Revolution look for Reis to be savior

In the MLS Cup Playoffs, one key save or one soft goal can alter the outcome of the entire series. That fact is exactly why Revolution coach Steve Nicol likes having Matt Reis in between the sticks.

Possession key for Revs against FireInterest mounts in Canales

Houston looks for upper hand on Seattle

Shortly after putting away their final regular season game against Chivas USA on Sunday, the Houston Dynamo learned that they would open the playoffs on the road for a Thursday night game against Seattle Sounders FC.

Dynamo face Chivas with much at stakeSheva shunned United and Barca

Ex-Galaxy stars relishing playoff SuperClбsico

Chivas USA and the Los Angeles Galaxy certainly are no strangers to each other. Adding to the sides' familiarity with one another is the fact that Chivas USA currently have several players on their roster who have played for the Galaxy.

Dynamo face Chivas with much at stakeCruyff against long-term deals

FCD already looking ahead to 2010

FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman vows the start to 2010 will be different than 2009. If that occurs, it likely means the finish to 2010 will include a postseason berth.

Ahead of big game, FCD back on showLa Liga round-Up

Season-long inconsistency burns TFC

Toronto FC needed a win Saturday to keep alive its hopes of earning a first-ever playoff berth. Instead, TFC suffered its largest defeat in three years of MLS play, losing 5-0 to the New York Red Bulls -- the worst team in the league this season.

Resino axed by AtleticoSalt Lake seeks first win over Red Bulls

Chivas pleased with effort in regular season finale

While a 3-2 loss to Houston isn't the result that Chivas USA had hoped for in their final game of the regular season, the team was still happy with their performance on Sunday afternoon.

Raul wants Euro successDynamo face Chivas with much at stake

Cummins leaves TFC to be closer to family

Toronto FC announced that Chris Cummins' contract would not be renewed for the 2010 season, a decision made due to the former coach's desire to move back to his native United Kingdom to be closer to his wife and five children.

Elias Sports Bureau ‘Insider’s Edge’: Oct. 2Marquez set for Barca deal

Final piece of sod laid at Red Bull Arena

Mike Petke was there, in the stadium he'll call home next season, looking down at the last piece of beautiful Kentucky Bluegrass being laid down in Red Bull Arena Tuesday morning, but he still couldn't believe it.

Transfer talk upsets EboueCelades, Giants Stadium end soccer careers

Dynamo stave off Chivas rally, earn West No. 2 seed

The Houston Dynamo closed out their 2009 regular-season campaign in style with a 3-2 win against Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center, a result that locked up second place in the Western Conference standings.

Sheva shunned United and BarcaDynamo face Chivas with much at stake

RSL's Findley named MLS Player of the Week

Real Salt Lake forward Robbie Findley was voted Major League Soccer's Player of the Week for Week 32 of the 2009 season. Findley scored two goals in his club's 3-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids that clinched a playoff spot for the Utah club for the second straight year.

Tamudo saga rumbles onFCD defeats Rapids, continues charge

Davis: Defense wins championships

But here we are on the Monday after the final weekend of MLS regular season play, a weekend that wrote the final chapters on a positively intoxicating playoff chase. So what do we find as we put on our CSI caps and begin sorting through the battle scenes? That defense wins championships.

Alonso makes CL vowLoss clouds Rapids’ playoff picture

RSL defeats Rapids in regular season closer

Amid all complicated scenarios that could guarantee Real Salt Lake a return trip to the MLS Cup Playoffs, one constant stood out. RSL needed to win their regular season finale against the Colorado Rapids or face elimination.

Resino axed by AtleticoLoss clouds Rapids’ playoff picture

Crew show they belong on top

There had to be people wondering if the Crew would regress when Sigi Schmid left for the expansion Seattle Sounders FC after the season and Warzycha was tabbed to take over on a permanent basis.

Raul wants Euro successSounders FC try to punch ticket to dance

Galaxy defeat Earthquakes, take Western Conference

The Los Angeles Galaxy continued their improbable rise from the depths of MLS with Saturday's 2-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes that clinched their first Western Conference regular season title since 2002.

La Liga round-upGalaxy’s Donovan faces old coach, again

Dynamo face Chivas with much at stake

On Sunday afternoon, the Houston Dynamo will square off against Chivas USA in a game with playoff-like intensity. Both sides will be playing for home-field advantage for some portion of the MLS Cup Playoffs, both sides are coming off midweek losses and will be looking to right their ships, and both sides might also want to send a message to the other in advance of a potential playoff matchup.

