Portland:
Quick Strikes | Timbers defense holding opponents to average of .67 goals per game over last six matches | Portland Timbers
The Portland Timbers will play in their final regular-season road match of the year when they travel south to take on the San Jose Earthquakes at Avaya Stadium Saturday night (7:30pm, KPDX). Here are five numbers to know for #SJvPOR in the latest Quick Strikes.
Major League Soccer:
10 Things About Miguel Almiron: 2017's No. 1 player on 24 Under 24 | MLSsoccer.com
Miguel Almiron has emerged as a star in just his first MLS season with Atlanta United. He was part of the 2017 MLS All-Star Game Fan XI, has been honored twice as the MLS Player of the Week, and has been named to the MLS Team of the Week seven times. He’s scored a career-high nine goals, and he’s also chalked up a team-leading 13 assists, tied for fourth most in MLS.
From formidable to forgettable: Chronicling the LA Galaxy's 2017 downfall | MLSsoccer.com
With three games left they have earned just 28 points. If the club were to win out, they’d still finish with their lowest point total since 2008, the last time the Galaxy missed the playoffs. They need to at least sweep their remaining home games (against Real Salt Lake and Minnesota United) just to beat their franchise worst 33 points from that 30-game 2008 season.
EA SPORTS FIFA 18: Here are the top five ranked players from each MLS team | MLSsoccer.com
FIFA 18 comes out today and here on the top ranked players for each team in the MLS.
ASN article: Paul Arriola Made a Change, Now Seeks a Bigger Role
A few months ago Arriola was a part-time player for Club Tijuana, one of the top teams in Liga MX. In an effort to secure more playing time, however, the California native moved to D.C. United—one of the worst teams in Major League Soccer.
Sigi Schmid plan to rebuild failing LA Galaxy after MLS playoff flop - ESPN FC
A trip to the postseason ceased being a realistic target weeks ago, but the Galaxy's elimination from the playoff race was made official on Wednesday night thanks to FC Dallas' 2-0 win over Colorado, rendering LA's 3-3 draw with the Houston Dynamo academic. Schmid insisted that the evaluation period for players is still ongoing, but it's obvious where this team needs help.
Focus is on The North as MLS playoffs loom
Whitecaps have quietly climbed to the top of the standings. Vancouver finished outside of the Major League Soccer postseason last year, but thanks to three wins in four recent home matches they lead the Western Conference, a point ahead of the Sounders, Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas City.
United States:
Meet the kid raffling off his Christian Pulisic jersey for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico - Stars and Stripes FC
Hurricane Maria left devastation across Puerto Rico that may take years for the island to recover from. According to reports, power has not been restored for 97% of residents there and basic necessities like food, water, and fuel are in short supply. In the aftermath of the disaster, athletes, former presidents, celebrities, as well as everyday people have joined in the effort to raise money and bring supplies to the U.S. territory.
World:
Report: Manchester City striker Sergio Agüero injured in car accident - Bitter and Blue
According to a report from Argentine newspaper Diário Olé, City striker Sergio Agüero has been involved in a car accident after traveling to the Netherlands for a music concert. Agüero was coming back to his hotel in Amsterdam on a taxi when the vehicle collided head-on with a pole, and thankfully Sergio was protected by his seat belt.
Chelsea is England’s best hope for winning the Champions League - SBNation.com
Chelsea defeated Atlético Madrid with truly the last strike of the ball on Wednesday, with the referee letting out a game-ending double whistle the second Michy Batshuayi’s shot hit the back of the net, not even allowing Atléti a chance for a ceremonial kickoff.
Paul Pogba's injury is now 'long-term' - Man United boss Jose Mourinho - ESPN FC
Jose Mourinho has said he considers Paul Pogba to be a "long-term" injury absentee for Manchester United along with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo.