Júnior Lopes making the adjustment to life at Chivas USA

CARSON, Calif. – Since joining Chivas USA from Romanian club FC Universitatea Craiova on Aug. 12, center back David Júnior Lopes has become a staple in the Goats defense. Five of his first six appearances have been starts. But that’s not to say that there haven’t been bumps along the road as the 6-foot-4 Júnior Lopes has adjusted to life in MLS. "I knew it'd be a complicated transition from Europe, but it's been easier than I expected and overall, I'm very happy and I hope that I can stay for a while," he told MLSsoccer.com. "The first three games were very important for me because I had a lot of doubts and I questioned my soccer and what I could do. Those two games were important for me in defining what kind of player that I wanted to be." What Júnior Lopes has become is a hard-nosed defender, using his imposing size to overpower opponents. But his penchant for physical play has gotten him into some trouble during his short time with Chivas USA. In his first appearance, the 29-year-old was lucky not to surrender a penalty kick after appearing to bring down a Sounders player late in the match. Two matches later, the Brazilian was red-carded for a tackle on Chris Pontius that left the D.C. United winger with a broken right leg. Since returning from his suspension, however, Júnior Lopes has shown signs of quality. "It's a matter of him getting fit and his legs under him and certainly integrating him into back four and he's been very proactive about that," Chivas USA head coach Robin Fraser said of the 29-year-old Brazilian Júnior Lopes admits that returning to match fitness has been the biggest issue since arriving at Chivas. After Universitatea Craiova were excluded from the Romanian top flight due to a legal dispute in July, he returned home. "I had been off for a while on vacation in Brazil, so it took me awhile to get into game shape and out of the funk that I was in," said Júnior Lopes. "I had those negative moments, but working out those kinks was important because I had so much time off." Now at full match fitness and with Chivas out of postseason contention, Júnior Lopes has set his sights on locking down a spot for 2012. "I hope to come back," he added. "I want to finish my career in MLS. I feel like I have a lot of good years left and I feel like I can help Chivas USA."

On playoff threshold, Union look to step over vs. Seattle

CHESTER, Pa. – The last time the Philadelphia Union played in Seattle, they were an expansion team looking for their first win in franchise history. More than a year-and-a-half later, the Union will make their second trip to Seattle with another achievement in plain sight: making the playoffs for the first time. "We’re standing in front of the door," Union manager Peter Nowak said. "The door is open. We just need to make the necessary step to walk through the door." The Union (10-7-14, 44 points) cannot officially a clinch a playoff berth when they play the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on Saturday (10 pm ET, watch LIVE online), but a win would vault them ahead of Sporting Kansas City and into first in the Eastern Conference. Even a tie would leave the second-place Union in very good playoff position, since none of their other East rivals will be in action Saturday. Of course, getting a result on the road against one of the league’s premier teams will not be easy – even if the Sounders (16-6-9, 57 points) have already clinched a playoff berth and are coming off the emotional high of winning the US Open Cup on Tuesday. "It’s going to be a challenging game; it always is over there," Nowak said. "And they still have a chance to win the Supporters’ Shield." Seattle will be without their leading scorer Freddy Montero (16 goals across all competitions), who is suspended for the game due to yellow card accumulation. Philadelphia, meanwhile, come into the game with their leading scorer – Sébastien Le Toux – playing at his absolute best. And Le Toux, who was named the MLS Player of the Month for September after scoring seven goals in six games, is excited to return to Seattle, where he spent three years before the Union scooped him up in the 2009 Expansion Draft. "It’s always special for me go back there," the Frenchman said. "I have lots of good memories there. I’m glad about where they are right now and I wish them the best." But, of course, Le Toux wants to leave his old stomping grounds with a victory. And, he says, he and his teammates are ready to deal with the noise at CenturyLink, which typically gives the Sounders a tremendous homefield advantage. "When you speak, you have to be very close to each other to understand and hear each other," Le Toux said. "It’s a great place to play, even for the opposing team. I just want to play well and do my best on the field." Nowak didn’t seem too concerned about playing at such a hostile road venue, either. "We were there last year, so it’s nothing different," the Union manager said. "Most of the stadiums this time before the playoffs are all packed with people yelling and screaming. It’s not going to chance our approach to Seattle, regardless of the 30,000 fans. It’s good to play in this kind of environment at this stage."