Second-half surge lifts Chivas to playoffsSheva shunned United and Barca

Seattle comeback ends FCD's season

With the earlier matches breaking their way, all FC Dallas needed was a win to complete their improbable climb to the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Must-win matches loom for TFCResino axed by Atletico

Celades, Giants Stadium end soccer careers

The New York Red Bulls will play the final game of a dismal 2009 season Saturday against Toronto FC in the last soccer match played at Giants Stadium.

Red Bulls meet TFC in Giants Stadium finaleClichy avoids transfer talk

Wizards fight to the end against United

One of the questions facing the Kansas City Wizards entering the team's final game of the 2009 season was whether focus and intensity would be an issue for a group that already knew its season was over. The answer was a resounding no.

Chivas ready for Wizards’ challengeAtletico issue Resino backing

Rookie Ring resumes training with Quakes

For Brad Ring, a hip injury wiped out what he had hoped would be his inaugural season in MLS, and only now has he been cleared to resume training with his San Jose Earthquakes teammates.

Marchena worried by injuryQuakes lack chemistry in home finale

Rapids sit one win away from postseason

A Colorado Rapids win and they will be in the playoffs. A Real Salt Lake win and the Utah team is still looking at the stars aligning to get into the postseason.

Raul delighted with recordLoss clouds Rapids’ playoff picture

Galaxy's Donovan faces old coach, again

There are number of intriguing points of interest regarding Saturday's game between the Los Angeles Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes at The Home Depot Center.

Leiweke: Beckham key for Cup hopesHenry blow for Barca

Crew clinch second straight Supporters' Shield

The Columbus Crew clinched its second consecutive Supporters' Shield on Thursday night by virtue of Chivas USA's 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire.

Chivas chase league’s top markAtletico issue Resino backing

Red Bulls meet TFC in Giants Stadium finale

The curtain will come down on a slice of soccer history when the last game is played at Giants Stadium as the New York Red Bulls take on Toronto FC.

Clichy avoids transfer talkLoss embodies difficult year for Red Bulls

Fire take care of business in wet weather

The Fire, needing a win or draw against Chivas in the final game of the regular season to advance to the MLS Cup Playoffs, benefited from an own goal on the end of their 14th corner kick of the game.

La Liga round-UpPlayoff positioning on line for Fire

Win turns FC Dallas into serious contenders

In a battle of two sides looking to qualify for the 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs, FC Dallas got goals from both of their starting central defenders to hand Colorado a 2-1 defeat.

La Liga round-upFCD defeats Rapids, continues charge

TFC's Guevara feeling good for Honduras

Honduras captain and Toronto FC midfielder Amado Guevara couldn't be happier that his country will get an opportunity to play in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Espanyol line-up DominguezMLS Alums: Parreira’s second chance

Revolution ready for battle with rival Fire

With a playoff berth seemingly on the line and the opportunity to draw level with the Fire in second place in the Eastern Conference, the Revs will likely need to find a way to win a match similar to the tight and combative one lost to Columbus last week.

La Liga round-upPlayoff positioning on line for Fire

Crew keep faith despite loss

There was no negativity, no hanging heads for the Columbus Crew after losing a 1-0 decision to D.C. United on Saturday night at rain-soaked RFK Stadium.

Sheva shunned United and BarcaNew ‘keeper lifts United past Crew

United draw Toluca, must wait on fate in Champions League

D.C. United failed to make history Tuesday night. Their chance to become the first Major League Soccer to win on Mexican soil was spoiled by Israel Lopez's second-half penalty kick.

Sheva shunned United and BarcaFive-a-side: What’s hot around the league

Loss clouds Rapids' playoff picture

However, the Rapids fell 2-1 to Dallas, a result that makes their regular season finale at Real Salt Lake next weekend a do-or-die affair.

FCD defeats Rapids, continues chargeReal Madrid v AC Milan preview

Possession key for Revs against Fire

New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol pointed to his side's lack of quality on the evening as one of the principal reasons for last Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Columbus.

La Liga round-upLackluster attack hurts Revs in defeat

Red cards continue to hurt Dynamo

Three things stand out following the Houston Dynamo's 0-0 draw against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday afternoon at Robertson Stadium.

Dynamo edge Monterrey in Charities CupSheva shunned United and Barca

Ahead of big game, FCD back on show

In the days leading up to Saturday's match at Pizza Hut Park against Colorado, FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman looked to keep his club focused by closing practice to the public and media.

