American Exports: Pelosi begins career with Liverpool

AMSTERDAM — Marc Pelosi officially began his career at Liverpool on Wednesday night by dressing for the reserve side's 5-1 UEFA NextGen defeat at Sporting CP. The US Under-17 standout, who recently inked a three-year deal with the Reds, did not see the field in a group match of a tourney that is essentially an U-19 Champions League. Despite the defeat, Liverpool became the fifth team through to the knockouts, joining Group 2 winners Sporting, Ajax, Barcelona and Tottenham. According to the

Taylor's first season in Houston ending on a high note

HOUSTON – It has been an interesting first season in Major League Soccer for Jermaine Taylor. The Jamaican international popped up on Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear’s radar this time last year at the Caribbean Cup, and since arriving in Houston, Taylor’s fortunes have fluctuated. He’s spent much of the year observing from the bench – 10 starts and 925 minutes played during the regular season – while filling in when needed across on the back line. So it was fitting that his biggest moment of the year came in a relief performance in the Eastern Conference final, a 2-0 victory against Sporting Kansas City. Come Sunday's MLS Cup final, Taylor could be in line to start. WATCH: Taylor gets onto Moffat cross "He came on against Kansas City and shut Kei [Kamara] down, who was doing alright at the time," Bobby Boswell said. "He’s got experience and if he gets the call, he’s a guy who’s going to be ready. He’s waited for his opportunity just like a lot of other guys, and now if he gets it, I’m sure he’ll do great with it." For a while, though, opportunities were few and far between. After earning a starting spot out of training camp at center back next to Boswell and starting the season opener, Taylor was injured while away with Jamaica on international duty. By the time he got back to full health, André Hainault had taken the spot next to Boswell. "At the time the team was doing well and as a player you don’t want to be the guy that goes in and things start going wrong," Taylor said. Once healthy, Taylor saw his time on the field ebb and flow and showed off his versatility, stepping in and providing quality minutes at all four back line positions. In particular, the time he’s played on the flanks has highlighted his speed and attacking ability as well as a willingness to commit himself on both sides of the ball. "I have two feet so why not use both of them," Taylor said with a chuckle. "I know I can fit in any of the spots around the back, and I just want to do what the coach needs from me." When it mattered most, Taylor did exactly what Kinnear asked of him on the left side against Sporting, providing a calming presence defensively and pushing up on set pieces. "He plays with that relaxed swagger," Boswell said. "He’s a great player. He’s an international player who’s experienced and is not afraid to impose his opinion and will on anyone. He’s a strong guy and is fast. He’s everything you want in a defender." Now, Taylor’s number could be called Sunday to duplicate that performance and help counterbalance the loss of Brad Davis. If it is, he’ll face a familiar foe in US and MLS star Landon Donovan "I’m comfortable at left back, and if I get the chance, I’ve played against Landon Donovan before and I know he’s a tough, cool opponent," Taylor said.  "But I think I can match him up, and I have confidence in everyone around me to get the job done."

Q&A: Chivas GM Jose Domene talks Angel, stadium

CARSON, Calif. – The offseason is just barely under way, but Chivas USA have hit the ground running as they look to improve in 2012. And if the Rojiblancos are to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2009, General Manger Jose Domene will have a lot to do with it. Domene joined Chivas’ front office in December 2010 as interim GM, but became full time in late March. He recently sat down with MLSsoccer.com to discuss player moves, the team's stadium search and his goals for next season. MLSsoccer.com: First and foremost, what is the status of Juan Pablo Ángel for the 2012 season? Domene: It's a decision that is both the club's and Juan Pablo's. We've talked about it, but we need to sit down when we stop training and we're going to see where he's at and where he fits here. He's a great player, we all know that. He did great things for the club and we would love to have him back, but it's going to be a mutual decision. It's not us forcing him to come back or him forcing us to not bring him back. It's not like that. We just have to sit down and do what's best for Juan Pablo and what's best for Chivas. It's not about money whether he stays or goes. MLSsoccer.com: You've been vocal on Twitter saying that the club is actively searching for players, how is that search going? Domene: We are not only in the international market, but in the national market. We're scouting and we want to bring in people because this is our first full offseason and we want to get a head start. Right now, we've got the winter transfer window - the big window is in the summer - but you can take advantage right now of looking for players that may help you in their environment. We've visited seven countries so far and seen two-dozen games already, and we'll continue to do that until the leagues stop for the winter. And then when they resume, we'll do it again. Hopefully, we'll bring in as much talent as possible and develop as much talent as possible because we have a good core to build a balanced and winning team next season. MLSsoccer.com: The club still have until the end of the calendar year to use their number one slot in the allocation order. Are Chivas planning a move? Domene: Everybody said a lot about the allocation order, but we're here for the long run and we're not going to pick someone that doesn't make sense just because we're number one. It's not about just picking a guy because we have to pick one, it's about picking the right guy. If someone is not the right guy for us, then we won't use it. It's as simple as that. It's not just about bringing in the guy that's coming back. So if it makes sense then we'll use the selection either this year or next year. It just has to make sense. We're not going to bring in players for the sake of bringing players. We want winners. MLSsoccer.com: What is the mood of the team ownership on how the season went this year? Domene:  The mood is that in order to finish a project, you've got to let the project keep its route. We were definitely disappointed because we didn't play as bad as our standings and points reflected, but I think that we lost a lot of games because of small mistakes and we left a lot of points on the table. We do understand that what we did was not enough because this is not what we want. We want to make the playoffs and we're working hard towards making the playoffs. We've got to work hard during the off-season to work on individual mistakes, but at the same time, we need extra help in terms of bringing in new talent so that we can go to the next level. The next level is not the playoffs, it's to fight for a championship. MLSsoccer.com: A pair of local cities, Pomona and Santa Ana, have publicly admitted discussions with the team about a new stadium. How are those talks progressing? Domene: We're still looking. We haven't signed anything with any city. We're happy at the Home Depot Center, where they treat us very well, but at the end of the day, it makes sense for us to have our own stadium. We're going to move to some place that makes sense for the club and Chivas USA. We're still searching and looking. We have had conversations with those cities, but not just those two. 

Houston's Kinnear: Davis not available for MLS Cup

HOUSTON – What many already expected has now been confirmed: Houston midfielder and MLS MVP finalist Brad Davis will not take part in MLS Cup. Addressing the media after training on Monday, Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear confirmed that Davis’ diagnosis means he will be a spectator on Nov. 20 at the Home Depot Center. "Unavailable," Kinnear said. "Out, right quad strain." Davis suffered the injury while making a cut at midfield a few minutes before halftime of Houston’s 2-0 Eastern Conference Championship victory against Sporting Kansas City. After the game, Davis told MLSsoccer.com that he would miss MLS Cup, although official word had yet to come down. With Kinnear’s statement, though, Davis’ early prognosis was confirmed. Last week LA Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter expressed his skepticism about Davis' potential absence when he stated that he would only believe the news when he didn't see the left-footed playmaker on the Home Depot Center field this Sunday. Davis’ absence leaves a huge hole for the Dynamo to fill, but, fortunately, Kinnear has a few of options to pick from. Against Kansas City, Houston's manager moved Corey Ashe from left back to left midfield and inserted Jermaine Taylor in place of the diminutive defender with great results. Adam Moffat assumed the dead-ball duties from Davis and set up the game-winner with his first and only free kick of the night. Colin Clark, a natural left midfielder who has played on the right most of the season for the Dynamo, is also a logical candidate to fill in for Davis and has looked good on the left flank this season when given the opportunity. Other options could include moving Danny Cruz from right to left or the more unlikely scenario of inserting first-year player Alex Dixon.

