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Two exciting conference final first legs over the weekend have left a couple teams with big hills to climb. To kick off the news today, Sounder at Heart and Black and Red United try to figure out what the heck happened.
MLS Playoffs 2012: Injuries Too Much For D.C. United To Overcome in 3-1 Loss To Houston Dynamo
Red cards and injuries have hit D.C. hard in the playoffs.
Sounders Fall To Galaxy 3-Nil; Find Out That Injuries and Suspensions Matter
Seattle is missing some injured players too, but there seems to be a bigger problem in Seattle.
Around MLS: Najar Suspended, Burch Apologizes
D.C.'s Andy Najar has been suspended an extra two games but will be able to play in the final if D.C. can overcome a 2-goal deficit and beat Houston. Seattle's Marc Burch has received a three-game suspension. He will miss the rest of the playoffs and will sit out the 2013 season opener if Seattle fails to make the final.
MLS playoffs: five things we learned
"Different season, same nightmare" for the Seattle Sounders.
Youngsters headline USMNT squad for Russia friendly
Some thoughts on the roster and the return of Juan Agudelo and Jozy Altidore. Personally, I wonder if Klinsmann saw this goal by Altidore over the weekend.
Chandler, Altidore return to face Russia; Guzan gets run at Villa
Chandler is committed, supposedly, and Altidore is back, hopefully.
Russia: Quick Transitions and a Stout Defense
A tactical preview of the USMNT's friendly with Russia.
Howard reflects on decade in England, looks at future options
Tim Howard talks to Sports Illustrated about his ten years in the English Premier League.
Sermanni draws on experience coaching women, men for U.S. post
The newly appointed USWNT coach talks about his plans, expectations, and coaching style. Also, this fun fact: no team in the history of soccer, men's or women's, has ever won a World Cup with a foreign coach.