MLS will get the spotlight when the Euros end, but this week is strangely exciting too so suck it, Euros.
ANIMATED: David Beckham Is Really Good, And A Jerk
The first was a vintage “Bend It Like Beckham” goal in which he scored from about 20 yards out. Impressive, but we’ve all seen it before. Here’s the GIF of the free kick from Timothy Burke at Mocksession.
Read Article >VIDEO: Chris Wondolowski Scores Back-Heeled Goal
It’s about as impressive of a goal from close-range that you’re going to see in MLS this year. It also turned out to be the game-winner, allowing the Earthquakes to once again come back from a two-goal deficit. You know, just another day at the office for the Earthquakes.
Read Article >San Jose Earthquakes Vs. LA Galaxy, 2012 MLS: 7-Goal California Clasico Ends In Fight
Just before first half stoppage time, Victor Bernardez got his team back into the game and completely altered the contest’s momentum with a brilliant goal on a free kick, his first in MLS. Assisted by Marvin Chavez, he showed some surprising skill with his feet by placing a great half-volley shot into the back of the net at the far post to cut the Galaxy’s lead to one.
At one point during the first have, Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch took a shot to the eye. As the half wore on, the area around his left eye began to look darker and darker, to go along with some swelling that looked like it caused his eye to shut completely. He was substituted at halftime and sat on the sidelines in street clothes with his eye covered in the second half.
Read Article >Houston Dynamo Vs. Philadelphia Union, 2012 MLS: Brian Ching Wins It From The Spot
Columbus Crew Vs. Real Salt Lake, 2012 MLS: RSL Look Horrible In 2-0 Loss
It was a lot of basic things for Salt Lake, who weren’t marking Crew players, weren’t clearing balls in their own box, forgot to track runners on the wings and then struggled to complete simple passes going forward. The Crew did well and got their points, but the real question now is what is going on with RSL.
With the loss, Salt Lake has now lost three straight. It started with them going 2-0 up on the Galaxy, but they blew that lead, then the Earthquakes beat them last week. Now the Crew have topped them and RSL needs to take a look in the mirror and figure some things out.
Read Article >Colorado Rapids Vs. Portland Timbers, 2012 MLS: Timbers Road Woes Continue
The Timbers didn’t manage much of anything all match. At no point was Colorado in trouble, while Portland were fending off Rapids attacks all match. Finally in the 90th minute, Smith, who was making his return from a torn ACL, got free for a simple tap in to cap a commanding performance by the Rapids as the Timbers’ road woes continued.
Read Article >New England Revolution Vs. Seattle Sounders, 2012 MLS: Diego Fagundez Salves Point At Death
D.C. United Vs. Montreal Impact, 2012 MLS: Black And Red Bounce Back With Win
Toronto FC Vs. New York Red Bulls, 2012 MLS: Reds Continue Turnaround With Draw
After starting the season with nine straight losses, Toronto has now taken at least a point from four of their past five matches. They are not anywhere near New York, who sit atop the Eastern Conference on 31 points, but it is a hell of a lot better than there they were not too long ago.
Read Article >California Clasico May Be Most Important Rivalry In MLS

Getty ImagesIt has been said countless times, but it’s worth repeating: Soccer thrives on rivalries. MLS has always had them, and they’ve certainly helped raise the league’s profile in recent years, but there seems to have been something lacking in that department as well.
Like Cascadia, this rivalry has plenty of history. No, it doesn’t stretch back to the NASL, but it is arguably the best one that has survived from the earliest days of MLS. This will be the 50th regular-season match between the California rivals, with the Galaxy holding a 25-16-8 advantage. They’ve also combined to win five MLS Cups, often times having to go through one another to win it.
Read Article >Sporting Kansas City Vs. Chicago Fire, 2012 MLS: Marco Pappa, Sean Johnson Star in Fire Win
In the end, Sporting outshot the Fire 22-7, but it didn’t matter. Pappa had the goal and Johnson was tremendous to lead Chicago to a win.
Read Article >MLS 2012, Week 15 Preview And Fixtures: They’re Just Waiting For Euros To End

Getty ImagesThey’re still playing matches in MLS, which is cool. It’s a nice respite from Euro 2012 for those of you bored with high level soccer with some of the best players in the world. Luckily, that little tournament is over after this weekend and the world can properly focus on MLS, as it should be.
Wait, MLS is awesome this week. Seriously, it is. Whatchu got to say now, Euros?
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