Sporting KC 1-0 DC United Player Ratings

Sporting

Nielsen – 6 – Rarely tested but made one key save in the first half

Myers – 6

Besler – 6

Cesar – 6

Sinovic - 7 – Another great performance at left back

Espinoza – 6.5

Zusi – 7

Bravo – 7 – Helped to control the midfield along with Zusi

Kamara – 7 – Scored the match winner

Sapong – 6.5

Bunbury – 6.5

Diop – 6

Harrington – n/a – Late second half substitute

DC

Willis – 5

Kitchen – 5

McDonald – 5

Jakovic – 5

Woolard – 5

Najar – 5 – A quiet game from the Honduran

Simms – 5

Quaranta – 5 – Along with rest of midfield, struggled to get any sustained attack

Pontius – 5

Wolff – 5 -

Brettschneider – 4 - Didn’t get much service from the midfield but was very ineffective

Burch – 5

De Rosario – 5

Ngwenya – n/a – Late second half substitute

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Charlie Davies, who is under contract with French Ligue 1 side Sochaux, has agreed to a season long loan deal with MLS side DC United. Davies was on a trial with DC United, who wanted to see if he was physically fit before agreeing to the loan. He impressed during his short time and will be with the club for the 2011 MLS season. Below are statements from the front club on the deal.

“We are really pleased to have concluded a deal that will bring Charlie to United,” said General Manager Dave Kasper. “Charlie spent 10 days with us in our first pre-season camp and underwent a full battery of physical and medical testing. He simply looks terrific. Coming in, we weren’t sure where he would be, but he’s great physically, has impressed with his mental approach and we’re excited to see him on the field with us this season.”

“Charlie Davies is going to be a great addition to this club,” said United Head Coach Ben Olsen. “He is a player that can make a difference, and we are looking forward to seeing him contribute to the Black-and-Red.”

I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to play for D.C. United and to put on that shirt,” said Davies. “I remember watching MLS as a kid and seeing D.C. United as the top team in the League. This is a dream to be able to play for such a prominent organization.”

“The club’s fans don’t need any introduction,” Davies continued. “Everyone knows how passionate they are and how much joy they bring to the game and I’m excited to play for them. This past week in Florida has shown me how great the atmosphere around the team is, and I know this is a place where I can be successful. This is a group of guys that is very close, and I’m excited to be a part of it. Ben is a coach that will push me and get the most out of me, and the ultimate goal is to help this team turn it around for this upcoming season and to put D.C. United on the map.”

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American Charlie Davies, who is currently on contract with French Ligue 1 side, could be joining MLS side DC United for a season long loan. Davies has yet to play for the Sochaux (except for the reserve team) since his car accident in the fall of 2009. He will reportedly have a week with DC United to be evaluated and determine his fitness. DC United released the following statement.

“Charlie Davies is expected to join D.C. United in Ft. Lauderdale on Wednesday for a week-long evaluation period, which will include training and game time with the first team and a full medical evaluation by team doctors in D.C.,” the club said in a statement.

“Details of the 12-month loan have already been negotiated, but nothing will be official until D.C. United is satisfied Charlie is physically capable of playing at the level required to be successful in MLS.”

Will Davies be able to find the form he had before the car crash? This move to MLS could give him the chance to prove himself once again.

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DC United 3-2 AC Milan Video Highlights

The video highlights can be seen here at Free Soccer Highlights.

DC United 3-2 AC Milan Recap

Despite having the worst record in MLS heading into the match, DC United would get a 3-2 win over AC Milan.

The goals for DC came from Danny Allsopp, Luciano Emilio, and Chris Pontius while AC Milan had two gaols from Massimo Oddo.

AC Milan would show flashes of brilliance during the match as Ronaldinho showed some of his tricks but the Italian side was exposed defensively. The Brazilian almost scored an impressive goal from a bicycle kick but it hit off the post.