Vancouver's Soehn pleased with club's rookie class

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Realistically, a draft can't properly be evaluated until years after it's completed. But so far, Vancouver Whitecaps director of soccer operations Tommy Soehn likes what he sees from his class of 2011. The club selected Omar Salgado, Michael Nanchoff, Jeb Brovsky and Bilal Duckett in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, before adding Michael Boxall, Joe Anderson and Santiago Bedoya in the Supplemental Draft. From that group, Brovsky and Boxall stand out as being the most MLS-ready. Brovsky showed his versatility throughout the season, playing as a central midfielder, wide midfielder and, eventually, settled into a right fullback position as the season came to its conclusion. The Colorado native was 11th on the team in time played, participating in 1,509 minutes of action, and quietly went about whatever role was asked of him. Boxall, selected first in the Supplemental Draft by the club, was a steady contributor in the heart of defense, playing much more than Soehn said the club had initially planned. While the the interim coach has stated the New Zealand international suffered from fatigue at times as the season wore along, it's clear to see the hulking 23-year-old seems a savvy pickup, as he also cracked the team's top 10 in minutes played. Ultimately, though, it's not about what the players have done so far — it's about what they can bring in the future. "Guys develop at different stages," Soehn told MLSsoccer.com by phone this week. "The Brovskys and the Boxalls did get a lot of time, but you're going to see a lot of guys you didn't see much of this season [next year]. Even with Nanchoff, he went through some injuries this year, but there's a lot of talent there. I think you're going to see him develop into a solid MLS player." Salgado, the first overall pick in the 2011 draft, hasn't made the immediate impact of some of his peers selected back in January, but Soehn says patience will pay dividends with the 18-year-old. "With Omar Salgado I think we've got a gem there," Soehn said. "You want to take your time to grow that talent." The El Paso, Texas, native is currently participating in a training camp with the US U-23 team in Germany as they prepare for qualifying for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. "[International experiences] are fantastic, especially for someone his age," Soehn said. "Having gone through a full season now of training, probably the most demanding year he's ever been through in terms of a training environment, he's going to use his experiences from the year to now show what he's made of on the international front. "These kinds of experiences for young guys are just so welcoming, they grow so much."

Int'l roundup: Purdy, El Salvador advance in CONCACAF

Second stage qualifying in CONCACAF for the 2014 World Cup got underway in full force on Friday night, and El Salvador came out the big winners. Portland Timbers defender Steve Purdy put in a full shift in the back line as

Jakovic returns to action for DC United in reserve game

WASHINGTON – D.C. United’s season may have ended at the end of October, but having two Reserve League matches left to play finally gave defender Dejan Jakovic a chance to return to the field. Jakovic was a second-half substitute and played 30 minutes in the first of those two reserve fixtures, a 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls on Thursday. "It feels great, I’ve been training with the team for two weeks," he told MLSsoccer.com. "My fitness is pretty much back – it felt good to come out and play with the team." Hamstring issues dogged Jakovic throughout the 2011 season. He picked up his first at the beginning of June in an international friendly with Canada that knocked him out of the summer’s Gold Cup, and he finally returned from that injury at the end of July. But five games later, he picked up a second hamstring injury, less serious than the first, though he couldn’t heal in time to help D.C. make the playoff push down the stretch. In all, he managed just 15 appearances on the year. "It was definitely disappointing, and at the time to have the first one and the second one, and to not be able to help my team in the last couple of games, really sucked," he said. Thursday's Reserve League appearance gave Jakovic a chance to continue building his fitness and be prepared for next year. He'll get another chance on Nov. 15 in D.C. United's Reserve League finale at Columbus on Nov. 15. That's a prospect that excites the 26-year-old. "I think we have a great young team," he said. "We showed that we can play with anybody when we were healthy. I don’t know what’s going to happen, if the team’s going to change, but I’m happy with the group of guys we have right now." This latest injury did cost Jakovic a shot at playing in the latest round of World Cup qualifiers with Canada, who play St. Kitts and Nevis on Friday in the Caribbean and back in Toronto again on Nov. 15. Jakovic said he’ll be keeping an eye on the qualifiers, and thinks advancing to the next round won’t be too difficult (Canada need one point from the remaining two games). "I will be watching," he said. "I am a little disappointed [not to play] but obviously, I am just coming back from injury. I’m not too worried about it – knock on wood."

