<a href="http:\/\/go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=149156&amp;v=3.0.40624.0"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="http:\/\/go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=149156&amp;v=3.0.40624.0"></a></figure></div>
In the long history between these two teams (winners of the first five MLS Cups), there has never been an ending quite like this. &nbsp;The Chicago Fired dealt DC United’s playoff chances a major blow while keeping themselves alive for a late playoff run by scoring two second half stoppage time goals to stun DCU 2-1.
Most of the action in this match took place late in the second half. &nbsp;For most of the game DC aggressively probed the Fire defense for a goal, knowing they needed to win to take advantage of the New York and Portland losses. Despite creating a few good chances, DC had no shots on goal in the first half. Chicago, meantime, was content to sit back and hit DC on the counter, a strategy which almost paid off late in the first half. A Marco Pappa strike was bobbled by DC’s Bill Hamid but he recovered to prevent the follow-up shot. &nbsp;The second half saw both teams have periods of dominance, but as it dragged towards the finish line the sense in the stadium was that one mistake could be the difference.
On a normal night, one mistake would have. &nbsp;Santino Quaranta was taken down in the box in the 90th minute and Dwayne De Rosario converted the penalty to break the scoreless tie. &nbsp;DC players had gone down in the box all night, so to them the penalty seemed like poetic justice. &nbsp;However, almost immediately after the goal, things fell apart. &nbsp;The DCU defense, which had overall played pretty well, gave Sebastian Grazzini some space and allowed him to score on a rocket in the 92nd minute. &nbsp;Less then two minutes later, it was deja vu all over again as Gonzalo Segares, who had committed the penalty on Quaranta, beat an offside trap and used his yards of free space to send in a perfect cross from the left, finding Diego Chaves at the back post. &nbsp;The replay above shows that Perry Kitchen kept Segares onside while the rest of the defense settled in hoping for an offsides flag.
“You kind feel bad, a little bit for [DC United], but that’s how the game is,” said Chicago manager Frank Klopas after the game in a boisterous lockerroom. &nbsp;“For us, it was a great comeback and a great feeling… for our guys.”
The win keeps Chicago’s small playoff chances on life support. &nbsp;They need to win their final game and hope New York loses theirs by a lot. &nbsp;Regardless, this is the kind of win that can give a team and fans some positive vibes heading into the offseason. &nbsp;It’s hard not to see a sense of excitement about a team that was a finalist for the U.S. Open Cup and made a late playoff run after firing its manager midseason.
On the other side of the pitch is DC United, a team that had its playoff destiny in its own hands. &nbsp;It had a favorable schedule and games in hand. &nbsp;Now, with two games this upcoming week, they join Chicago on playoff life support. &nbsp;They need to beat Portland on Wednesday and Sporting Kansas City Saturday, then hope that New York, <del>Chicago, and Portland</del> lose out (note: <a href="http:\/\/www.blackandredunited.com/2011/10/16/2494720/mls-playoff-scenarios-dc-united-new-york-red-bulls">the great DC scribe Martin Shatzer breaks down DC’s playoff chances better than I do</a>). &nbsp;Not impossible, but the play of the team of late doesn’t suggest this team is making a run. &nbsp;The team has lost its last four games, including to lowly Vancouver, and would need to win back-to-back games for the first time since 2009 to even think about the playoffs. &nbsp;It’ll be an interesting last week, and this game made it even more interesting.

