic - World Soccer Talk

USMNT Player Ratings In 1-0 Against The Czech Republic

Poor New York Red Bulls.
In a season when it was all supposed to come together (young stars! established DPs! weak conference! newish stadium!) it all fell apart. &nbsp;New York struggled all season and barely made the playoffs, defeating a floundering Dallas side before falling in the conference semi-finals. &nbsp;The offseason has not been kind to them either, as player moves and front offices non-changes have left this team in a lurch.
As the title of this article insinuates, there are many, many questions floating around Red Bulls this offseason and for this “Three Questions” post we had to limit and condense what we are asking. &nbsp;In the past, the prospect of a few new designated player signings (Eto’o! Anelka!) could calm everyone’s fears, but I am afraid even a shiny new toy may not mask some serious uncertainties in this club.
1. What is going to happen to the designated players?
As one of the few teams with a maximum number of designated players, the three New York DPs are a major part of this team already. &nbsp;Considering where they play, however, their roles are magnified. &nbsp;The team is already working on a new deal with keeper Frank Rost, who failed to dominate in his half season of play but was still an upgrade between the pipes for NY. &nbsp;His situation needs to be settled so the team can either move on or check that position off.
Then there’s Thierry Henry, who looks to be <a href="http:\/\/www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/886357-thierry-henrys-loan-to-arsenal-hits-a-snag-over-return-date-to-new-york-red-bulls" target="_blank">going on a two month loan</a> to Arsenal despite a few paperwork snags. &nbsp;The team obviously does not want Henry to leave even for a short loan for two reasons. &nbsp;First, he still has an intense love for his former club and Arsenal is one Chamakh/Van Persie extended absence away from needing a cheap, experienced forward for the rest of the season. &nbsp;Second, Henry was instant offense for the club last season and any additional mileage on him could reduce his effectiveness (remember, his first MLS half-season was marred by injuries). &nbsp;Even if he only stays for two months, will he still be as effective as 2011?
Then there’s Rafa Marquez, and why they haven’t transferred/released/lost their starting holding midfielder is a mystery to many of us. &nbsp;He should be gone already due to his negative impact on the locker room, but his absence will leave a gap in the defense.
2. What is going to happen to the youths?
Juan Agudelo received less playing time than you’d expect for a national team starter, due to Hans Backe’s preferences and the solid play of the other New York forwards. &nbsp;This offseason he has trained with Liverpool and Stuttgart, and the <a href="http:\/\/insider.espn.go.com/sports/soccer/blog?name=us_national_soccer&amp;id=7352449&amp;_slug_=us-soccer-juan-agudelo-raves-experience-training-liverpool&amp;action=login&amp;appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fsports%2fsoccer%2fblog%3fname%3dus_national_soccer%26id%3d7352449%26_slug_%3dus-soccer-juan-agudelo-raves-experience-training-liverpool" target="_blank">experience was positive for all parties</a>. &nbsp;One wonders if an exit is in his future as New York continued to put money into older DPs who will compete for playing time.
Then there’s Tim Ream who every week it seems like is being linked to another English side desperate for a cheap fix on defense. &nbsp;This week <a href="http:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2073779/Bolton-set-gazump-West-Brom-New-York-Red-Bulls-defender-Tim-Ream-replace-Gary-Cahill.html" target="_blank">it’s Bolton </a>who are very very desperate for some help at, well, any position but especially center back. &nbsp;Erik Soler has said Ream will not be leaving, but he also said <a href="http:\/\/www.nj.com/redbulls/index.ssf/2012/01/on_soccer_red_bulls_may_regret_thierry_henrrys_loan_to_arsenal.html" target="_blank">Henry would not be going out on loan</a>, so that is a situation to watch. &nbsp;Losing one or both of these young players would be a major issue for the team.
3. What’s the plan?
The plan for the Red Bulls every year seems to be to rotate European talent in and out and hope for better results (which some define as <a href="http:\/\/www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/alberteins133991.html" target="_blank">insanity</a>). &nbsp;This year it is bringing in <a href="http:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/report-swedish-defender-markus-holgersson-agrees-to-sign-with-new-york-red-bulls/2012/01/04/gIQAfahzZP_story.html" target="_blank">Markus Holgersson</a> and possibly saying goodbye to <a href="http:\/\/www.nypost.com/p/blogs/soccerblog/red_bulls_joel_lindpere_eyeing_euro_RdXBF1F7dU5vCbdgy2HscJ" target="_blank">Joel Lindpere</a>. &nbsp;Undoubtedly Holgersson will help a shaky backline and whoever the newest big name designated player is will help with the playoff hunt, but can this team continue to <a href="http:\/\/bleacherreport.com/articles/981999-the-new-york-red-bulls-roster-continues-to-be-a-revolving-door" target="_blank">churn players</a> and expect results? &nbsp;Already, New York has used the <a href="http:\/\/www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/12/28/climbing-ladder-which-clubs-have-shared-most" target="_blank">most players in MLS history</a>, and maybe that is Soler and Backe’s plan: churn through experienced players while using some young ones to find the right combination.
Is it the right one though, and will it work this offseason? &nbsp;New York has a <a href="http:\/\/www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/mls-reaping-the-benefits-of-their-clubs-youth-academies-11515" target="_blank">good youth academy</a> that has contributed to the team, but compare their roster to FC Dallas (who <a href="http:\/\/www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/is-dallas-a-mls-cup-contender-three-questions-for-2012-14906" target="_blank">we reviewed yesterday</a>). &nbsp;Both have young up-and-coming players, but Dallas is looking to theirs to provide key depth. &nbsp;Time will tell which strategy is correct but it is telling that Dallas is considered a definite MLS Cup contender and New York’s season is up in the air.

