Portland
Inside PTFC | Why teams keep trying three center backs against Portland (and how the Timbers are responding) | Portland Timbers
It’s a pattern that began in Chicago, just after a Diego Valeri counterattack goal had put the Fire down, and 96 minutes after the Portland Timbers had adopted their new, 4-3-2-1 formation the week before. Bastian Schweinsteiger, originally deployed as the Chicago’s deepest midfielder, took a step back in the formation, setting up between Vlejko Paunovic’s starting center backs, and making the Fire’s pair into a three-man group.
Major League Soccer
LA Galaxy's Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent off for slapping Montreal Impact's Michael Petrasso
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sent off in the first half of the LA Galaxy's 1-0 win against the Montreal Impact for slapping Michael Petrasso at Saputo Stadium on Monday afternoon.
Orlando's Amro Tarek credits MLS move for Egypt prelim roster selection | MLSsoccer.com
Not only has he fit seamlessly into the backline of his new side, helping the Lions get off to a strong start in MLS, but the 26-year old defender has earned himself a spot on the Egyptian national team's preliminary roster for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia this summer.
New Nashville CEO Ian Ayre lauds MLS: "It's really coming into its own" | MLSsoccer.com
Even while guiding one of the top franchises in the English Premier League, Ian Ayre has been keeping tabs on the progress of Major League Soccer across the pond. Starting today, he'll be part of MLS's continued growth.
Stejskal: FC Dallas nearing deal to start USL D3 team in 2019 | MLSsoccer.com
FCD head coach Oscar Pareja told the Dallas Morning News last week that the club will have a USL team next year. The sources indicated that his comment was a bit premature, telling MLSsoccer.com that the club doesn’t yet have anything finalized regarding a potential USL outfit but that they are hoping to get things completed for a 2019 expansion team “in the next 30 days.”
Warshaw: What's the plan in Colorado? Rapids struggling to find way forward | MLSsoccer.com
English teachers profess that it’s more powerful to show than to tell. So here’s the rundown of an MLS team over the last eight years:
LA Galaxy's Sigi Schmid: "The guys really pulled together" after red card | MLSsoccer.com
Zlatan Ibrahimovic getting sent off in the first half for slapping an opponent in the back of the head was not a scenario that augured well for a first win for the LA Galaxy in five games.And yet the Galaxy managed to hold off the Montreal Impact in the second half long enough for Ola Kamara to score for a fourth straight game to give LA a 1-0 win at Stade Saputo on Monday
RBNY's Lawrence checks in: I'm "on my feet" and "ready to go again" | MLSsoccer.com
New York Red Bulls supporters and people all across Major League Soccer have been anxiously awaiting updates on the health of Kemar Lawrence, the defender who was carted off the pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with what appeared to be a serious injury in the final stages of RBNY's 3-1 road win over Atlanta United on Sunday.
United States
Yanks Abroad: US Men’s National Team players overseas update - Stars and Stripes FC
Many of the leagues around the globe have finished, but some of the Americans playing abroad were still fighting in important matches over the weekend. Miazga scored his fourth goal of the season in Belgium and John Brooks is back in the lineup as Wolfsburg look to secure their place in the Bundesliga next year. Plus Villafaña won the Clausura Final in Mexico with Santos.
Christian Pulisic - United States wasn't focused in World Cup qualifying loss vs Trinidad & Tobago
Christian Pulisic has put part of the United States' failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup down to a lack of focus and said that chemistry wasn't the team's biggest problem.
World
Borussia Dortmund appoint Lucien Favre as new manager on two-year deal
Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the appointment of Lucien Favre as their new coach. Favre, 60, returns to the Bundesliga after two years with Nice, with German outlet kicker reporting that Dortmund had triggered a €3 million release clause in Favre's contract with the Ligue 1 club.
Manuel Pellegrini wants West Ham signings to begin era of attacking football
Manuel Pellegrini has targeted four or five signings to launch a blueprint of attacking football at West Ham United. Pellegrini, 64, signed a three-year deal with the club on Tuesday and will succeed David Moyes, who left earlier this month after his contract expired.
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold won't respect Cristiano Ronaldo too much
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold admits he has a difficult balancing act in showing Cristiano Ronaldo enough respect, but not too much that he is taken advantage of. The 19-year-old has been on an upward curve since making his first-team debut in a League Cup tie in October 2016 which has ultimately led him to a senior England call-up for this summer's World Cup.