Pics from Rapids Reserves v US U-18's

Pics from Rapids Reserves v US U-18's

Pics from Sporting KC v Rapids Preseason Scrimmage

Pics from Sporting KC v Rapids Preseason Scrimmage

More US Development Academy Winter Showcase Pics

And some more pics from the USSDA Winter Showcase

Rapids v South Central Premier

RBNY v Indiana United

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Playoff Brouhaha

Oh the whines and cries of so many folks as the West dominates the MLS standings heading into the playoffs.
It's not a bad argument to want the playoffs to be seeded as in a single table format. We in the US are accustomed to that and it makes logical sense as the best chance to end up with the two best teams, at least based on seeding, in the final.
Now here is the reality of the potential matchups.

First, with the current standings, the matchups would be ...

LA v Seattle - LA won both league matches
RSL v Dallas - The teams split their two matches

RBNY v San Jose - The teams split their two matches
Columbus v Colorado -  The teams split their two matches

If higher seeds win ...

LA v RSL - The teams split their two matches

RBNY v Columbus - Columbus won both matches

LA v RBNY - The teams split their two matches

NOTE -
#2 RSL won and drew v #5 RBNY, RSL and #6 Columbus split their matches
#3 Dallas lost and drews v #5 RBNY, Dallas #6 Columbus drew their matches
#4 Seattle and #5 RBNY split their two matches, Seattle won and drew v #6 Columbus

Where is the dominance of the higher seeds? They won 4, lost 3 and drew 5 vs lower seeds from the east.
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Now if the playoffs were based on seeding 1-8 ...

LA v San Jose - San Jose won 1 and 1 draw
Seattle v RBNY - The teams split their two matches

RSL v Colorado - They drew once and play this weekend
Dallas v Columbus - Two draws

If higher seeds win ...

LA v Seattle - LA won both league matches
RSL v Dallas -  The teams split their two matches

LA v RSL -  The teams split their two matches

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Tuesday Night

MLS

• CCL:  CCL Effects on team
• Wizards keep slim playoff hopes alive
• Tactics:  Colorado fiddles with formations

Soccer in the US

• USMNT:  US and Colombia in scoreless draw
• Youth Development:  ‘Homegrown’ MLS players could help club, country
• Steve Davis Before and After:  USA v Poland Preview - USA v Poland Review -I'll do the same for the Colombia game in a few days

Interesting

• FIFA:  Goal Line Technology Back on the Table
• Media:  Arsenal sign deal with YES network
• David Mitchell:  Does football need billionaires 

Competitions

• African Nations Cup:  Niger beats Egypt
• EURO 2012:  Qualifying Underway
• CFU Caribbean Cup:  Niger beats Egypt 

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News and Views Wed Aug 25

MLS

• Chivas USA: Goats add Home Grown player
• RBNY: Rookies making a difference
• Rapids: Kroenke now a majority NFL owner
• Rapids: Rapids stuck in an eddy Part 1  -  Part 2

Club Tournaments

• CONCACAF: Champions League Results - RSL, Seattle lose in group phase 2nd round
• CCL: Don Garber's Silence is Sending the Wrong Message
• UEFA: Champions League Results
  
• UEFA: Europa League Results
• Copa Sudamerica

Interesting Reads

• FIFA: FIFA VP and CONCACAF Prez in another ticket scandal
• Man U: Glazers fail to pay mortgage on four shopping malls
• US Players: The Issues With Scandinavia 
• Man City: Sheikh Mansour's £500m Manchester City cash injection
• Argentina: Argentina's romantic view of the beautiful game may be holding them back  

Player Moves

• Goal.com's Transfer page

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News and Views from Wed 8/18

MLS

• Colorado: Rapids Apparently Stuck In An Eddy, Part 1 
• Andrea Canales: Playing time doesn't come to those who are picky
• Drew Epperly: Whitecaps and Timbers Taking Shape  
• Fire douse Revs

Around the World

• USSF D2 Update
• USSF D2 rules and comments from Kenn Tomasch 
• What is a playmaker's role in the modern game? 

Club Tournaments

• CONCACAF: Champions League Results - Columbus, RSL, Santos Laguna win in group phase openers
• UEFA: Champions League Results
  
• UEFA: Europa League Results
• Copa Libertadores Final - Internacional of Brasil wins title
• Copa Sudamerica 

Player Moves

• Goal.com's Transfer page 

The Business of Soccer

• World Cup stars increase Liverpool’s Fifa payout
• Football League chairman orders clubs to end 45% rise in agents' fees 
• So you want to own a soccer team: Part 1 NPSL Part 2 NSSL

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After a long Weekend Aug 14-16

MLS

• Week 20 attendance report and more
• Footiebusiness on Gillette Stadium 
• The West holds 6 of the 8 playoff spots after the weekend
• Seattle plays 2 CONCACAF Champions League matches before resuming league play. They're only 3 points into the playoffs with all chasers having games in hand
• The Rapids and DCU sign home grown players. I'm one who thinks that the academy system, begun by dicate for most teams in 2007, is the best thing to happen in MLS for player development.
• Vancouver, already renowned for their development program have hinted at fielding a D2 team in 2011. Great idea and in keeping with their program.
• MLS Remaining Strength of Schedule 
• Thierry Henry on soccer in the US  
• San Jose: San Jose add MF Geovanni as first-ever DP 
• Andrea Canales: Big foreign stars are now coming to MLS, but what about talent that got away? 
• Jason Davis: MLS Academies Now Producing
• Steve Davis: Dear MLS coaches: You’re doing it wrong - A call for shorter preseason, which may have its positives, but selfish me wants to see as much MLS in Arizona as possible next preseason
• Aaron Stollar: How September 2010 could shape the future of professional soccer in DC and Baltimore

Around the World

• USSF D2 week in review
• Ligue 1: Bordeaux and Lyon still winless after 2 weeks
• Portugal: Benfica lose opener
• Everton lose and Liverpool draw on keeper gaffes
• It may not last long, but Blackpool's 4-0 win was fun to read about
• Barcelona loses 1st leg of Spanish Super Cup
• Olympique de Marseille's Mamadou Niang to Fenerbahce
• Matt Derbyshire joins Birmingham on one-year loan  

The Business of Soccer

• The World's biggest soccer sponsors
• UEFA's financial fair play 
• Celtic loses money after missing Champions League

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News and Views from Fri Aug 13

MLS

• WV Hooligan: Weekend preview 
• Wizards: Kansas City Sign Omar Bravo, Then Loan Him Out 
• Dallas: FC Dallas signs Brasilian Jackson on loan
• Why Mexican stars are coming to MLS
• RSL: RSL loans US youth starlet Luis Gil to AC St Louis
• DC United: D.C. United signs local player Conor Shanosky
• Rapids: Colin Clark to miss the rest of season with torn left ACL. This is the 2nd year in a row that Clark's season has ended prematurely

US Pyramid

• USSF D2 Professional League Standards by Brian Quarstad. Probably spells the end for D2 in Phoenix for the foreseeable future.
• USSF D2: D2 preview   

Around the World

• EPL: The Guardian's EPL preview
• Tottenham: Tottenham Sign Honduran Starlet Anthony Lozano
• Beckham: Beckham Finally Finding A Balance
• Spartak Moscow: McGeady joins Spartak Moscow from Celtic 
• Rangers: James Beattie joins Rangers 
• Lyon: Monthly salaries 
• Italy: Crisis, Problems & Solutions – Part I --- Crisis, Problems & Solutions – Part II
• Man City: Balotelli signs for Manchester City
• Blackpool: Blackpool signs midfielder Chris Basham from Bolton 
• Chelsea: Chelsea sign Brasil midfielder Ramires from Benfica 
• EPL: Wenger: 'Ridiculous' squad rules will ruin EPL

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News and Views from Thu Aug 12

MLS

• Player Development: NCAA rule change opens doors for MLS academy prospects 
• Rapids: Academy player could be turning pro 
• DC United: Moreno to leave MLS at season's end 
• Toronto FC: TFC learning the price of success   

US Pyramid

• USSF D-2 Professional League Standards by Brian Quarstad. Probably spells the end for D2 in Phoenix for the foreseeable future.
• Chatting With Some Development Academy Coaches by J.R. Eskilson.

Around the World

• Liverpool: Christian Poulsen Joins Liverpool From Juventus
• Sunderland: Man U starlet Welbeck on loan to Black Cats
• Portugal: League preview 
  

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News and Views from Wed Aug 4

MLS

• Rapids: Akpan returns from Tampa loan
• When Vancouver and Portland were named as the 17th and 18th teams, I started to ask(via Twitter) about a potential 34 game schedule. I mean it makes sense, right? Play every other team twice, home and home, for a total of 34 games. Nothing was written about it until recently. I guess that teaches me that no one really cares about this stuff until it becomes closer to reality. In any case, a couple of my favorite writers have chimed in on the subject. I give you Jeff Carlisle and Jason Davis.

Club Tournaments

• N.A. SuperLiga: Revs over Puebla gain final berth
• CONCACAF: Champions League Results - Santos, Puerto Rico, Marathon thru to group phase
• CONMEBOL: Copa Sudamericana 2010 Preview
• CONMEBOL: Copa Libertadores Chivas advances to final, Sao Paulo v Internacional on Thurs
  
• UEFA: Champions League Results
  
• UEFA: Europa League Results
  

The Business of Soccer

• These clubs know how to do business. 
• Premier League increases payments to lower clubs. 

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News and Views from Thu Jun 24

Starting Off

• Special 1 TV World Cup Special.
• Video from No Short Corners: High Five World Cup.

MLS

• Revs sign their 3rd round pick in 2010 draft.
• Wizards looking to get back on track.
• Columbus keeping eyes on the prize(s).
• Rapids look to address midfield dilemma.
• Union prepare for sold out opener at new stadium, but under a cloud.

World Cup On Field News and Updates

• FIFA
• ESPNSoccernet
• Goal.com
• The Guardian
• SI
• Friday game capsules.
• About Italy. 
• World Cup hosts make wrong history.

Non Game Specific Football World Cup Stories

• TV ratings in England.
• Scientists examine the Jabulani.
• Digital world metrics of the Cup.
• African football has a ways to go.
• German diversity.
• The 'striker' and the reporter.

Not World Cup News

• Has Rafael Marquez brought the sweeper role back to the modern game?
• Soccer: A family affair.
• Coaching change and money from Cooper in St. Louis.

US World Cup News and Stories

• From Lalas to Landon: What Is The American Style Of Play?
• For the US, The Day That Changed the Game ...
• US Cup run inspiring fans.
• Thank the MLS for the rise of USA and Landon Donovan. Note that this was written by a 'civillian', not a journalist from the Guardian.
• US Soccer: The Rise Of A Nation.
• World Cup, USA/Algeria: Ratings by the numbers.
• Kenn.com: USMNT World Cup TV ratings, 1990-2010.
• Soccer for the casual fans. 
• The US a World Cup Semi-Finalist? God Help 'US'!
• Video: And from the Colbert Report. 
• Jonathan Wilson: A look at Ghana.

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News and Views from Wed Jun 9

MLS

• RSL downs Galaxy on iffy no call offside goal.
• Rapids steal point on road with Casey extra time header vs Fire.
• Wizards academy update.
• Houston President Oliver Luck leaving to become WVU AD.

Interesting Reads

• Social turmoil surrounds World Cup in Cape Town.
• Soccer that almost was in the USA.
• Goal.com: England's influence on US Soccer.

Player Moves

• Everton signs Portuguese striker.

World Cup

• Journalists robbed, one held at gunpoint.
• Individual achievements.
• Pre cup friendlies: Chile 2 New Zealand 0 -
• Golden Boot winners.
• African players receive WC amnesty.
• Terrific WC pictorial.
• England v USA: The beauty of anticipation.

Around the World

• Triobet Baltic League update.

The Business of Soccer

• Corporate set staying away from South Africa.
• The collapse of football: how the toxic weed of Strategic Default took over our game.
• AT&T will carry ESPN's 3D World Cup broadcasts.
• Timbers gain first founding partner sponsor.
• USA's World Cup bonus pot, largest in history(potentially).
• MLS pre cup business bits from Footiebusiness.

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News and Views from Wed May 26

At the Top

• US World Cup squad named.

The buzz surrounding the selection ...