Iniesta set for new dealFC Dallas close practices to focus

FCD defeats Rapids, continues charge

In what was all but a must-win game for both clubs, FC Dallas got goals from a pair of defenders for a 2-1 victory against Colorado. FCD got goals from George John in the fourth minute and Ugo Ihemelu in the 66th before the Rapids got their lone goal from Pat Noonan in the 71st minute.

La Liga round-upLoss embodies difficult year for Red Bulls

Reds get three essential points in win

Toronto FC had to deal all week with the memory of their late-game breakdown last Saturday against San Jose, and come Saturday's match against Real Salt Lake, the memory was alive and in the flesh.

Salt Lake seeks first win over Red BullsLa Liga round-up

Fire can clinch home field against Revs

A crucial match in the Eastern Conference is on tap as the New England Revolution conclude their 2009 home schedule against the Chicago Fire.

Playoff positioning on line for FireRaul delighted with record

Reports: Beckham, Milan near loan deal

Los Angeles Galaxy officials had no comment on reports out of Italy on Thursday which said midfielder David Beckham is close to finalizing another loan agreement with Serie A powerhouse AC Milan.

Milan agree Huntelaar dealLeiweke: Beckham key for Cup hopes

New 'keeper lifts United past Crew

Steve Cronin earned man-of-the-match honors with a six-save performance in his first-ever United appearance, helping D.C. to a critical 1-0 win over the Crew.

Crew fall in rematch with Cruz AzulRonaldo settles in quickly

MLS Alums: Parreira's second chance

Carlos Alberto Parreira could again be called upon to lead South Africa.

MLS Alums: US Soccer check-upInjury woe for Uche

Playoff positioning on line for Fire

The Fire and Revolution play Saturday and the result affects the playoff positions for both. A Fire win clinches both a playoff spot and home-field advantage for an Eastern Conference Semifinal Series, most likely against the Revs.

Primera Liga round-upFire finals-bound after gritty performance

Five-a-side: What's hot around the league

Steve Davis takes a look at five things that matter this week in Major League Soccer, revolving around resolving the ever-so-tight MLS Cup Playoff race.

Messi set for new dealFive-a-side: New-look playoff picture

East notes: Champs show resolve

In a spot where many teams would have collapsed like a house of cards, the defending MLS Cup champions held firm by relying on a disciplined shape from back to front.

Dudek wants Alonso reunionDynamo look ahead after Champs League loss

Sounders FC try to punch ticket to dance

Seattle needs to punch its ticket with a win in Kansas City this weekend. Once they get in "the dance," to use one of Sigi Schmid's favorite metaphors, anyone can be named Prom King.

Sounders FC see points slip awayZola sweet on Gudjohnsen

FC Dallas close practices to focus

FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman took a somewhat unprecedented step earlier this week when the club announced all practices this week will be closed to the public and media.

Sneijder sad to leave RealChavez set to debut for FC Dallas

Loss embodies difficult year for Red Bulls

When RSL scored in the 80th minute, the goal was in a way a microcosm of the entire season for the Red Bulls. After executing its game plan almost perfectly for most of the match, New York was in an outstanding position to steal a point to perfectly fill the role of playoff spoiler.

Red Bulls seek spoiler role at ChivasDepor resolve flight plan

TFC playoff hopes take blow in draw

Cornell Glen's stoppage-time equalizer might have dealt a fatal blow to Toronto FC's playoff hopes in a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday afternoon at BMO Field.

Ricardo rocked by injury blowDraw leaves Toronto FC wanting more

Lackluster attack hurts Revs in defeat

Until halfway through the second half of Saturday night's 1-0 loss to Columbus, the New England Revolution couldn't catch a break and probably didn't deserve one.

Messi eyes top prizeRevs revamped attack lacking bite

Bornstein's late goal gives US draw

RFK Stadium has played host to many unforgettable soccer matches over the years, but Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier between Costa Rica and the United States will live long in the memory thanks to a thrilling U.S. comeback.

Villa unhappy with tacticsCrew’s depth highlighted in Costa Rica

Salt Lake seeks first win over Red Bulls

One team has remained a constant thorn in the side of Real Salt Lake since the MLS club came into existence a few years ago: The New York Red Bulls.