Howard expects his back line to be busy against France

PARIS — US national team netminder Tim Howard is expecting his defense to be on its toes during Friday's friendly with France (3 pm ET, ESPN2, Univisión, live chat on MLSsoccer.com). The Everton custodian says he will do his best to direct the back-liners in the most efficient manner for limiting chances to the French side, knowing he'll need plenty of help against their attack-minded hosts. "The biggest challenge tomorrow is to stay organized and tight at the back and press the ball," Howard told MLSsoccer.com on Thursday. "Obviously, if we can cut them out before they get shots off or make runs, the better off we'll be. After that, you've got to start making that money, making some saves." Despite the prospect of facing a highly skilled

Quaranta comeback a surprising boost for DC United

WASHINGTON — For a couple months in 2011, it looked like D.C. United midfielder Santino Quaranta had played his last game of the season. After suffering a concussion picked up in training, the veteran was addled with the lingering effects of post-concussion syndrome, and could do very little to figure out how to get better. "That was a tough period for me because I didn't know what was going on, and all of a sudden, you start to turn a corner one day," he told MLSsoccer.com. "I can't explain it, it's hard." That turn came in August, and Quaranta returned to the starting lineup on Aug. 6 after nearly three months on the shelf. But because of the nature of the game he returned in — a hectic 3-3 draw against Toronto FC where goalkeeper Bill Hamid picked up a red card in the game's first 10 minutes — Quaranta slugged his way through a full game and was able to jump right back into the swing of things. "I was out for so many months and then came back and played 100 minutes that game," he said. "I didn't really think about it and I was just getting back into it. That game was good for me because you start to forget about it." That grueling game against Toronto turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Quaranta's fitness was brought all the way back in one fell swoop, and he went on to make 11 more appearances on the season, filling in for Chris Pontius after the third-year midfielder broke his ankle in September. Concussion problems aside, the season was always going to be a unique and interesting one for Quaranta playing under longtime teammate-turned-head coach Ben Olsen. Quaranta thinks his former teammate can do big things on the sidelines. "He has a base of being a good guy that people respect and if he treats you fairly, which he does, the guys respond to it," Quaranta said. "It's a recipe for a winning coach in the long run. If you look at guys that have success, they can look you in the eye and be honest with you. And he's that type of guy." With the offseason now here, Quaranta is one of many D.C. players with an option for 2011. Now that he's healthy, he has a chance to think about what lies ahead. "I feel good," he said. "I'll sit down with [the technical staff] and figure out where we go from here."

Galaxy's Arena happy with CCL draw against Toronto

CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy know what stands between them and an MLS Cup title, and now they know the beginning of a path that could lead to international glory. The Galaxy were matched up with Toronto FC in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal draw on Tuesday and will play a home-and-away series against their MLS brethren in March. And while it was never going to be easy, there was one upside to drawing the Reds. "Whoever we were going to draw wasn’t going to be an easy game," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena told MLSsoccer.com. "At least it’s a club we’re somewhat familiar with in Toronto, as opposed to a Salvadoran club." The Galaxy won Group A and advanced to the knockout round by virtue of a 4-2-0 record against Morelia, Alajuelense and Motagua. Since they couldn’t play group runners-up Morelia in the quarterfinals, they had three potential opponents – Toronto FC, Seattle Sounders and El Salvador's Isidro Metapán. In Toronto FC, the Galaxy will face a club that overcame difficulties to advance out of Group C. Toronto won their first game, defeating Tauro FC in Panama by 2-1, but dropped matches to FC Dallas (1-0 at home) and Pumas UNAM (4-0 in Mexico City). The Reds then beat Tauro FC and tied Pumas at home before stunning FC Dallas with a 3-0 victory at Pizza Hut Park to claim the second spot in the group. "Both teams are on a level playing field," Arena said. "We know their team, there’s going to be changes to both teams in the offseason and it’s going to be what it is – playing in Toronto in March. They’re going to be a very difficult opponent. There’s no question about that." The first leg will be played in Toronto between March 6-8 with the return leg taking place at the Home Depot Center between March 13-15. Despite having competitive games before the start of the MLS regular season, the Galaxy won’t change their preseason around much, if at all, to accommodate for the series. "I don’t think this competition changes a whole lot with what we’re doing," Arena said. "MLS season next year, if I’m not mistaken, starts March 17 so we’re not that far off." Still, the Galaxy’s focus is not quite yet on preseason camp in January and February. There is, after all, the matter of trying to win the third MLS Cup title in club history. "We’re going to get through this game the next couple of weeks and start zeroing in after that how we’re going to work the preseason," Arena said. "We have a postseason tour in a couple of weeks. We have a lot of things we have to get accomplished. I think we’re going to put our preseason on the back burner."