Fire Burn DC With Two Stoppage Time Goals - World Soccer Talk

Fire Burn DC With Two Stoppage Time Goals

The talking point since First Kick has been the same: the Western Conference is vastly superior to the Eastern Conference. &nbsp;For the past six months or so, we’ve heard about the top teams in the West and their chances of winning the MLS Cup. &nbsp;Recently, with the playoffs looming, the talk has focused on how either FC Dallas or Real Salt Lake will enter the playoffs as the favorites to win the Eastern Conference due to MLS’s weird playoff system. &nbsp;Yet for all the focus the Western Conference has received in the playoff talk, we are witnessing an incredibly exciting Eastern Conference playoff race, where the stakes could be incredibly high.
This past weekend’s results threw the door to the Eastern Conference open and, instead of beginning to clarify the top three teams, kept eight teams in contention for the three guaranteed spots. &nbsp;One of those eight (Toronto) is realistically eliminated, and another (Chicago) would have to go on a tough but possible run of games, but that still leaves six teams within seven points of first place with roughly five matches to go (or more if you’re DC United with games in hand). &nbsp;Teams that had seemingly locked up spots now have to battle to hold on, while teams that faltered earlier in the season now see a path to late season redemption.
The key component to increasing the logjam was the Columbus/Philadelphia match. &nbsp;With the Union able to get back on the winning track and denying the Crew three points, the first place team in the East was kept close to the rest of the pack. &nbsp;If they had found a way to scratch out a win, they would have been four points clear of second place Sporting Kansas City, not an insurmountable lead but certainly a bit of breathing room. &nbsp;As it was, they could not find a way to take advantage of a close Sporting KC loss to Real Salt Lake. &nbsp;Instead of a battle for second, this Friday’s SKC v. Philadelphia match could be for first place.
The teams currently looking up at the top three also shuffled themselves this weekend into a muddle that may go down to the last match to settle. &nbsp;The Houston Dynamo, who looked like a solid bet for a top three spot before suffering a small swoon, are now level on points with Philadelphia after this Saturday being the most recent team to beat San Jose. &nbsp;Their victory kept them ahead of the New York Red Bulls who were involved in the most intense match of the weekend. &nbsp;Despite a late push from FC Dallas, the Red Bulls defense held on to a 1-0 win for their first victory since July 6. &nbsp;The win also moved them two points clear of DC United who lost for the first time ever in Seattle. &nbsp;In fact, DCU was lapped 3-0 by a Seattle team that looked to be firing on all cylinders. &nbsp;However, with their games in hand, DC is still well positioned to make a late move into the top three, especially with road games against Columbus and Philadelphia, as well as a home tilt with Kansas City to close the season.
But as things stand, the East could still sneak two teams into the four wild card places. &nbsp;So why the stress over the top three? &nbsp;Imagine, if the season ended today, the plight of the New York Red Bulls. &nbsp;As the #10 seed, they would have to travel to Pizza Hut Park to face FC Dallas in a single elimination game. &nbsp;If they won, they would then play a home-and-home with the Galaxy which, if they survived, would see them facing the winner of RSL/Seattle. &nbsp;Now consider if they jumped two spots in the East and grabbed the #3 seed. &nbsp;Not only would they now get to sit out the wild card round (huge for an older team) but they would get an Eastern Conference foe in a home-and-home before the conference final. &nbsp;This week will go a long way to determining the favorites for the top three, as not only do we have the Philly/SKC match but RSL makes an East Coast swing to face New York and DC. &nbsp;So while the West may have the better teams, the East has a better playoff race.

