MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

[EPJr]

Wild Card

• FC Dallas vs. New York Red Bulls – Wed., Oct. 26, 9 p.m. ET (FOX Soccer, TSN2)

• Colorado Rapids vs. Columbus Crew – Thurs., Oct. 27, 10 p.m. ET (Altitude 2, ONN, TSN2)

Eastern Conference Semifinals

First Leg
• FC Dallas vs. Sporting Kansas City – Sat., Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. ET (FOX Soccer, TSN)
... OR ...
• Colorado Rapids / Columbus Crew vs. Sporting Kansas City – Sun., Oct. 30 7 p.m. ET (FOX Soccer, TSN2)

• Philadelphia Union vs. Houston Dynamo – Sun., Oct. 30, time TBD, (ESPN2, Deportes, ESPN3)

Second Leg
• Sporting Kansas City vs. FC Dallas / Columbus Crew / Colorado Rapids – Wed., Nov. 2, time TBD (FOX Soccer)

• Houston Dynamo vs. Philadelphia Union – Thurs., Nov 3, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2, Deportes, ESPN3, TSN2)

Western Conference Semifinals

First Leg
• Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders FC – Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 p.m. ET (FOX Soccer, TSN2)
• Colorado Rapids / Columbus Crew / New York Red Bulls vs. LA Galaxy – Sun., Oct. 30, time TBD (ESPN or ESPN2, Deportes, ESPN3, TSN2)

Second Leg
• Seattle Sounders FC vs. Real Salt Lake – Wed., Nov. 2, time TBD (ESPN2, Deportes, ESPN3, TSN2)
• LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids / Columbus Crew / New York Red Bulls – Thurs., Nov. 3, 11 p.m. ET (ESPN2, Deportes, ESPN3, TSN2)

Conference Championships

• Hosted by highest remaining seed – Sun., Nov. 6, 5:30 p.m. ET (FOX Soccer)

• Hosted by highest remaining seed – Sun., Nov. 6, time TBD (ESPN or ESPN2, Deportes, ESPN3, TSN2)

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... tchups-set" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[EPJr]

MLS RESERVE LEAGUE PLAYOFFS CANCELLED
FINAL STANDINGS


Columbus
DC United
New England
Toronto FC
RB New York
Philadelphia


Chicago
Houston
Dallas
Kansas City
Colorado
RSL


Seattle
Portland
Chivas USA
San Jose
Vancouver
Los Angeles



Goalscorers
Player/Goals

Luna (DAL) 6
Amarikwa (COL) 5
Barouch (CHI) 5
Meram (CLB) 5
Nazarit (CHI) 5
Estupiñán (CHV) 4
Anor (CLB) 4
Dike (POR) 4
Neagle (SEA) 4
Ngwenya (DC) 4
Salgado (VAN) 4
Akpan (COL) 3
Brettschneider (DC) 3
Chaves (CHI) 3
Cortez (CHV) 3
Davis (CLB) 3
Garey (HOU) 3
Grossman (CLB) 3
Heinemann (CLB) 3
Jaqua (SEA) 3
McInerney (PHI) 3
Myers (SKC) 3
Noonan (SEA) 3
Tan (VAN) 3
Tetteh (SEA) 3
Umony (POR) 3
Agorsor (RSL) 2
Alvarez (RSL) 2
Arteaga (NY) 2
Boskovic (DC) 2
Bruin (HOU) 2
Burns (CLB) 2
Cristman (LA) 2
Cunningham (CLB) 2
Emory (COL) 2
Güvenisik (SJ) 2
Hertzog (NY) 2
Jimenez (LA) 2
Koger (NE) 2
Leyva (DAL) 2
Lowry (POR) 2
Luzunaris (SJ) 2
Mansally (NE) 2
Martina (TOR) 2
Mondaini (CHV) 2
Nagbe (POR) 2
Ochoa (SEA) 2
Omphroy (TOR) 2
Rivas (CHI) 2
Sousa (NE) 2
Spencer (CHV) 2
Thompson (POR) 2
Torres (PHI) 2
Vukovic (TOR) 2