Schellas XI: Recent woes frustrating for FC Dallas

FRISCO, Texas – In our weekly series featuring Schellas Hyndman, the FC Dallas head coach addresses 11 topics in brevity, including the team’s current losing streak, the departure of Brek Shea and Marvin Chávez for the FIFA international dates and the successes from earlier in 2011. I-II. First, just days after the team’s fourth straight shutout loss, the FCD manager addressed the team’s current state of mind. "I think the team is just anxious and I think they’re frustrated. The results haven’t gone our way and [the players are] disappointed, but that’s what we would expect. I would be really concerned if they were just happy-go-lucky right now." III. The team held its first full training session this week since before ex-Toronto FC forward Maicon Santos arrived two months ago, giving the Brazilian the opportunity to better mesh with teammates. "In his mind, he has been doing the things that we want him to do. So we’re just [giving him] a little bit of clarity right now and then coordinating him with the other players." IV-V. Missing from the training equation, however, were US international Brek Shea and Honduras’ Chávez, who are in Miami ahead of the international friendly between the two national teams on Oct. 8. Hyndman expected their return to FC Dallas before Wednesday’s Oct. 12 game at the Chicago Fire. "We understand that they both will be [unavailable], but there are always potential glitches in the plan depending on the injuries in the first game and how the coach will have to make some adjustments." VI-VII. While Shea and Chávez train with their respective national teams, FC Dallas have a four-day break to get their minds away from the game. "We hope that they can just relax, spend time with their family, get away from soccer, and get their energy back – that’s why we’re giving them the time off. "This time off will give some the opportunity to get their legs back and recover a little bit from their injuries." VIII-IX. Even with the four-game losing streak, FC Dallas can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a win at Toyota Park next week. "We’ve done very well to put ourselves in the position we are, but we don’t want give teams the chance to catch us or bypass us, so we have to be focused on winning and getting points." X. Given all of the team’s success earlier in the season, when FCD were the first to reach 10 wins, their recent struggles haven’t been lethal to their priority of reaching the playoffs. "The reality is we are where we are because we’ve had a fantastic training in preparation and results to give us the 46 points." XI. With three games remaining to try and clinch a playoff berth for the second consecutive year, the FCD coaching staff does not want to overwhelm the players. "The thing we have to be concerned with is putting so much pressure on the players so that they don’t perform. We need to finish the season off on a good note and compete for that playoff spot and then feel good about being in the playoffs."

Umaña's switch on back line feels right for Chivas USA

CARSON, Calif. – Michael Umaña has been the consummate professional for Chivas USA this season, playing every role that has been asked of him. Now with the Rojiblancos' season nearing an end, he's been asked to play another.  Umaña has moved to right back as the club deals with inconsistent play along that flank. The move was a new challenge for Umaña, who had played the position only sparingly during his career, but one in which he's been able to excel. "It's not my natural position being on the right side, but it's a technical decision and I need to play that role," he said. "I've been there a few times this year and although it's new, I'm always trying to do my best." The defender's consistent play has led to his continued inclusion in Costa Rica's national team. After being a squad regular under former coaches Ricardo La Volpe and Ronald González, new manager Jorge Luis Pinto called up Umaña for the Ticos' high profile match against Brazil on Oct. 7. Umaña is not the only member of Chivas USA heading on international duty as Alejandro Moreno (Venezuela) and Ante Jazic (Canada) will each be playing in World Cup qualifiers for their respective nations. Although all three are veterans of the international game, Umaña admits that the transition from club to country is a challenging one. "It's hard especially when you have to travel and switch from one coach to another, but the adjustment to different ideas is part of the process," Umaña said. After Umaña returns from his time with

This or That: Beckham's free kick or Henry's golazo?

DC Notebook: Two straight road defeats rare

WASHINGTON – For the first time since March, D.C. United finished two consecutive road games with nothing to show for it. After losing 3-2 at Philadelphia on Thursday, D.C. couldn’t hold a 1-0 halftime lead against the Columbus Crew on Sunday, coughing up two second half goals to lose a second straight on the road. "It’s definitely a tough situation for us to handle, but since the games are so important, one after another, you kind of have to forget about it and move onto the next," forward Charlie Davies said after the match. Strong road form had been a common trait all season for DC, as every previous two-game swing had yielded a point – at the very least. The similarities between these two losses stung a bit as well. "The feeling’s not too much different than Thursday," head coach Ben Olsen said. "It’s not fun to lose these games. I thought overall it was a good effort, but we took those two plays off and you can’t do that down the stretch." Moving on from the loss, D.C. will be under pressure to come away with maximum points from their remaining four games. The final three are all at home, and D.C.’s playoff fate will be determined by that stretch. But with a week and a half before the next game, this loss might linger for a bit longer than usual. "We have a little while till Vancouver so we’re probably going to sulk for a little while, but we need to regroup and erase this stuff from our memories and get ready for Vancouver," Davies said. De Rosario, Hamid depart for international duty While most of the team will get the next couple of days off, D.C. will send Dwayne De Rosario and Bill Hamid off on international duty this week. De Rosario is taking part in Canada’s World Cup qualification effort, with a game on Friday and Tuesday, while Hamid received his third call up with the US team for a pair of friendlies during that same stretch. However, both could be with their respective national teams the night before United play at Vancouver on Wednesday, October 12. Olsen was cautiously optimistic about Hamid returning in time for United's tilt with the 'Caps. "[US coach] Jürgen [Klinsmann] has been very cooperative with our needs while still balancing what he needs," he said last week. "We’ll talk with him and I’m sure something will be figured out." But while Hamid could be back to face the Whitecaps, De Rosario likely wouldn’t be available because Canada plays in Toronto on Tuesday. "If that plays out, that’s pretty much a long shot," Olsen said of De Rosario’s chances to play. "Especially if he sees minutes in [the Tuesday] game, that’s just setting him up for injury. It’s a long way away and we’ve had some talks with him and the federation and we’ll do what’s best for Dwayne."