While West Dominates, East Entertains - World Soccer Talk

While West Dominates, East Entertains

<div style="width: 197px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a title="landycakes by marc_tacoma, on Flickr" href="http:\/\/www.flickr.com/photos/marc_tacoma/3524013247/"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div></a>Photo by Mark W.</div>
Often I view the end of the European soccer season as a silly time, because every player with any talent (and some without) are rumored to be acquired by one club or another. &nbsp;This speculation extends to MLS because the league has shown that it is capable of developing talent and playing a high level of soccer. &nbsp;This is a long way of saying that I think most of the stuff I read on the Internet regarding transfers is trash.
But I can believe this story.
<a href="http:\/\/www.goal.com/en-us/news/69/transfer-zone/2011/05/16/2489966/reports-from-italy-say-that-as-roma-is-interested-in-los-angeles-" target="_blank">Goal.com’s Alex Labidou is reporting</a> that AS Roma is set on acquiring Landon Donovan from the LA Galaxy this summer. &nbsp;The story is based on a rumor contained in the Italian paper Corriere dello Sport. &nbsp;I&nbsp;Giallorossi are sixth in Serie A and ownership has pledged to its fans that the team will overhaul with a goal of contending for a scudetto. &nbsp;That owner is Thomas DeBenedetto, an American businessman who recently purchased the club.
What would Donovan give Roma? &nbsp;The team is certainly weaker in midfield, with their best player there being Daniele De Rossi. &nbsp;The club’s strength is with their forwards but their leading scorer is injury-prone Francesco Totti, who is 34. &nbsp;Donovan would provide some offense from the midfield and could pair well with Marco Borriello and Mirko Vucinic (if any of them stay). &nbsp;The key is who will be the next manager – Vincenzo Montella is a caretaker and DeBennedetto may want to make a big splash with a big-name hire.
Off the pitch the move would be a great idea. &nbsp;The Roma ownership group could take the most marketable American soccer player and use him to sell more Roma merchandise. &nbsp;While Donovan Giallorossi shirts may not outsell Kobe Bryant jerseys, Donovan’s presence on the team would allow Roma to enter the American soccer consciousness and attract some casual soccer fans.
This is by no means a slam dunk, however. Acquiring Donovan would be a considerable cost. &nbsp;Labidou speculates Donovan’s transfer fee would be around $15 million and his salary would likely increase from its current $2.3 million. &nbsp;Even more critical than the money is the Serie A rule limiting the number of non-EU passport holding players. &nbsp;As a result of the&nbsp;disastrous&nbsp;2010 World Cup, the Italian club presidents set a limit of one non-EU passport holder per club as a way to encourage teams to develop Italian talent. &nbsp;The loopholes allow teams to circumvent this rule, but Donovan could not and Roma would be unable to sign additional talent from outside of Europe.
There’s also the factor of Donovan’s age and past record that make this a questionable signing. &nbsp;He is approaching 30 years old, an age when few players improve. &nbsp;Outside of his Everton playing time, Donovan has also not been able to turn his MLS success to success in European leagues. &nbsp;Could Donovan adjust to Serie A’s style of play, which is vastly different than MLS and the English Premier League?
And as is the case with any rumor, there is more to the story. &nbsp;<a href="http:\/\/www.zygosoccerreport.com/2011/05/is-as-roma-targeting-michael-bradley.html" target="_blank">Brian Zygo shares</a> that Roma is reportedly also looking at Michael Bradley, another American international but one who at 23 is seen as a rising star. &nbsp;Bradley might make more sense for Roma because while he does not have the Q rating Donovan has, he could one day be a big name if he succeeds on the national team. &nbsp;For a cheaper price, you’d also be getting a player with continental experience who plays a similar position.
During the winter, Landon Donovan said he would not be going out on loan in order to take some much needed time off and to refocus on his career. &nbsp;The question becomes is he now ready to try and make his name in Europe again. &nbsp;Becoming the American face of an Italian franchise is a tempting possibility and it would give him the chance to prove again he is good enough for the top leagues in Europe. &nbsp;But the Galaxy are winning and he has a chance to win an MVP trophy, Golden Boot, and an MLS Cup. &nbsp;Will Landon Donovan go to Rome? &nbsp;I have my doubts, but I would not be surprised.