• Findley over Ching
• 'Only' 4 MLS players, but a majority have played in MLS
• Onyewu's performance against Czechs
• Defense, particularly left back, no surprise there

MLS

• Wizards sign midfielder Jamar Beasley.
• World Cup Player bonuses(from 2004 CBA).
• Do soccer stadiums equate to better attendance?
• Open Cup 'win and you're in' - RBNY 3 Colorado 0 - DC United host RSL on June 2.
• DC United over AC Milan 3-2.
• Seattle beats Boca Jrs. 3-0.

Interesting Reads

• FIFA will crack down on dangerous tackles.

World Cup

• FIFA puts up 150,000 tickets for sale.
• France keeper Lloris: WC ball is disaster.
• Clubs receive compensation for each player at World Cup. 
• Team profile: Switzerland. 
• Team profile: Ghana.

Around the World

• Real Madrid axe Pellegrini, clear way for Mourinho.
• Friendlies: France 2 Costa Rica 1 - Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 - Turkey 2 N Ireland 0
• Toronto wins Nutralite Canadian Championship, gain berth in CONCACAF Champions League.

The Business of Soccer

• Most EPL teams will have to cut wages to comply with UEFA's 'Financial Fair Play'. 
• The business side of the US/Czech friendly.

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News and Views from Fri May 21

MLS

• Player profile: Rapids' defender Julien Baudet.
• Michael Lewis: On RBNY, Bob Bradley and SuperDraft picks.
• I normally don't link to stories of speculation, but I like Andrew Hush, so here is his take on the prospective arrival of Thierry Henry in MLS.
• Tournaments are key for Seattle.

Interesting Reads

• World Cup players in the UEFA Champions League final.
• CONCACAF's report on Esteli stadium... or why Belize and Nicaragua have been excluded from the Champions League.
• Jason Davis: You'll know soccer is big in American when...
• I would normally be loathe to point you to another Freddy Adu post, but this one's pretty good. 

World Cup

• French keeper on WC balls.
• Andrew Guest on Group C.

Around the World

• USSF D2 week 7 preview.
• Indonesia Premier League playoffs.
• Turkish football report.
• West Ham makes offer to Henry.
• Brasilians win VW Junior Masters tourney.
• Pachuca signs Herculez Gomez.

The Business of Soccer

• News UEFA rules will force changes in transfer and contract policies.
• England's 24 team 2nd division, aka, the Championship, draws 50 year high attendances.
• Jamie Trecker: When is a contract not a contract?
• I linked to Inside Minnesota Soccer's post on this yesterday, here's a little more in depth on the woes in St. Louis.
• USSF helps AC St. Louis make payroll.
• Mallorca enters voluntary administration.
• Money boost from UEFA Champions League final.

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News and Views from Tues Apr 13

MLS

• Steve Davis: Headhunting unpunished.
• Greg Seltzer: Top five DP needs. Worth the read.
• I mentioned this in a previous post, but it's worth another shout-out. The Chicago Fire and the Sister Cities Tournament information.
• MLS target men.
• Jeff Carlisle: A rough weekend for keepers.
• A blog in the UK introduces readers to MLS.
• Houston stadium gets final approval.
• As if things weren't bad enough in DC, Goff reports the injury list grows.
• L.E. Eisenmenger: About Generation Adidas and a recap of Nike Project-40 and Generation Adidas players.
• Yanks Abroad: MLS is starting to grow up.
• Paul Kennedy: What to do about MLS' bad signings?

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

• Rapids beat Wizards, face winner of New England/RBNY or Union.

Player Moves

• Scott Sealy's return to San Jose official.

Also

• Travis Clark looks at USSF D2 Week 1.
• Jason Davis: The 2nd division in the US is in a transitional year.
• I live in Arizona, so this is a big story for me.

Interesting Reads

• The Guardian: All about the offsides rule.
• US World Cup opponents: How Algerians and Slovenians fared last weekend.
• Maximize college recruiting exposure.
• The pitch at Wembley.
• High Schoolers: Turn pro or go to college?
• Ton Dunmore pointed me to a blog I hadn't seen before. I like it. You make your own decision.
• Traumatic Brain Injury and football.

