On a Wednesday that featured four matches involving MLS teams, three of which were single-elimination matches, the night was not short on drama and controversy.
First the controversy. It came at one of two US Open Cup semifinals held at RFK Stadium and it involved a red card to a D.C. United player by a referee, who DC say should not have been assigned to the match. The club’s president was critical of the US Soccer Federation.
Despite playing a man down, D.C. United, the last-place club in MLS, was just seconds away from advancing to the final before an 89th-minute equalizer by the visiting Columbus Crew. But DC had two more chances to win it in stoppage time. The Crew later converted a PK in extra time to claim the berth in the final.
Even the Crew’s Frankie Hejduk agrees the game changed after the red card was issued.
There were few theatrics in Seattle, where the Sounders defeated Chivas USA 3-1 in the other USOC semi. The story of the match was left winger Steve Zakuani, who set up the Sounders’ first two goals. Now Seattle are set to defend their title at home against the former club of manager Sigi Schmid.
Goal-scorer Fredy Montero refers to himself in the third person after netting the game-winner while Zakuani says the move he used to get down the flank repeatedly against Chivas USA is one he’s had since he was 7 years old.
If soccer tricks start at a young age, so do soccer players. But not since Freddy Adu have we seen a 15-year-old player take the field for an MLS team. It happened in the Philadelphia Union’s victory over Chivas de Guadalajara in an exhibition at PPL Park. The Union also got their lone goal from a teenager.
There were a fair share of twists and turns in the story of the 2010 SuperLiga final at Gillette Stadium, where Morelia became the first Mexican team to defeat the New England Revolution in the history of the competition.
Here’s the postgame press conference from Revs manager Steve Nicol.
The Mexico vs. USA rivalry which is highlighted in SuperLiga is one of the best in soccer. However, there is also the Northwest rivalry that is about to erupt in MLS.
On the same day that the Vancouver Whitecaps are naming their first MLS head coach for next season, the Portland Timbers will make a major announcement of their own on the same day.
Meanwhile, New York Red Bulls defender Mike Petke, who announced he will be retiring at the end of this season, takes a stroll down MLS memory lane.
On the opposite coast in LA, David Beckham may be just what the slumping Galaxy need to reenergize the club. But Bruce Arena is still bringing him on slowly.
Interested in playing with Beckham is former Liverpool and current Roma player John Arne Riise, who says he wants to fulfill his dream of playing in MLS.
Speaking of Hollywood, Seattle Sounders forward Michael Seamon has a sister who is participating in CBS’ Amazing Race.
The Galaxy will be traveling to face the Chicago Fire in its second to last road game of the season. Meanwhile, the president of El Salvador wants Fire manager Carlos de los Cobos back at the helm of the country’s national team.
Two former Mexican National Team players, Aarón Galindo and Guillermo Franco, have been linked with a possible arrival to MLS.
Toronto FC received some good news with Canada’s National Team coach, promising to release three players for a league match next week.
The NASL is looking to submit a bid this week to become the only Division 2 league in the United States. But there are a few teams that do not meet the requirements set forth by US Soccer in order to be sanctioned.
Finally, TheWall Street Journal on how EPL clubs have reined in the free-spending during the summer transfer window.
MLSsoccer.com Must Reads:
D.C. United disappointed and angry at red card to Pablo Hernandez
Crew get a couple of breaks for a change
Rested and recovered Steve Zakuani is Seattle’s key to book USOC final ticket
Despite SuperLiga loss, New England had their chances
KC’s Teal Bunbury talks about declining Canada’s call-up