Report: AS Roma Wants Donovan. Badly - World Soccer Talk

Report: AS Roma Wants Donovan. Badly

<a href="http:\/\/www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/kreis.jpg"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="http:\/\/www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/kreis.jpg"></a></figure></div>
In his short but impressive coaching career, Jason Kreis may be approaching heights unseen by an MLS coach. &nbsp;This weekend he essentially fielded a backup squad that handled an undefeated Revolution squad. &nbsp;RSL is in the CONCACAF Champions League final and is the prohibitive favorite to win a second MLS Cup in three years. &nbsp;Also an impressive player, Kreis is compiling the sort of record and experience that, if he were coaching in England, would make bigger clubs take note. &nbsp;Now may be the time to ask – is Jason Kreis the right MLS manager to make the leap to the European coaching ranks?
MLS head coaches have in the past been rumored to be ready to take the next step to Europe. &nbsp;Octavio Zambrano was a head coach in Moldova and Hungary but has now returned to the U.S. &nbsp;Both Bruce Arena and Bob Bradley were rumored candidates for English jobs, with Bradley supposedly being considered by both Aston Villa and Fulham in 2010. &nbsp;But neither were actually hired despite high-profile victories at the international level and winning MLS Cups.
So before we address whether Kreis should be that coaching pioneer, we need to address what impact MLS coaches going to Europe would have on the league. We spend much time and energy debating whether MLS players should make the jump and how that affects the league, and the general consensus is that the best players benefit from European playing time while those who are good MLS players might benefit more from staying in the U.S. &nbsp;Where that line is drawn is where the debate is. &nbsp;This season we are beginning to see the benefits of the exporting of MLS players: the league is getting players back in return. &nbsp;Not only are the Beckhams of the world coming to America, but loanees like Simon Dawkins are coming over. &nbsp;Dawkins, on loan from Tottenham, has given the ‘Quakes a scoring option besides Chris Wondolowski.
Would exporting coaches be the same? &nbsp;Not quite, but there would be some similarities. &nbsp;MLS currently imports Europeans who have played in Europe and in American leagues (Steve Nicol) and now is beginning to bring in new coaches from specific systems (Aron Winter). &nbsp;If American head coaches began to be viewed as possible managerial candidates in Europe, then I think the best young coaches would begin to be poached by European clubs. &nbsp;But this experience would be good for these MLS head coaches and allow them to expand their strategy and tactics beyond the North American viewpoint. &nbsp;Having someone like Jason Kreis go to the Championship, for example, would allow him to immerse himself in different football philosophies and learn the latest trends overseas. &nbsp;When he returns to MLS or is named USMNT head coach, he has a more diverse viewpoint to construct a winning team and improve the quality of MLS or the national team.
So if we agree this is a good thing, than who would be the best coach to make the jump? &nbsp;The obvious answer is Bob Bradley, since he is the best known American coach/former MLS manager around. &nbsp;Ideally, though, he is unavailable until after the 2014 World Cup. &nbsp;Kreis right now is the hot name in MLS, possibly adding numerous trophies to the Real Salt Lake trophy case. &nbsp;But he has few roots to any league outside of MLS, having played his entire career in the states and having not coached elsewhere. &nbsp;I can imagine many teams would hesitate to hire someone with just MLS experience. &nbsp;So is there a successful MLS coach with international experience that would catch the eye of a European club looking for something different?
There are a few actually. &nbsp;The obvious answer is Bruce Arena, but at age 59 he may be too old for clubs to want to take a chance on. &nbsp;A younger choice is Dominic Kinnear at age 43. &nbsp;Kinnear played a bit in&nbsp;Scotland&nbsp;when he was younger as well as a year in Mexico, so he does have some international experience. &nbsp;He has been a success in MLS, winning two MLS Cups with the Dynamo. &nbsp;If I were a club in the Scottish or Irish Premier League, or lower levels of the English game, Kinnear is the type of head coach I would consider hiring if I wanted to garner a little attention and try something different.
If you expand the list to consider internationals who are currently coaching in MLS, then there are several viable candidates to leave MLS in the future. &nbsp;I can’t believe Steve Nicol won’t get an offer back in England at some point, especially if he is successful in rebuilding the Revolution this year. &nbsp;Aron Winter is being groomed for bigger things and he could return to the continent if he is able to successfully construct a Total Football Toronto. &nbsp;Colorado’s Gary Smith could be in line for another job as well, especially considering his Arsenal connections and the fact that his owner now is a major player in the EPL with his majority ownership in Arsenal.
So what does the future hold for MLS coaches? &nbsp;I think it will be a while before American/Canadian born head coaches are viewed as viable coaching candidates in Europe. &nbsp;Over the next few years we will see foreign-born MLS coaches return to Europe (or Central and South America), showing bigger leagues that MLS is a good league for coaches. &nbsp;And as bigger-named American stars retire from playing and enter coaching, it will be easier for European clubs to justify their hiring to fans as more than a publicity stunt. &nbsp;Within the next 10-15 years we will begin to see the export of American head coaches which will lead to an improvement in MLS and the national team. &nbsp;And it will give the best MLS coaches a chance to show that they are good managers anywhere, not just in North America.

Will Jason Kreis be the First American Coach to Make the European Jump? - World Soccer Talk

Will Jason Kreis be the First American Coach to Make the European Jump?

<div style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a title="Defend the fort by Lorianne DiSabato, on Flickr" href="http:\/\/www.flickr.com/photos/zenmama/4009761467/"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div></a>Photo by Lorianne DiSabato</div>
 
Team: New England Revolution 
Coach: Steve Nicol 
Last Year’s Finish: 9-5-16, 32 points. &nbsp;Eastern Conference: 6th
The big news this offseason was the recent arrest and suspension of Shalrie Joseph and Kevin Alston. &nbsp;While the situation is still under investigation, both players just returned to the team but face possible disciplinary action from the league. &nbsp;This unfortunate situation has taken attention off a team that has made some solid offseason moves and looks to vastly improve after a terrible season last year. &nbsp;The big keys for this team are resolving the situations of Joseph and Alston as well as finding that elusive striker the team needs so desperately.
The steady presence on this team is head coach Steve Nicol, who returns for his ninth season and is the longest tenured coach in MLS. &nbsp;Nicol’s team has gone through a rough patch; after making six conference finals and MLS Cups his fix six years they have gone three years without advancing to the final four, missing out on the playoffs last year for the first time since 2001, before he became the permanent head coach. &nbsp;To return to the playoffs and start a new streak, the team must find someone (or someones) to score goals consistently for the team.