As Atlas rumors swirl, Márquez "not ruling out anything"

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Reports in the Mexican press are linking New York Red Bulls midfielder/defender Rafa Márquez with a move back to the team of his boyhood, Guadalajara-based Club Atlas, although the Mexican international says there has been no official approach as yet. "I would like to help Atlas get out of this situation it is in, but there has not been a formal approach," Márquez said in a press conference on Monday to promote his charity here. "I am ready to listen to see what they propose and what the possibilities are. First, they have to get in contact. I’m not ruling out anything." For their part, the Red Bulls expect their Designated Player to return to the team next season. "He has two-and-a-half more year[s] on his contract," New York head coach Hans Backe said after last week’s Western Conference Semifinals second leg that saw the Red Bulls eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs. "Now I think he got [a two-game] suspension. But he will be in the team for next year." Márquez received a red card in the first leg of the Red Bulls’ Western semi against the LA Galaxy for his role in a postgame fracas. The Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee subsequently handed the former Barcelona star a two-match ban, which will carry over into the 2012 regular season. He was then left out of the Mexican national team squad for Friday’s friendly against Serbia, although Márquez says he is unaware that it was punishment for his behavior against the Galaxy. The 32-year-old made his professional debut for Atlas back in 1996 and has regularly professed his desire to end his playing career with the club. Cash-strapped Atlas are also confident that "El Kaiser de Michoacán" will return.   "I am sure that he will arrive," Atlas vice president Víctor Flores Cosío told Mexican daily

Galaxy Notebook: Short rest ahead of RSL matchup

CARSON, Calif. – In a typical season, teams participating in the Western Conference Championship would have a full week to prepare for the match and recover from the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. However, the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake are faced with unique circumstances this year. The Galaxy will have exactly two full days off between games while RSL will have three ahead of Sunday’s clash (9 pm ET; ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN2, live chat on MLSsoccer.com). At least all four teams left standing in the postseason are dealing with the same situation. WATCH: Galaxy discuss facing RSL "The challenges for all the teams now left in the competition are fatigue, injury ... but it’s difficult. It’s a lot of games in a short period of time and a lot of travel," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. "MLS … fully understood some of the issues surrounding the schedule of the MLS Cup this year, and certainly with World Cup qualifiers and with European qualification next week, it took precedence over our league schedule." Since the first weekend of September, MLS has stepped aside for international fixture dates. With European Championship qualifying games and World Cup qualifying already underway around the world, FIFA set aside weekends in order to get games in. In the past, MLS has played through such dates but this year the league has followed suit with most of the rest of the globe, as most leagues across the world typically do not schedule games on such dates. Even though it puts stress on his club, Arena did not disagree with the postseason setup. "It’s very important that we do that. We actually had a game scheduled [during an international weekend] – Salt Lake, in Salt Lake the third game of the season this year – and you can’t do that," Arena said. "During international fixture dates, official competitions, I think the league has to shut down." Ultimate carrot That MLS Cup 2011 will be played at the Home Depot Center is nothing new – that particular announcement came out months ago. However, an MLS Cup at the HDC now carries a bit of a different meaning. Instead of coming up with scenarios and waiting for weeks and months to see if the Galaxy actually had a chance of making the match, the situation is now quite simple: Win, and MLS Cup will indeed be a home match. Players thus have the ultimate carrot dangling before them. "It’s a huge incentive, the fact that we have the chance to play in front of our fans," Galaxy defender Sean Franklin said. "It would be big for our team and our organization to play in the final since we’re hosting. It’s all the more to go out and just win, not just for ourselves but for our fans who have watched us the whole season." Revenge no factor Now that RSL and the Galaxy are set to have their rematch of MLS Cup 2009, is it time for LA to exact some revenge? "That’s in the past," Franklin said. "It’s a new year, kind of the same teams but all that’s in the past." Losing in MLS Cup was disappointing, but the match saw a pair of Galaxy players leave with injury, adding to the difficulty of the game. Early in the second half, Omar Gonzalez and Donovan Ricketts collided with one another as Robbie Findley scampered into the penalty area. Both players eventually left the match. Gonzalez has stored that somewhere in the recesses of his memory bank. "That was something that happened in the past," he said. "Of course it is on our minds, but we can’t think about it as revenge. It’s a whole new year. We’ve been working on getting better and better since 2009 and we’ve got new players on our team and everyone is focused and just ready to win."