Recap: Sporting rescue big point in 1-1 tie at San Jose

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Chris Wondolowski and Teal Bunbury provided late fireworks Saturday night as the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City fought to a 1-1 draw. Wondolowski broke open what had been a dreary match in the 85th minute by burying a left-footed volley at the far post off a long cross from Steven Beitashour. Bunbury responded in the 86th minute for Kansas City, running onto a bouncing lead pass from C.J. Sapong and hammering it past San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch. Kansas City (11-9-12) moved two points clear of second-place Philadelphia in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, although the Union have four games remaining to Kansas City’s two. San Jose (6-11-14) failed to win for the 17th time in 18 matches and fell near mathematic elimination from the 10-team playoff chase. Wondolowski, the leading scorer in MLS last season, now has 12 goals on the year, two behind league leader Dwayne De Rosario of D.C. United. Wondolowski also moved past former Quakes star Landon Donovan into sole possession of second place on the club’s all-time goal-scoring list with 33. Bunbury now has eight goals for Kansas City, and Sapong five assists. San Jose held the majority of possession on the evening, especially in the first half, but didn’t record a shot on goal until the 67th minute. Wondolowski’s strike came as a bit of a happy surprise for the capacity Buck Shaw Stadium crowd of 10,525 — a fifth straight sellout for San Jose — which had seen Sporting Kansas City increase their pressure after intermission. It was a team-high sixth assist for Beitashour. But Sapong took a quick restart, held off one San Jose defender and dribbled past two others to create space, then fed the ball to Bunbury, who went far post from eight yards for the equalizer. The Quakes were credited with 15 first-half shots, but not one forced a save from Sporting goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen. Kansas City’s defenders, content to sit behind the ball, blocked eight long-range attempts by the Quakes. Meanwhile, Sporting came alive at the half-hour mark and had almost all of the best scoring chances after that point. Omar Bravo, set free by Jeferson’s through ball in the 30th minute, chipped skillfully over the charging Busch, only to see Beitashour swoop into the box to make a leaping goal-line clearance with his right foot. Four minutes later, ex-Quake Kei Kamara fed a low cross to Bravo at the near post, but the Designated Player couldn’t get a touch on the ball, which skittered across the goalmouth. A glorious chance fell to Kansas City in the 58th minute. The Quakes couldn’t clear effectively after Beitashour blocked Bravo’s initial shot, and the ball fell to Bravo just eight yards from goal, but he pushed it wide to the far post. Bunbury nearly cashed in after San Jose allowed a Nielsen kick to bound through their back line in the 62nd minute. Busch dropped low to make his toughest save of the night. Kamara’s 71st-minute free header off a Sporting corner trickled wide of the back post. Sporting captain Davy Arnaud set a new franchise record by making his 238th regular-season appearance for the club, breaking a tie with current Kansas City assistant coach Kerry Zavagnin. Jeferson, Kansas City’s mid-season Designated Player addition, returned to the starting lineup, replacing Graham Zusi, who came in on the brink of suspension for yellow-card accumulation with a critical Eastern Conference clash against New York coming up next for Sporting. Bunbury also started up top over rookie Sapong. For the Quakes, center back Jason Hernandez was brought on after missing three games due to a left quadriceps strain, and Sam Cronin was inserted at central midfield, pushing Rafael Baca wide right. Sporting's newest signing, Peterson Joseph, made his MLS debut as an 82nd-minute substitute. San Jose return to action next weekend at New England, while Sporting get two weeks off before hosting the Red Bulls on Oct. 15. Scoring Summary: SJ -- Chris Wondolowski 12 (Steven Beitashour 6, Simon Dawkins 2) 85 KC -- Teal Bunbury 8 (C.J. Sapong 5) 86 Misconduct Summary: KC -- Omar Bravo (caution; Reckless Foul) 24 SJ -- Khari Stephenson (caution; Reckless Foul) 28 Lineups: Sporting KC -- Jimmy Nielsen, Chance Myers, Matt Besler, Aurelien Collin, Seth Sinovic, Kei Kamara (C.J. Sapong 72), Davy Arnaud, Jeferson (Graham Zusi 87), Julio Cesar, Omar Bravo (Peterson Joseph 82), Teal Bunbury.