ONE GOAL
Aiyegbusi (SKC)
Alexandre (RSL)
Ampaipitakwong (SJ)
Arnaud (SKC)
Avila (DAL)
Ba (SJ)
Barklage (DC)
Bergen (HOU)
Berhalter (LA)
Brasesco (DC)
Burch (DC)
Burke (POR)
Cardenas (SKC)
Cardozo (LA)
Carr (HOU)
Carrasco (SEA)
Chabala (HOU)
Clark (HOU)
Davies (DC)
Dixon (HOU)
Ekpo (CLB)
Estrada (SEA)
Fagundez (NE)
Fucito (SEA)
Garcia (DAL)
Gashi (VAN)
Galindo (DAL)
Gardner (CLB)
Goldthwaite (POR)
Gulley (CHI)
Guy (NE)
Guzman (CHI)
Henry (TOR)
Horst (POR)
Jackman (TOR)
James (SKC)
Jarju (VAN)
E. Johnson (POR)
R. Johnson (SJ)
Jordan (LA)
King (DC)
LaBauex (COL)
Le Petit (LA)
Leitch (SJ)
Loewy (NE)
López (LA)
Machado (NE)
Madison (PHI)
Makubuya (TOR)
Martin (DC)
McLoughlin (SJ)
Mendes (NY)
Mendoza (CLB)
Montano (SEA)
Morales (SJ)
Morsink (DC)
Mullan (COL)
Mwanga (PHI)
C. Najar (DC)
Nanchoff (VAN)
Nikocevic (NY)
Nyarko (CHI)
Ogunyemi (POR)
Owoeri (CLB)
Paullo (NY)
Perlaza (POR)
Pfeffer (PHI)
Rooney (NY)
Salandy-Defour (DC)
Sarkodie (HOU)
Saad (SKC)
Schilawski (NE)
Stolica (NE)
Sturgis (TOR)
Thomas (LA)
Trujillo (CHV)
Vanney (CHV)
Wallace (POR)
Warshaw (DAL)
Zizzo (POR)

[EPJr]

Big D Stampede

RBNY weather the storm, lock down 2-0 Wild Card win at Dallas

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... highlights

Mile High Mojo
Cummings, Rapids hold off Columbus, book semi date with SKC


http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... crew/recap

[EPJr]

Master & Commander
Saborio nets 2 as RSL take imposing 3-0 lead vs. Seattle in West semifinal

SANDY, Utah — RSL looked nothing like a team that hadn’t won in more than a month. With Will Johnson, Kyle Beckerman, and Javier Morales all back in the starting lineup, the Claret-and-Cobalt controlled the tempo from the outset en route to a dominating 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders in the first leg of their Western Conference semifinal matchup at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday night.

Álvaro Saborío scored two goals and Ned Grabavoy added the third as RSL took a commanding lead heading into the return match on Wednesday night at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field (10 pm ET; ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3.com; live chat on MLSsoccer.com).


http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... eg-1/recap

[EPJr]

Escape From New York
Galaxy steal first-leg win in thriller that ends in postgame melee


When the final whistle blew, the Supporters’ Shield-winning Galaxy left Red Bull Arena with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a first-half goal from Mike Magee.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... eg-1/recap



Orange Rush
Dynamo jump on Philly early, hold on for first-leg win at PPL


http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... commentary

Burned-bury

Two goals from Bunbury power SKC to big win in Colorado

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... commentary

[EPJr]

Two Heads Above

Collin, Sapong score as Sporting kill off Rapids 2-0 (4-0 agg.), thru to East final

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... highlights


Too Little, Too Late

Seattle rally comes up just short, RSL into West final on 3-2 agg.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... eg-2/recap

Brian's Song - Ching strikes a chord in win

Dynamo into Conference Championship

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... eg-2/recap



Taming Of The Bulls

Galaxy rally to beat Red Bulls, secure spot in Conference final

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... highlights

[EPJr]

Countdown: MLS Conference Finals


Sporting Kansas City v Houston Dynamo
Sunday, November 6, 5:30pm ET

2011 Head to Head:
KC @ Houston 1-1, KC v Houston 3-0

While Los Angeles v Real Salt Lake looks like the main event, KC and Houston present an exciting undercard match up with countless variables to consider in determining who will move on to the finals. Since their last meeting in early August, both of these sides are on a near identical run of form, with both undefeated in their last five, and four of those results being victories. A 3-0 win for KC must be looked at as a match that was much closer than the final scoreline indicates, as a Carlos Costly red card was followed by two more goals to blow the game open.