The Post Where We Limit Ourselves to 3 Questions About the NY Offseason - World Soccer Talk

The Post Where We Limit Ourselves to 3 Questions About the NY Offseason

<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div>Photo by rula</div>
What, you may ask, is Robert thinking. &nbsp;Instead of a straight-forward and honest discussion and analysis of this weekend’s MLS action, he resorts to a cheap blogging trick and uses a popular band to help make his article different. &nbsp;What does a popular moody British rock band have to do with American soccer, and is he just doing this because he had his Radiohead Pandora station on while writing?
The thing about Radiohead’s music is that often times the subject of the song is misleading. &nbsp;Take, for example, Karma Police, one of their biggest songs. &nbsp;If you listen to the words and music, it sounds like an otherworldly treatise on the importance of doing good to others, lest the universe exact revenge. &nbsp;In reality, the song is an inside joke between band members promising revenge if they got too uptight. &nbsp;That is what this weekend’s action was like in MLS – so many of the results were misleading. &nbsp;Is Dallas better than Colorado and Philadelphia now the favorite than the East? &nbsp;Possibly, but not likely. &nbsp;In fact, the results of their individual matches were the factor of multiple factors that would not be replicated if the matches were played two weeks from now. &nbsp;So while the results this weekend were relevant, they are somewhat misleading in most cases. &nbsp;Just like many Radiohead songs, the meaning is deeper than the surface glance. &nbsp;That is why every match will be accompanied by an appropriate Radio song title.
So for the first time in MLS Talk history (and with credit to <a href="http:\/\/sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/simmons/index" target="_blank">ESPN’s Bill Simmons</a> for popularizing such things), I offer a summary of the weekend’s action as described by Radiohead.