American Exports: Howard, Toffees continue rough patch

AMSTERDAM — It was a somewhat rough Saturday for American Exports, with Tim Howard and Everton extending their skid with a 2-1 loss at Newcastle. Not at his best on this day, the US netminder managed but two saves as the Toffees lost for the fifth time in their last six EPL matches. Elsewhere, Brad Guzan acted as back-up custodian for eighth place Aston Villa's 3-2 win over Norwich City. Down a flight in the Championship, Robbie Findley put two first half chances wide and was robbed of a goal midway through the second as Nottingham Forest fell 3-0 at Portsmouth. The result dropped the Reds to 20th place. Making his first start of the season, Conor Doyle saw his best crack at goal over 65 minutes denied by a fine save in Derby County's 3-2 loss at Peterborough. After going ahead by two just past the half hour, the Rams would eventually fall on a stoppage time own goal to slip to seventh. In nearby Scotland, all three Americans patrolled the park to help Rangers move 12 points up in the league penthouse with a 3-1 defeat of visiting Dundee United. Carlos Bocanegra and Maurice Edu each pitched in solid 90-minute efforts, while Alejandro Bedoya emerged for the final quarter hour of action. Turning to the Bundesliga, Fabian Johnson switched from midfield to right back for the final 20 minutes and Daniel Williams went into the ref's book during his 22 minutes as Hoffenheim hosted a 1-1 draw with Kaiserslautern. Timothy Chandler and FC Nürnberg suffered a galling 2-1 home loss to Freiburg on a stoppage time penalty kick.

Califf, Union need time to grasp sudden postseason exit

Danny Califf doesn’t want to think about next season. Not yet. Sure, the future may be bright for the Philadelphia Union. But in the wake of Thursday night’s crushing playoff loss to the Houston Dynamo, the veteran defender wasn’t in the mood to look ahead. "Tonight’s more about reflection and disappointment," Califf said following Philly’s Eastern Conference semifinal series loss. "Each one of us put so much into the season, and I’m not ready to do anything aside from thinking about what happened tonight and take the next few days to reflect on that. It’s going to be probably a solid week before I think about what’s going on next year." When he does start to think about next year, though, he’ll probably become reinvigorated. Despite their early exit from the postseason, the Union were able to follow a tough expansion season with a run to this year’s MLS Cup playoffs. And if they continue to harness their young talent, they could be poised for even bigger things in Year No. 3. "We’re young, and our young guys are getting a lot of good experience," Califf said. "I think we’ve done a lot this year to build a good foundation, and I think that’s only going to benefit us going forward." HIGHLIGHTS: HOU v PHI Following Thursday’s season-ending loss, Union manager Peter Nowak also tried to keep things in perspective. He told his players how proud he was of their accomplishments and reminded them about the good things that could lie ahead. "I told them in the locker room that maybe it wasn’t our year," Nowak said. "Maybe we still have work in front of us to make sure this will happen soon. But I think there are a lot of things to be proud of during the season – how they developed as a group, how they came together. Of course, things need to be corrected and we’re going to have a whole preseason to do it." Certainly, it will take a little bit of time for the 2012 season to completely come into focus. But while Califf and the rest of the players have the luxury of taking some time off, Nowak and the coaching staff will soon begin to determine what their offseason priorities are. Then, they’ll go to work. "We’re going to have a very hard look at what we have and what we need, and try to do the same types of tings we did last [offseason] to help us move forward – not just being in the top eight of MLS but higher," Nowak said. "That’s the goal for next year."