LA Galaxy v Real Salt Lake
Sunday, November 6, 9pm ET


2011 Head to Head:
Los Angeles @ RSL 1-4, Los Angeles v RSL 2-1

With a prime-time slot on television, this match has all the makings of a classic and while it is of MLS Cup caliber, Don Garber must be pleased to see this year’s playoffs have been able to deliver huge games even before the big show on November 20. While it does look like two top teams going at it, it really is one of a consistent table-topper against one who have slipped down the stretch.

http://www.rednationonline.ca/Countdown ... 52011.aspx

[EPJr]

Orange Twist
Minus injured Davis, Dynamo stun Sporting to return to MLS Cup


http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... commentary


KC run ends in 2-0 loss
Dynamo strike twice in 2nd half to earn MLS Cup berth


http://www.sportingkc.com/news/2011/11/ ... ence-final

[EPJr]

Going Back To Carson
Galaxy advance to MLS Cup final with 3-1 win over RSL


http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... highlights



FINAL - LA 3:1 RSL
MatchCenter: RSL's effort towards second MLS Cup berth falls short

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/20 ... ip/rosters

[MSUDuo]

I think it's stupid that they go away from the 2 leg system for the Conference Finals. Either make it all elimination games or all 2 legs.

[EPJr]

I think it's stupid that they go away from the 2 leg system for the Conference Finals. Either make it all elimination games or all 2 legs.

ITS A WORK IN PROGRESS

[EPJr]

THE MONTREAL IMPACT WILL UNVEIL ITS JERSEY
ON DECEMBER 1ST


MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact announced Wednesday that the club will officially unveil its new jerseys, for its entry into Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2012, on Thursday, December 1, at the Montreal Science Centre, starting at 6pm.

Located in the Old Port, on King Edward Pier, the Montreal Science Centre will welcome the Montreal Impact staff, players, partners and supporters, during an historic night where the club will present its new official jerseys, as well as training wear and apparel line, produced by adidas.

“It will be a major event in the history of the Montreal Impact,” said team president Joey Saputo. “We will be one step closer to our debut in MLS. Our jersey will become an important emblem to which our supporters will want to identify themselves with. We are very excited to present this product, which is very representative of the Impact, the City of Montreal and the Province of Quebec.”

The only element of the new jersey to have been revealed to this date is the Bank of Montreal (BMO) logo, named the presenting partner of the Impact in MLS, on June 16.

Note that all jerseys will be on sale on the following day on December 2, while the other items will be available at a later date.

As part of the launching festivities, 25 supporters will have the chance to win an entry for two to attend the event, by participating to a contest on the club’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/impactmontreal.com, which will start on Thursday, November 24 as of 6pm. Follow also http://www.twitter.com/impactmontreal and http://www.youtube.com/impactmontrealFC in the upcoming weeks to get more details.

[EPJr]

MLS passes NBA, NHL as third best-attended American sport


Major League Soccer set a new high-water mark for average attendance this season, as expansion clubs in Portland and Vancouver lived up to preseason expectations for big crowds, and a new stadium and rebranding effort in Kansas City turned around that city’s once-ailing club.

Average attendance for the 18 clubs rose 7.2 percent to 17,872 spectators a game this season, surpassing the league’s previous record of 17,406, which was set during its inaugural season in 1996. The league’s lowest attendance came in 2000 when it averaged just 13,756 fans. Since 2007, its average has consistently stayed between 16,000 and 17,000. The strong showing at the gate brought MLS’s average above the most recent seasons for both the NHL (17,132) and NBA (17,323).


Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/stor ... z1dGQXL57W

[Skjellyfetti]

And all MLS ratings saw doubel digit growth.

[EPJr]

Handful of MLS players set to train with German clubs

Beckerman, Rogers, Agudelo, Kitchen schedule offseason stints

Real Salt Lake and US national team midfielder Kyle Beckerman is one of them. The veteran is headed to Germany to train with Kaiserslautern.