Real Salt Lake not lacking confidenceEboue proud of Barca link

Cunningham wins MLS Player of the Week honors

FC Dallas forward Jeff Cunningham was voted MLS Player of the week for Week 30 of the regular season. The award is Cunningham's fourth of the season and the 13th of his 12-year career.

Guardado eyes Dos Santos dealCunningham named MLS Player of the Month

Second-half surge lifts Chivas to playoffs

After a shaky first half against the visiting Kansas City Wizards on Saturday night, Chivas USA found two goals in the second 45 minutes to ensure a spot in the postseason for the fourth consecutive year.

Red Bulls seek spoiler role at ChivasPrimera Liga round-up

Leiweke: Beckham key for Cup hopes

England midfielder David Beckham faces a year of solid football in his bid to reach the World Cup, according to the man who helped bring him to Los Angeles Galaxy.

Galaxy mix well with returning BeckhamSalgado relishes Rovers chance

Dynamo edge Monterrey in Charities Cup

In the inaugural edition of the Dynamo Charities Cup between CF Monterrey and the Houston Dynamo, a Corey Ashe injury and a tough played match resulted in anything but a friendly.

Dynamo fall to Pachuca in MexicoBarca sweat on Ibra injury

DC standouts show off bodies for ESPN

Ben Olsen, Jaime Moreno, Santino Quaranta, Clyde Simms, Bryan Namoff and Chris Pontius have all spent plenty of time at RFK. But they caught a case of stage fright when a different uniform was handed to them when ESPN The Magazine came calling as part of a photo shoot for "The Body Issue."

City beat Barca in friendlyKimura lifts Rapids past visiting FCD

Chivas ready for Wizards' challenge

With just four games left to play in the 2009 regular season, Chivas USA have set their sights on taking the Western Conference crown.

Raul backs Real rotationWizards feeling better heading into DC

Raul backs Real rotationWizards feeling better heading into DC

Must-win matches loom for TFC

A whole season's -- really, three whole seasons -- worth of work for Toronto FC to make the playoffs has come down to 270 minutes of soccer.

Raul backs Real rotationWeek in Review: Playoff races tighten

Quakes lack chemistry in home finale

The San Jose Earthquakes needed a miracle, and goalkeeper Joe Cannon was prepared to deliver. The Quakes netminder ventured into the FCD penalty area and almost headed in the equalizer.

Primera Liga round-upQuakes show grit in win over Red Bulls

Playoff picture coming into focus

The Los Angeles Galaxy booked their first MLS Cup Playoffs ticket since 2005 and the Houston Dynamo also secured a berth in the postseason last week, meaning there are just five playoff berths remaining.

Five-a-side: New-look playoff pictureMilan must up offer - Agent

Chivas chase league's top mark

Although Chivas USA have enjoyed a great number of personal accolades since its inaugural season in 2005, they have yet to add either a Supporters' Shield or the MLS Cup to their shelves.

Chivas, Red Bulls look to end losing streaksTigers pounce for Altidore

RSL draw with CD Guadalajara in fierce friendly

Getting a positive result from a late-season friendly with Chivas de Guadalajara became the primary mission of RSL. A dominant first-half performance lifted them to a 1-1 draw against the legendary Mexican club.

City beat Barca in friendlyTFC roll out carpet for Real Madrid

Red Bulls' Stammler bringing change to Haiti

With the hope of bringing change to Haiti, in 2007 New York Red Bulls midfielder Seth Stammler created the Sporting Chance Foundation.

Red Bulls’ Richards regaining confidenceBlues miss out on Michel

Shorthanded Fire show mettle in defeat

The Fire believed they stacked up well against the Galaxy to the end of a hard-fought match despite missing a handful of starters out with injury.

Fire seek stop-gap help in defensePep has faith in players

Injury bug again bites Revolution

After starting a two-match road swing undermanned, the New England Revolution will have to come up with a new adjective to describe their increasing dire injury situation.

Revolution bask in ‘huge’ victoryRuud suffers new injury blow

Elias Sports Bureau 'Insider's Edge': Oct. 2

Elias' Peter Hirdt was reminded of 70s pop-culture fave "does not compute" after watching FC Dallas move even closer to a playoff berth on a goal by Jeff Cunningham.

La Liga Round-UpCunningham named MLS Player of the Month

Revs revamped attack lacking bite

All eyes were on the revamped New England Revolution attack in Wednesday night's 1-0 loss at FC Dallas. The Revs, who are depleted by injuries, managed just two shots on goal.

