Owing to the fast-moving news cycle in U.S. Soccer over the last few days, stories at SI.com are stacked up like Tokyo subway riders at rush hour.
While waiting on Klinsmann conference call, a quick MLS review
As such, there will be no “Five Things to Know” review at SI.com’s soccer site this week.
So, while you lament the winding down of another summer friendly season here (just a couple of them babies left) and while I prep for a 1 p.m. ET conference call with new national team coach Jürgen Klinsmann, here’s a super-fast version of MLS Round 20:
- Life on the road got suddenly, curiously agreeable around MLS. The visitors ruled Round 20 with a 4-2-2 mark. The showpiece of the set was in Vancouver, where the Whitecaps made an absolute mess of Los Angeles’ visit as Landon Donovan took charge for the Galaxy in a 4-0 win at packed Empire Field. Columbus, Colorado and D.C. United were also winners in Round 20.
- Kansas City struck late, once again, to salvage a 1-1 tie, as they continue to supply memorable moments for fans inside that swell new ground. So, over the last few weeks Kansas City has scored in the 89th, 90th and 93rd minute to secure 1-1 draws. (One was on the road.)
- I believe I can see something happening soon at San Jose, which lost once again over the weekend at home. Frank Yallop’s team has three wins in a dozen matches this year at Buck Shaw. Not. Good. Enough.
- While Vancouver and Chicago struggle under interim coaches, who are proving they are no better than the men they fired, and while San Jose limps along, something just happened that will add pressure to it all. Perhaps you heard: Bob Bradley is now available.
Team of the Week:
Goalkeeper: Matt Pickens (Colorado)
Defenders: Kevin Alston (New England), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles), Dejan Jakovic (D.C. United).
Midfielders: Emmanuel Ekpo (Columbus), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado), Joao Plata (Toronto), Robbie Rogers (Columbus).
Forward: Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Brian Ching (Houston), Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United).
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