“In an effort to have USMNT players stay more fit during the MLS offseason, Coach Klinsmann arranged for me to train at FC Kaiserslautern for a few weeks,” Beckerman said via the RSL press office on Wednesday. “Although I'm not sure exactly how long I'll be training, the plan was to train for a few weeks. So far we have been treated very well and I'm looking forward to this new experience.”

Agudelo’s former U-20 and current U-23 teammate Perry Kitchen of D.C. United is also headed across the Atlantic, slated to train with FC Freiburg. Kitchen and Agudelo are currently wrapping up a U-23 training camp in Germany under head coach Caleb Porter.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... rman-clubs

[EPJr]

MLS reveals 2012 conference-based schedule format
Clubs will play more in-conference matches, full schedule expected earlier this year

According to the plan approved by the MLS Board of Governors on Saturday, some things will remain the same, but there will be changes as the league shifts to an unbalanced schedule, or a conference-based schedule.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... ule-format

Big changes for MLS Cup Playoffs format in 2012
Top remaining seed to host MLS Cup 2012; Conf. finals two legs

The playoff format itself will also get a tweak. As in 2011, the playoff field will remain 10 teams. However, the top five teams in each conference will qualify for the postseason without wild card spots.

The No. 4 team in each conference will then host the No. 5 team in its conference in a single-elimination game for the right to face its respective conference’s top seed in the Conference Semifinals.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... ormat-2012

[EPJr]

Rulers Of The Galaxy

Donovan's goal enough to win LA their third MLS Cup trophy

CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy spent all night on Sunday looking to land a decisive blow en route to a historic MLS championship, and finally got the moment from all three heavy hitters on The Home Depot Center marquee.

Landon Donovan finished off a gorgeous buildup through fellow Designated Players David Beckham and Robbie Keane in the 72nd minute, pushing the Galaxy to a 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo in MLS Cup 2011 and gift-wrapping the third league championship in franchise history.

The moment, which played out in front of 30,281 fans that braved uncharacteristically wet and cool conditions in Southern California, also punctuated one of the best seasons for any team in league history. The Galaxy won the Supporters’ Shield during the regular season and steadily drove their way through the postseason, capped by an impressively solid performance against a Dynamo team that struggled to keep pace all night.

POST GAME PRESSERS: http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1916&id=21222" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[twister04]

Thierry Henry in major league soccer! there is just nowhere he can't play

[EPJr]

NEW IMFC WEBSITE UP AN RUNNING

http://www.impactmontreal.com/en]

[EPJr]

MLS clubs release Expansion Draft protected lists

Clubs release unprotected lists, Impact learn who they might choose on Wednesday

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... cted-lists

[EPJr]

Watch the 2011 MLS Expansion Draft LIVE

Expansion Draft to be streamed online at 3pm (ET)

Log on to this page tomorrow to watch the 2011 MLS Expansion Draft LIVE!

The draft will be streamed online at 3pm (ET). Head coach Jesse Marsch will be announcing the names of the players selected as well as trades made by the Montreal Impact. Highlights of the players will be a part of the event.

Don’t miss any of this historic event !

http://www.impactmontreal.com/en/news/2 ... draft-live

[EPJr]

Your new jersey!
The new design contains several new local elements

MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact and BMO Financial Group, the club’s presenting partner, unveiled the new team jersey in preparation for the club’s inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2012, as part of a fashion show at the Montreal Science Centre, on Thursday. The two organizations took advantage of the momentous occasion to also unveil the equipment and training gear.

“This is a historic moment for the Montreal Impact. The new team jersey represents not only the identity of the club, but also the city of Montreal and the entire province of Quebec,” said Montreal Impact president Joey Saputo. “We are proud to have partnered with BMO Financial Group, Canada’s soccer bank. We are very pleased to have shared this unique experience with our supporters and our partners.”