Pellegrini backs RonaldoRevs look for fast start against Dallas

RSL going back to basics for friendlies

Faced with an extended late-season layoff until their next MLS game in two weeks, Real Salt Lake have gone back to square one in training sessions this week.

Real Salt Lake not lacking confidenceArbeloa set for fortnight out

Cunningham named MLS Player of the Month

FC Dallas forward Jeff Cunningham was voted Major League Soccer's Player of the Month for September. Cunningham scored seven goals and recorded three assists while leading FC Dallas to a 3-1-1 record during the month.

Pellegrini backs RonaldoDavis named MLS Player of the Week

MLS Alums: US Soccer check-up

Mark C. Young assesses the status of MLS alumni vying for a spot on the U.S. World Cup roster.

MLS Alums: Spiderman’s new challengeMessi set for new deal

Quakes show grit in win over Red Bulls

A gritty team performance, highlighted by Ryan Johnson's first half penalty, saw the Quakes emerge with a 1-0 win over the New York Red Bulls.

Quakes, Red Bulls look to stay sharpRonaldo suffers ankle knock

Fire hope to stay in form on road in LA

The Chicago Fire head to Carson, Calif., for a game against the Galaxy, and they have the possibility of securing a playoff spot, which would be their 11th in 12 MLS seasons.

Primera Liga round-upFire enter crucial stretch against Galaxy

Playoff hopefuls clash in Colorado

Two teams currently sitting in playoff positions meet in a crucial match when the Colorado Rapids entertain the New England Revolution.

Point keeps Rapids in playoff pictureSrna’s agent rules out Barca

Crew streak snapped on 'strange night'

Maybe it was just not meant to be for the Columbus Crew when they hit the post, had a shot cleared off the goal line and star forward Guillermo Barros Schelotto missed badly on a penalty kick in a 1-0 defeat to Seattle that ended a league-record home unbeaten streak.

FC Dallas can’t steal point on roadLa Liga round-Up

Earthquakes enjoying revival of form

At first glance, Saturday's tilt between the San Jose Earthquakes and the New York Red Bulls is one in which fans are advised to avert their eyes. Yet both sides have enjoyed a revival of late.

Quakes, Red Bulls look to stay sharpPires has no plans to retire

Galaxy neither uptight nor relaxed in training

The Los Angeles Galaxy have taken what they feel is the proper approach to Friday's critical game against the Chicago Fire at the Home Depot Center, with practices being neither too uptight nor too relaxed.

Casillas - No time to settleFire enter crucial stretch against Galaxy

Quakes, Red Bulls look to stay sharp

The San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bulls are two of the hotter teams in Major League Soccer as they meet Saturday at Buck Shaw Stadium.

Quakes finish homestand against KCRio warning for Ronaldo

United's Vaughn eager to face former squad

Lawson Vaughn is surprisingly serene when describing his harrowing 2008 season. After establishing himself as a first-team regular with Chivas, the defender was hit by a miserable spate of injuries as fate seemed determined to cram a lifetime's worth of ailments into one campaign.

Toffees capture Dutch defenderNew Chivas players play numbers game

East notes: TFC's road woes eased with draw

Suffice it to say that the road hadn't been kind to Toronto FC in the weeks prior to Saturday night's 2-2 draw in Chicago.

TFC’s de Guzman sees first MLS actionMetzelder suffers calf injury

FC Dallas, Revs meet in Cotton Bowl tilt

After coming back for a crucial victory at the weekend, the New England Revolution look to maintain their hold on a playoff spot when they take on suddenly explosive FC Dallas on Wednesday as Major League Soccer returns to the Cotton Bowl.

Revs look for fast start against DallasResino remains resolute

Seattle veterans point way during stretch run

Two of Seattle's key veterans -- Kasey Keller and Freddie Ljungberg -- are fully healthy as the Major League Soccer season enters its eighth month.

MLS clubs’ 2010 Home Openers unveiledRomaric out of Rangers tie

First XI: Surprises in 2009

In a season full of surprises in MLS, it's hard to pick just 11 things that have made me scratch my head. But that's what we try to do here from time to time, so here goes, a First XI that pays tribute to the 2009 season, one of the wackiest on record.

Baudet’s gamble pays big dividendsRonaldo settles in quickly

Joseph, again, leads Revs past Sounders FC

Shalrie Joseph scored twice in the second half to give the New England Revolution a 2-1 victory against Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium.

Negredo set for Tigers talksJoseph leads Revs past Sounders FC