The Business of Soccer

• In an unexpected move, Stan Kroenke has made a bid for ownership of the NFL St. Louis Rams. This is getting kind of complicated. Kroenke is within 10 shares of being compelled to make an offer on EPL club Arsenal. There are also some NFL rules that precludes an owner from owning another pro franchise in another market. Funny(or sad) how I've read a couple of articles on this story and Kroenke's ownership of the Rapids of MLS is not mentioned.
• Ben Berger of Footiebusiness: An interview with Rapids Marketing Director Kieran Cain.
• Chicago Fire announce Comcast TV deal.
• Spanish players call off strike.

Around the World

• Goal.com: Eredivisie round-up.
• Goal.com: La Liga round-up.

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News and Views from Friday Mar 26

MLS

• Colorado grabs a road win at the Home Depot Center.
• Predictions from SI's writers.
• Garber: More DP slots.
• Union will play rookies this season.

Player Moves

• Red Bulls sign academy player.
• American defender on Lichaj on loan to Leyton Orient.
• Toronto signs midfielder. Conway joins TFC.
• Revs sign 2 release 1.
• Claudio Suarez retires.
• DC United signs defenders Talley and Rice.
• Unconfirmed at the time of this post. Jon Busch to San Jose.

Club Tournaments

• Copa Libertadores - Velez defeats Colo Colo

Interesting Reads

• The battle in central midfield on the USMNT.
• Good read about Jeff Parke.
• Valencia to play 3 matches in the US this summer.

The Business of Soccer

• Football and Politics.
• ChivasUSA inks sponsorship deal.

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News and Views from Tuesday Mar 23

MLS

• MLS and keepers.
• MLS: Set for a breakthrough year.
• A stadium for Houston?
• Some CBA details.
• Revolution Academy update.
• Revs get first look at FiledTurf Duraspine PRO.
• Tim Staub(MFUSA) on MLS marketing to college students.

Player Moves

• Rapids waive Noonan.
• Wizards waive Michael Kraus.
• Red Bulls sign forward Salou.

Club Tournaments

• Asian Champions League.
• Copa Libertadores - Estudiantes win, Libertad draws

Interesting Reads

• Will Beckham now devote himself to the Galaxy? 
• Can Chester City fans raise the club from the ashes?

The Business of Soccer

• Soccer economics in Australia.

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News and Views from Friday Mar 19

MLS Preseason

• WV Hooligan with a little preview.
• Frank Dell-Apa's preview of the Rapids.
• Jeff Carlisle's preview of the Quakes.
• Union lose in preseason finale.

MLS

• Sueño 2010 details will be unveiled on Sunday.

Player Moves

• RSL adds 2, drops 1.
• Houston signs Jamaican midfielder.
• Former ChivasUSA keeper Parker signs with Miami FC.
• ChivasUSA defender Talley waived.

Interesting Reads(and listens)

• In defense of American soccer.
• Football - Better heard than seen?
• Richard Farley, Drew Epperly and Bruce McGuire - Pocast - A good listen.

Around the World

• FIFA lifts ban on Iraq.

The Business of Soccer

• FIFA politics(and money).
• MLS tells players they will have to pay for own health insurance if they strike.

Club Tournaments

• CONCACAF Champions League - A failure?

• CONCACAF Champions League. All Mexican semifinals.
• Asian Champions League. Click for the quarterfinal draw.
• UEFA Europa League. Click for the quarterfinal draw.
• Copa Libertadores. Sao Paulo defeats Libertad.

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News and Views from Thursday Mar 18

Openers

• Strike alert. Famed soccer blogger Fake Sigi declares intention to strike. Law firm responds.

MLS Preseason

• Seattle/Colorado Charity Shield Match cancelled due to weather.
• RSL drains Battery 3-1.
• Houston/Quakes in scoreless draw.
• Another owner adds his voice to the labor issues.

Club Tournaments

• Rob Hughes on UEFA's CL final eight.

• CONCACAF Champions League. UNAM goes through. All Mexican semifinals.
• Asian Champions League.
• UEFA Europa League. Dempsey completes stunning comeback over Juventus.
• Copa Libertadores.

Interesting Reads

• Goal.com's next entry in the series on foreign influences in US Soccer. This time ... Brasil.
• Americans and the World Cup.
• USMNT U-17 coach Wilmer Cabrera's soccer revolution.
• I linked to each of the posts in the series on Fan ownership of football clubs, but thanks now to Pitch Invasion for creating a single page with links to each post. Note that they are listed in reverse chronological order.

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