“This is an exciting day for all soccer fans with the unveiling of the superb Impact jersey that highlights the team’s roots and association with Montreal and Quebec,” said L. Jacques Ménard, President, BMO Financial Group, Quebec. “As the Impact defines its identity following last week’s MLS draft and subsequent player moves, and today’s jersey announcement, BMO is proud to partner with an organization that will have an immediate impact in promoting soccer in our community and representing Montreal throughout North America as the team begins its first season in MLS in March 2012.”
IMFC BOUTIQUE: http://www.impactmontreal.com/en" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


http://www.impactmontreal.com/en/news/2 ... eam-jersey" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[EPJr]

DC United decline to exercise Charlie Davies' option
United pass on transfer clause, but not done dealing with striker



Charlie Davies is no longer a D.C. United player. For now, at least.

D.C. United announced on Thursday that they will not exercise the Dec. 1 option for the permanent transfer of the forward from French side Sochaux. Davies had been on loan to D.C. United in 2011, holding a reported $1.3 million option to buy out his contract, according to The Washington Post.

But declining the hefty option does not mean that Davies will not have a future at the club coached by former USMNT teammate Ben Olsen.

“Conversations regarding Charlie’s future are ongoing,” D.C. general manager Dave Kasper told dcunited.com.

Although Davies becomes a Sochaux player again as of Dec. 1, D.C. United will hold onto his player rights in MLS and the club could potentially work out another loan deal with Sochaux or a transfer at a reduced price. D.C. made Davies one of their 11 protected players in last week’s Expansion Draft.


http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2 ... ies-option" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[EPJr]

MLS Announces 2011 Generation adidas Tour


NEW YORK (Dec. 2, 2011) – Major League Soccer today announced the itinerary and roster of players that will travel to the Netherlands for this year’s Generation adidas tour. The 18 emerging stars, representing 12 different MLS clubs, will train at the world-renowned Ajax Academy in Amsterdam and compete in friendly matches against Ajax Reserves and Dutch second-division clubs FC Volendam and Almere City FC.

The tour itinerary and roster are below:

2011 Generation adidas Roster
Goalkeeper David Bingham San Jose Earthquakes
Goalkeeper Zac MacMath Philadelphia Union
Defender Kevin Alston New England Revolution
Defender Conor Shanosky D.C. United
Defender Kofi Sarkodie Houston Dynamo
Defender Michael Tetteh Seattle Sounders FC
Defender Zarek Valentin Montreal Impact
Midfielder Dilly Duka Columbus Crew
Midfielder Sacir Hot New York Red Bulls
Midfielder Amobi Okugo Philadelphia Union
Midfielder Luis Gil Real Salt Lake
Midfielder Matt Kassel New York Red Bulls
Midfielder Jack McInerney Philadelphia Union
Midfielder Tony Tchani Columbus Crew
Forward Will Bruin Houston Dynamo
Forward Corey Hertzog New York Red Bulls
Forward Danny Mwanga Philadelphia Union
Forward Omar Salgado Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes and his staff will coach the Generation adidas team during the tour.

“This annual offseason tour is invaluable for young players, and we are excited to see this talented group come together in the Netherlands,” MLS Executive Vice President Todd Durbin said. “Our players’ development is enhanced by their exposure to legendary clubs like Ajax and the opportunity to compete against their peers in other countries.”

TOUR ITINERARY
Dec. 5 Generation adidas players depart for Amsterdam
Dec. 6 Training (Ajax Academy fields)
Dec. 7 Training (Ajax Academy fields)
Team to attend UEFA Champions League match – Ajax vs. Real Madrid
Dec. 8 Game 1: Generation adidas vs. Ajax Reserve team (Ajax Academy fields)
Dec. 9 Training (Ajax Academy fields)
Dec. 10 Training (Ajax Academy fields)
Attendance Eredivisie Match - AZ Alkmaar vs. De Graafschap
Dec. 11 Training (Ajax Academy fields)
Dec. 12 Training (Ajax Academy fields)
Team to attend match: Ajax U23 vs. PSV U23
Dec. 13 Game 2: Generation adidas vs. FC Volendam (in Volendam)
Dec. 14 Game 3: Generation adidas vs. Almere City FC (in Almere)
Dec. 15 Generation adidas players depart for U.S.

http://www.sportingkc.com/news/2011/12/ ... etherlands

[EPJr]

I'm starting to like Omar Salgado.. I know that he is new but he showed some potential specially during the Whitecaps' match against the Columbus Crew where he scored his first professional goal..

As do I
The kid's gonna be good