“Jigsaw Falling Into Place” (FC Dallas 3, Colorado 0):<a href="http:\/\/www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/f-c-dallas-3-0-colorado-rapids-mls-analysis/12256" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http:\/\/www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/f-c-dallas-3-0-colorado-rapids-mls-analysis/12256" target="_blank">Earl got it right in his article on this site</a>; Dallas wanted this match more. &nbsp;They were facing a Colorado team that had coasted through the first three weeks, were missing two of their best players, and may have been looking ahead to their battle with Real Salt Lake. &nbsp;Dallas was desperate for a win, and it showed. &nbsp;They dominated the match from the first whistle and after a few weeks of struggles, everything fell into place for them. &nbsp;Even Brek Shea looked good as a fullback, advancing up the sides to open up the Dallas attack. &nbsp;I mentioned this before, but I continue to be impressed with Fabian Castillo. &nbsp;His finishing isn’t quite there yet, but his speed and ball skills are very good. &nbsp;Enjoy having him on your team Dallas fans.
“2+2=5” (Seattle 2, Chicago 1): Just as 2+2 equalling 5 doesn’t make sense and symbolizes the man telling you what to think, so Sigi Schmid continues to try and convince MLS fans that O’Brian White is the answer for Seattle up front. &nbsp;And on Saturday night he was right. &nbsp;Schmid started three forwards and had White as the middle man, and he responded with a goal and an assist. &nbsp;Realistically, this team needs a healthy Fredy Montero to be effective and a threat in the West, but maybe White is a short-term answer for this team. &nbsp;Chicago trips up finally this year and maybe this is the beginning of their slide to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, as many people predicted in the preseason. &nbsp;Their date with Portland next week will be a telling match.
“Fake Plastic Trees” (Philadelphia 1, New York 0): Much like Tim Ream’s mistake in this game, this song has been described by Thom Yorke as “a breakdown of sorts”. &nbsp;The downside of really promising young players is that they tend to occasionally remind you that they are young players, and it can happen at the most inopportune times. &nbsp;New York will be fine, but this one has to sting a little. &nbsp;As for Philadelphia, a little confidence is a dangerous thing. &nbsp;This team has a major scalp on its mantle and despite having some talent holes, the confidence from a quick start can easily turn into becoming the surprise team of the year. &nbsp;<a href="http:\/\/www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/philadelphia-union-1-0-new-york-union-pounces-on-rare-tim-ream-mistake/12264" target="_blank">See more from Daniel on this match.</a>
“No Surprises” (Real Salt Lake 2, New England 0): The song’s title is a good description of this result, it was RSL again taking care of business. &nbsp;What was a surprise were the players on the field. &nbsp;The Claret-and-Cobalt played a number of second-string players to allow their starters a little breather, while Steve Nicol mixed up his lineup due to the suspension of A.J. Soares and Petrovic’s return from injury. &nbsp;What also may not have been a surprise was that for the second New England match, one of the teams was reduced to nine players, except this time it was the home team that saw more red. &nbsp;Shalrie Joseph and Pat Phelan were given their marching orders late in the match, as was Will Johnson with two yellow cards.
“Lucky” (DC United 1, Los Angeles 1): <a href="http:\/\/www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/la-galaxy-1-dc-united-1-chippy-game-ends-in-controversy/12269" target="_blank">I’ve covered this match in my game write-up yesterday</a>, but I couldn’t resist using this song title for the game. &nbsp;It is bizarre that Charlie Davies is your current Golden Boot leader with four goals, and two of them have come from controversial penalties. &nbsp;I mentioned this in my article, but you have to like how LA played if your a Galaxy fan. &nbsp;Maybe they should have extended their lead earlier, but with no Donovan this team played well and created some good chances. &nbsp;For DC, it may be time to be a bit worried. Despite the good result, this team keeps showing an inability to finish (except for penalties) and has some glaring defensive breakdowns every match.
“Paranoid Android” (San Jose 1, Toronto 1): Much like this Radiohead song, which is a mix-and-match of different musical stylings and homages, both of the teams are trying to establish an identity, as this game showed. &nbsp;For Toronto, life after DeRo and the implementation of total football has seen some growing pains, flashes of brilliant play mixed with some less than brilliant play. &nbsp;This was shown perfectly in this match as the Reds went ahead in the 27th minute on an Alan Gordon goal, but then had to play defense the rest of the match. &nbsp;They gave up an equalizer ten minutes later to uber-loanee Simon Dawkins and relied on Stefan Frei to hold on to the tie. &nbsp;San Jose still does not have a home win in three attempts this year.
“Let Down” (Chivas 0, Columbus 0): Two struggling teams show why they are struggling as this match saw more yellow cards (8) than shots on goal (4). &nbsp;Chivas held more of the possession but still played a defensive strategy and relied on the counter for opportunities, of which there were few. &nbsp;On a positive note for both teams, they earned a point and a shut out. &nbsp;But neither gave much reason for their supporters to be optimistic in the near term.
“My Iron Lung” (Houston 3, Vancouver 1): Just as My Iron Lung was Radiohead’s response to their mega-hit Creep, this match was a reaction to Vancouver’s high-scoring ways. &nbsp;The Whitecaps lead the league in goals scored but as often happens to a high-flying offense, sometimes that forward push leaves a weaker backline exposed. &nbsp;The match could also be described as the result of the ‘Caps last match, for they were missing usual starters Gershon Kossie and Eric Hassli on red card suspensions. &nbsp;This match saw three goals scored within five minutes, as Bobby Boswell assisted on the Dynamo’s first goal in the 37th minute and scored the second in the 42nd. &nbsp;In between those goals Camilo put a laser shot over Tally Hall’s head to put Vancouver on the scoreboard.

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