Key Roster Additions: The Revs made two very recent acquisitions, picking up French international Ousmane Dabo and Argentine defender Franco Coria. &nbsp;Dabo, who previously played for Manchester City and Lazio, will provide some defensive help in the midfield and could be penciled in as a starter immediately. &nbsp;Another defensive signing is former PSG and Newcastle defender Didier Domi, who will likely be a starter at left back and make the New England back line even more “seasoned”. &nbsp;To offset some of their older signings, the team was active in the college draft, taking A.J. Soares with the sixth pick. &nbsp;Soares, another defender but one with a knack for scoring, played at Cal and was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy.
Key Roster Subtractions: The biggest subtraction last year was the retirement of American legend (<a href="http:\/\/www.twitter.com/TaylorTwellman" target="_blank">and prolific Tweeter</a>) Taylor Twellman, a forward who suffered from terrible concussion issues. &nbsp;Obviously the club has not found a way to replace his scoring up front. &nbsp;In recognition of the defensive shortcomings last season, the club also let go two of their starting defenders: Cory Gibbs to the re-entry draft and Emmanuel Osei.
Projected Starters: Even with all their turnover, Matt Reis will be the starter in goal. &nbsp;The 35 year old was decent last year and will look to provide some stability in defense. &nbsp;On the backline, I can see newcomers Domi and Corba eventually becoming starters once they work their way into the system. &nbsp;Darius Barnes will probably be the only returning starter at center back and may be pushed by A.J. Soares, who also could get a look in midfield. &nbsp;Once MLS is done with him, Kevin Alston looks to be a starter at left back. &nbsp;Re-entry draft pickup Ryan Cochrane is also a starting option here.
Assuming Nicol goes with a four-man midfield, we could see newcomer Dabo hold down the middle with Joseph once he returns or, if he feels like experimenting, Nicol could move Soares to midfield where he could score an occasional goal. &nbsp;On the wings Nicol could start Sainey Nyassi (who started 27 games last season) and Kenny Mansally (who scored four goals last season, good for third on the team).
The problem last year that looks to be a problem again is at forward. &nbsp;To be honest, the talent up front is lacking, so look for the Revs to try and make an international signing in the near future. &nbsp;Right now your starters are Marko Perovic and Ilija Stolica, who combined for nine goals last season. &nbsp;Also in the mix is Zach Schilawski.
 
Player to Watch: The player to watch is a player who might not even see the pitch this season. &nbsp;Diego Fagundez is the teen prodigy who is coming through the team’s academy and is tearing up nets left and right. &nbsp;He scored 28 goals in the past year and a half with the youth team, but at only 15 years old he is too young to regularly contribute to the senior club. &nbsp;However, if the Revs don’t find that high-scoring international player and struggle to score goals, look for the young man to get a few minutes for the senior team this summer and fall.
Predictions: The depths to which this&nbsp;proud&nbsp;franchise have fallen can be summed up in this sentence: of the players in the Revolution’s camp, only two (Joseph and Reis) have played in an MLS Cup with the Revolution. &nbsp;For a club with a great recent history of Cup runs, that’s astounding. &nbsp;It also speaks to how bad the team was last season, though injuries did play a part in that. &nbsp;This team has significantly upgraded its defense and I think it will not be letting in another 50 goals this season. &nbsp;But can it score more than 2010’s 32 goals? &nbsp;That’s the big question.
One thing is for certain: I expect New England to get off to a slow start. &nbsp;With so many late signings and new players getting integrated into the system, as well as Joseph’s possible suspension or&nbsp;disciplinary&nbsp;action, this team will probably have a rough start to the season. &nbsp;However, if they can find that goal scorer or have their current forwards improve, then this team could be a dark horse for the third Eastern Conference playoff spot. &nbsp;However, call me a skeptic.
Prediction: 6th place, Eastern Conference

MLS '11 Preview - Can New England Reclaim the Glory? - World Soccer Talk

MLS '11 Preview – Can New England Reclaim the Glory?

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MLS '11 Preview – Can New England Reclaim the Glory?