DC UNITED (4-3-3): Hamid (dal 46′ Perkins); Graye (dal 46′ McTavish), Talley (dal 46′ Rice), Pena (dal 26′ James), Wallace; Najar (dal 64′ Barklage), Simms (dal 46′ Morsink), King (dal 64′ Khumalo); Emilio (dal 46′ Allsopp), Quaranta (dal 46′ Moreno), Pontius (dal 46′ Castillo). All.: Onalfo

MILAN (4-4-2): Abbiati; Abate (dal 55′ Inzaghi), Nesta, Terzi (dal 64′ Favalli), Antonini (dall’80′ Diniz); Brocchi (dal73′ Di Gennaro), Flamin (dal 38′ Blasi; dall’81′ Del Vecchio)i, Seedorf, Jankulovski (dal 46′ Oddo); Pato, Ronaldinho (dal 60′ Mancini). All.: Tassotti

Refereee: Mark Kadlecik (USA)

Goals: 20′ Emilio (D.C.); 30′ Pontius (D.C.); 61′ Allsopp (D.C.); 70′ e 73′ Oddo (M)

Attendance: 30.367

The win is one of many that MLS clubs have recently had over international clubs such as Boca Juniors and Juventus.

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Kansas City Wizards 4-0 DC United – Video Highlights

The Wizards would take the lead early in the first half as Kei Kamara scored on a rebound. DC United did have some good chances early but failed to capitalize and the home side converted their first good scoring chance. United would respond with a chance off a corner kick. Andy Najar hit the crossbar with a shot from outside the box.

The match would settle down after the early chances and the match was about even for the next 10-15 minutes of the first half. As the first half entered the last 10 minutes, the Wizards would double their lead. KC would score again in the 35th minute as Stephane Auvray sent a long pass to Ryan Smith who held possession at the end of the box. Smith sent a pass for Davy Arnaud who took a few touches and then scored with a low shot to the right corner from the left wing.

Neither team would score in the rest of the first half as KC led 2-0 after 45 minutes.

The DC United defense would continue to get exposed, especially on the right wing as Kei Kamara consistently created chances. Kamara would get behind the defense again in the 54th minute and send a low cross into the box. It was deflected off goalkeeper Troy Perkins’ hands and fell to Ryan Smith in the box. Smith easily scord with Perkins out of position and a wide open net.

DC United’s defensive trouble continued with a handball off a corner kick in the 70th minute. The penalty was taken by Jack Jewsbury and converted to give the Wizards a commanding 4-0 lead. The score would remain that way for the final 20 minutes as the Wizards would win their season opener 4-0.

It was a poor performance from DC United who made a lot of roster changes in the offseason and struggled to create scoring chances. While the win is good for KC, its hard to tell how much is their performance and how much is the lack of quality from United.

Goals: Kamara 9′ (1-0), Arnaud 35′ (2-0), Smith 11′ (3-0), Jewsbury 70′ (4-0)

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Toronto FC, another team with great fan support, just missed out on their first playoff spot. They were too inconsistent and losing 0-5 at NY was an embarassment. Other notable storylines for the resurgence of the Los Angeles Galaxy, who with Beckham and Donovan, were the top team in the Western Conference. With the end of the regular season, this is the final list of power rankings for Major League Soccer.