LA, NY preaching caution ahead of West showdown

CARSON, Calif. – Matches between the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls have typically garnered a little more glitz than other MLS rivalries. When Thierry Henry and Rafa Márquez joined the Red Bulls in 2010, the hype machine revved into an even higher gear for the bicoastal battle. It won’t be any different heading into Thursday’s Western Conference Semifinal second leg at the Home Depot Center (11 pm ET, ESPN2/TSN2, live chat on MLSsoccer.com), and with a trip to the Conference Championship on the line, the game certainly has a potential to live up to its billing. Then again, maybe not. "It’s like any game in the playoffs," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena told reporters on Wednesday. "The teams are ready – you just have to make sure you bring it on game day." The Galaxy currently lead the series 1-0, but just how that will affect the two teams at the start of the game is anybody’s guess. New York certainly need to score a goal if they want to keep their postseason alive. But conceding one might be disastrous as well. "It’s a long time, 90 minutes," New York coach Hans Backe said at training on Wednesday. "It’s probably most important at the beginning to have a clean sheet and not go 1-0 down." A win by two or more goals will see the Red Bulls through to a Monday date at Rio Tinto Stadium against Real Salt Lake. A one-goal New York edge after 90 minutes would send the match to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout. And the Red Bulls won’t be picky about which of those scenarios plays out. "I don’t care so much if we score in the 88th minute or something like that and go to extra time but I think the key thing is not going down early in the game," Backe said. "We need to stay in the game at least 60, 70 minutes." That the match is at the HDC – where the Galaxy have not lost a single match in 2011 – puts pressure on LA to see the job through. "We’re obviously the favorites – we’re at home and one-nil up," Galaxy forward Robbie Keane said. "Going into the game, people expect it but you have to respect who you play against. By no means is it going to be an easy game. They have quality players and are a tough team. We just have to be careful." The prospect of handing LA their first home loss of the season is daunting, but perhaps no less daunting than the hurdles New York have faced all season. If anything, it’s just another in a string of challenges that the Red Bulls have overcome. "We have definitely raised our game when we have had our back against the wall," Backe said. "Probably when we had seven games to go we had to win four, five of them just to get in the playoffs. We don’t perhaps get used to it but we have players with a lot of experience being involved in these types of games and that has probably helped us."

Physical Dynamo ready for another rough go vs. Union

HOUSTON – While the New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy got the headlines Sunday night for their postgame melee, the real physical match took place just a few miles southwest of Red Bull Arena. The Houston Dynamo and Philadelphia Union played a 2-1 game that saw six yellow cards, three of which were borderline reds. Brian Ching told the

Seattle's Keller calls for better effort in 2nd leg vs. RSL

TUKWILA, Wash. — Going into the second leg of their Western Conference Semifinals on Wednesday (10 pm ET, ESPN2/Deportes, live chat on MLSsoccer.com), the Seattle Sounders will have a mountain to climb to advance past Real Salt Lake to the next round. And, already down 3-0, where to start? According to goalkeeper and captain Kasey Keller, step one is simple: effort. Once the game in Utah, started going against the Sounders, Keller thought the field players weren’t doing everything they could to defend. Specifically, the game tape showed that players weren’t making the defensive runs needed to cut down on Real Salt Lake’s opportunities. "There are a whole lot of factors involved and we could talk here for a long, long time, but we didn't come in for the fight," Keller said. "In the first 10 to 15 minutes, if you look back at the tape, you thought, ‘Maybe this is going to be OK.’ Then as it got a little bit more physical and a little bit harder, we just didn't compete all the way around. "In the playoffs, you think that'd be first and foremost in your frame of mind in an away game, where whatever happens I'm going to run hard and tackle, and it wasn't there," added Keller. Keller was at a loss to explain the lack of urgency. In single-game elimination scenarios, Seattle have been excellent this year, including four consecutive wins in the US Open Cup. In the CONCACAF Champions League, an overtime goal from Nate Jaqua in the preliminary round started another run of four consecutive victories, including an away win at Monterrey. With those games in mind, Keller wondered if the thought of the return leg sapped some of the urgency from the team. "We didn't step up and perform in a do-or-die manner," Keller said. "That's probably the thing that's the most disappointing for everybody." But despite the setback, the Sounders players have said they can make up the difference. Erik Friberg, who earned his first 30 minutes of playoff action in relief of Lamar Neagle, acknowledges the tough task. The Swedish midfielder cites Seattle’s league-best 56 goals scored in the regular season as a reason Seattle might pull of a shocking comeback.   "Of course we’re really disappointed with the game we played, but now it’s just ‘score goals,’" Friberg said. "I think we have a good chance to do that. We scored a lot of goals at home all year, so it’s a chance."