1. Los Angeles Galaxy – They have a well balanced club that are one of the favorites to win the MLS Cup. Donovan is in terrific form and if he can deliver in the playoffs it could be time for him to follow teammate David Beckham and transfer to Europe.
2. Columbus Crew – A meaningless loss on Sunday against New England as Columbus had the Supporter’s Shield already clinched. The Crew are the favorites to reach the MLS Cup Final in a weaker Eastern Conference.
3. Houston Dynamo – A talented team who is tied for the fewest goals conceded with only 29 through 30 matches. They should reach the Western Conference Finals but will need Brian Ching and Stuart Holden to have good performances.
4. Seattle Sounders FC – They may be in their first year as a franchise but the Sounders are as dangerous as anyone. Freddie Ljungberg as adjusted well to the league and Kasey Keller has been a wall in goal.
5. Chivas USA – The team has been up and down after a terrific start. Sacha Kljestan appears to have found his form and the club will need it against the Galaxy.
6. Chicago Fire – The Fire limped into the playoffs as the second placed team in the Eastern Conference. With Blanco and McBride they can win any match but the defense is the real question mark.
7. New England Revolution – Another club that didn’t finish strong and had to get a result in the last weekend to make the playoffs. They are the only team to make the playoffs with a negative goal differential.
8. Real Salt Lake – They just made the playoffs and note likely to advance very far in the playoffs. The key will be improving their form on the road.
9. DC United – Their busy schedule with the US Open Cup, Champions League, and MLS schedule caught up to them in the final part of the season. They were always within reach of a playoff spot but couldn’t get the result in the final weeks. The defense is the focus in the offseason as they conceded 44 goals in 30 matches.
10. Colorado Rapids – The Rapids were in position to qualify in the final few weeks but couldn’t get the results when they needed them. A team that is close to being a contender but needs some help in the midfield and defense.
11. FC Dallas – They made a late run and almost came out of nowhere to make the playoffs. They were one of the better teams in the last few months and Jeff Cunningham was the MLS leading scorer with 17 goals.
12. Toronto FC – The lack of defense was their achilles heel as Toronto once again failed to make the playoffs. They need to make moves in the transfer market.
13. San Jose Earthquakes – San Jose had talent but never really got going until the final month or so of the season.
14. Kansas City Wizards – The Wizards were never considered one of the top teams and struggled in July, August, and September.
15. New York Red Bulls – A 5-0 win against Toronto does little for the Red Bulls who were simply horrible this season. Next season they have a new arena and rumors are that Thierry Henry will be transferring after the World Cup. It should provide a much needed boost to the franchise and specifically their attendance.

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Here’s a list of the match-ups for the first round (conference semifinals) of the Major League Soccer 2009 season. Match times and TV listings will be available on Monday.

Major League Soccer 2009 Playoff Matchups

West:
4 Chivas USA
1 LA Galaxy

3 Sounders FC
2 Houston

East:
4 Real Salt Lake
1 Columbus

3 New England
2 Chicago Fire

Final Regular Season Standings

• ^Note 1 – Toronto FC cannot qualify for the U.S. Open Cup, as it is a Canadian-based team. If they qualify for an automatic berth into the U.S. Open Cup, the next highest placed team not already qualified will be given a berth. Similarly, they cannot qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League through MLS. Rather, they can qualify through the Canadian Soccer Championship. If they qualify for the Champions League through MLS, then the highest placed team not already qualified will qualify.

• ^Note 2 – Additional Champions League berths will be awarded to the winner and runner-up of MLS Cup 2009.
  The winner of the 2009 U.S. Open Cup (Seattle) also qualifies.

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The one thing about MLS is that any team at any team can upset another. This being said, the seedings heading into the play-offs don’t make much difference as its a very balanced league with upsets possible.

Here are the latest Major League Soccer Power Rankings for Week 31 through Wednesday, October 21, 2009.

1. Columbus Crew – Columbus is a balanced club that are the favorites to repeat as MLS Cup champions. A +11 goal differential leads the league.
2. Los Angeles Galaxy – The Galaxy finally are in the playoffs and have Landon Donovan in great form. Can they advance to the MLS Cup final which would be a storybook ending for Beckham?
3. Chivas USA – Preki and this club goes under the radar most of the year but they are as dangerous as any club.
4. Houston Dynamo – The Dynamo are in the playoffs and can focus on their midweek Champions League match. Stuart Holden could use the playoffs to audition for clubs in Europe as its time for him to go overseas.
5. Seattle Sounders FC – The Sounders clinched a spot with a win on Saturday at KC. Freddie Ljungberg has arguably been one of the best designated players signed in the history of MLS.
6. Chicago Fire – The Fire could be in the playoffs even with a loss but need a result to get some momentum.
7. Toronto FC – Toronto have a great home win on Saturday and needs to do win on the road. They
8. DC United – DC had a clutch win last weekend and needs one more to keep their hopes alive. They have a Champions League match in the midweek in which they will likely use mostly reserves to focus on the weekend match.
9. FC Dallas – Dallas has been on fire the last month and had another win against Colorado on Saturday. This is the club that no one wants to play if they make the playoffs.
10. New England Revolution – The loss of Taylor Twellman for most of the season has been felt with only 32 goals scored this season. If they can squeak into the playoffs, they could be this years NY Red Bulls.
11. Colorado Rapids – The Rapids lost a chance to clinch a spot last week and need a result in their final match to make the playoffs.
12. Real Salt Lake – A much needed win last Wednesday against NY but a disappointing loss at Toronto on Saturday. A win in their final match will probably not be enough.
13. San Jose Earthquakes – A team that had potential but never found their form in the 2009 season.
14. Kansas City Wizards – The Wizards lost at home to the Sounders on Saturday. The club has the second fewest goals scored in the 2009 season, just ahead of the Red Bulls.
15. New York Red Bulls – The Red Bulls have played better since firing Osorio but never could produce enough offense. Who will they have as manager for next season?

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Toluca draws with DC United 1-1 – Video Highlights

DC United took an early lead with a great shot from Christ Pontius in the 5th minute but conceded a penalty as the two teams played to a draw. Toluca scored the equalizer in the 60th minute on a penalty kick by Israel Lopez.

Columbus Crew draws with Puerto Rico Islanders 1-1 – Video Highlights

The Puerto Rico Islanders took a first half lead with a 34th minute goal from Noah Delgado but the Crew responded to make it 1-1 after 90 minute. Columbus had a goal in the 74th minute from Emilio Renteria to tie it up. Columbus advanced to the quarterfinals after Cruz Azul defeated Saprissa.

Cruz Azul beats Saprissa 2-1 – Video Highlights

Cruz Azul remain undefeated with a 2-1 win over Saprissa on Tuesday. Saprissa took the lead in the first half with a 40th minute goal from Kendall Watson but couldn’t hold onto it. Cruz Azul responded with two goals in the second half, one from Ramon Nunez in the 55th minute and the game winner by Pablo Zeballos in the 82nd minute. Saprissa would have qualified with a win but missed out with the loss. Cruz Azul is the group winner and joins Columbus in the quarterfinals.

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Predictions

Tuesday, Oct. 20

Puerto Rico Islanders (PUR) vs. Columbus Crew (USA), 8 p.m. – Columbus Crew wins 1-0

Toluca (MEX) vs. D.C. United (USA), 8 p.m. – Toluca wins 4-1

Saprissa (CRC) vs. Cruz Azul (MEX), 10 p.m. – Cruz Azul wins 2-0

Wednesday, Oct. 21

W Connection (TRI) vs. Real Espana (HON), 8 p.m. – W Connection wins 2-1

Pachuca (MEX) vs. Arabe Unido (PAN), 8 p.m. – Pachuca wins 3-1

Metapan (SLV) vs. Houston Dynamo (USA), 10 p.m. – Draw 1-1

Thursday, Oct. 22

San Juan Jabloteh (TRI) vs. Marathon (HON), 8 p.m. – Marathon wins 2-1

Comunicaciones (GUA) vs. Pumas UNAM (MEX), 10 p.m. – Pumas UNAM wins 1-0

USA TV Listings

Fox Soccer Channel

Tuesday, October 20 – Toluca v DC United – 8:00 PM

Wednesday, October 21 – PR Islanders v Columbus Crew – 2:00 AM

Wednesday, October 21 – Metapan v Houston Dynamo – 10:00 AM

Previews

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