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In the latest soccer news: Despite not receiving the accolades of a Bruce Arena, Dominic Kinnear, or a Stevie Nicol, Chivas USA coach Preki continues to prove to his doubters and critics that he is one of the top coaches in MLS. His ability to evaluate talent and plug in players to his system has provided Chivas USA with consistant success for the past three years. Although Chivas USA has crashed and burned in the first round of the 2007 and 2008 playoffs, the team's accomplishments cannot be overlooked considering that they have suffered from the injury bug for most of Preki's tenure. In 2008, Preki overcame injuries by altering his roster 30 of the 32 games still able to qualify for the playoffs.

 

This soccer video features highlights Chivas USA vs Sounders.

 

 

With the injury bug attempting to plague Chivas USA again, Preki's side prevailed winning 2-0 against America's team, the Seattle Sounders, with a James Riley own goal and Chukwudi Chijindu's goal in the 84th minute. The most impressive performance came from the Chivas USA defense preventing the Sounders from scoring a goal despite Montero's inclusion and Ljungberg's accurate passing. Carey Talley and Shavar Thomas blanketed and smothered the Sounder's preferred offenisve options limiting their continuity. 

 

Three major factors seemed to limit Seattle's offensive continuity: the change in lineup, Keller's absence, and the natural surface. With Brad Evan's not playing centrally and moving to the wing, the Sounders appeared to miss the flank speed that made them so dangerous against their first three opponents. Evans did not look as comfortable on the wing, and the Sounders lacked the width and flank play that created space for Montero and Jacqua up front. Perhaps, Ljungberg could slide to the right flank allowing Evans to assume his central position which would provide the extra defensive presence needed. One thing is for certain that Coach Schmid needs to find the right formula and formation to end their two game losing streak.

 

Casey Keller's presence provides calmness and organization for the Sounders: he has yet to concede a goal while protecting the goal. The Sounder's defense has only allowed three goals all season and should continue to prove to be one of the strongest MLS defenses. Besides missing Keller's presence and leadership, the Sounders do not resemble the same team on natural surface. On synthetic surfaces, the Sounders  produced a more dynamic offensive element where width, familiarity to synthetic turf, and speed of play were utilized to their advantage. Adjusting their play to natural surfaces will be key to their success on the road, and adjustments will be imperative as they search for their first win on natural surfaces.

 

When Chivas USA returns to a healthy roster, it will be interesting to predict what will be their strongest lineup. Meanwhile, Chivas USA must earn as many points as possible to allow Preki to tinker with his lineup to prepare for the playoffs.

 

Were you impressed by Chivas' USA performance? Will the Sounders rebound from their past two disappointments? What is the Sounders best lineup and formation? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Chivas USA defeats the Sounders 2-0 winning honors of Best in the West and the Latest Soccer News

 

 

 

In the latest soccer news: With the 2009 draft choices and rookie free agents proving that this talent crop was underrated, Soccer Addict News feels that extra coverage needs to be provided to the new rookie group making an impact early in the season. In addition, Soccer Addict News will rate the top ten prospects based on performance throughout the season offering our opinion on who will earn rookie of the year. Without further Adu, Soccer Addict presents to you Rookie Race Week 5.

 

1. Chukwudi Chijindu (Chivas USA forward) demonstrated why Coach Preki is considered one of the best Coaches in MLS. Despite scoring on an excellent sliding-poached goal, Chijindu offered a glimpse of his arsenal with a behind the back heel Flick on goal, foot work, and speed. Although he did not appear at the combine or selected in the Superdraft, Chijindu is taking advantage of his opportunities and proved it against the Sounders.

 

2. Steve Zakuani (Seattle Sounders): The English midfielder entered the second half and did not waste time adding a spark immediately. His flank presence demonstrates why Zakauni should be in the Starting Xl or at least in the super-sub role. After five games, Zakuani appears to be the frontrunner for MLS Rookie of the year.

 

3. Michael Lahoud (Chivas USA Midfielder):entered the game as a second half sub and provided high work rate, quick passing, and active runs. With the Chivas USA roster boasting a strong roster, Lahoud could suffer from a lack of playing especially if Razov, Galindo, and Victorine return to previous form.

 

4. Darrius Barnes (New England Revs Defender):  continues to impress in the back line while Shalrie Joseph and Jeff Larentowitz provide the necessary barrier to allow Barnes to shine his rookie campaign. DC United's Ben Olsen scored from long range, but the blame will go to the midfield for allowing space and time on the ball.

 

5. Rodney Wallace (DC United Midfielder): demonstrated that he deserves to be in the starting Xl due to his versatility and work rate. His skill on the ball is very underrated and could make a good left back on the international stage. Which country will he represent; USA or Costa Rica?

 

 

Top 10 Rookie Power Rankings

1. Steve Zakuani Seattle Sounders Midfielder: His stock is still rising after another notable performance.

2. Stefan Frei (TFC Goal keeper): How many rookie keepers are starting in the MLS? One

3. Chris Pontius (DC United): A goal, an assist and regular playing time bode well for a top 5 finish.

4. Darrius Barnes (NE Revs): has started all four games this season and has performed admirably.

5. Sam Cronin (TFC): played every game but suffers from learning curve.

6. Omar Gonzalez (Galaxy): has made his rookie mistakes but has scored a goal in the process.

7. Rodney Wallace (DC United): earning playing time in the MLS is not easy for any rookie.

8. Jeremy Hall (NYRB): Entered the Sounders game, performed well and has not relinquished his job.

9. Kevin Alston (NE Revs): played well for Albright but might suffer from earning playing time if Albright stays healthy.

10. AJ DE LA Garza (Galaxy) his technique and speed have been impressive so far.

 

Who is your favorite to win the Rookie of the year? Will Rodney Wallace choose the USA or Costa Rica?

 

Included are blogs that discuss The Rookie Race Week 5: Chukwudi Chijindu provides a spark off the bench and the latest soccer news

 

 

In the latest soccer news:  In this week's episode 4, the MLS rookies discuss their adaptation to relocation, finding their apartments, and practice. The expectations and excitement involve a myriad of feelings as they assimiliate with their new clubs. The video includes all the details involved in their transition from college athlete to professional.

 

Click this link which features This soccer video features the Rookie's life Episode 4.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Major League Soccer's Rookie Life episode 4 and the latest soccer news.

 

 

In the latest soccer news: Greg and Shep cover the Week One highlights discussing the top performers and performances. Fredy Montero and Amado Guevarra were two players that shined in their victories receiving praise from the dynamic duo.

 

This Soccer Video features MLS Extra Time and Rookie Diaries Week 2.

 

 

 

What was your favorite performance of the week? Who is your favorite rookie? Did you like Chris Pontius' goal?

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: MLS Extra Time discusses week one and Rookie Diaries Week 2.

 

 

In the latest soccer news: The New England Revolution vs San Jose Earthquakes game offered a glimpse of what the Revs performance would offer without Parkhurst, Badilla, Ralston and Twellman. However, San Jose fans would be disappointed and shocke with the outcoume. It appeared that the ball bounced all the right ways for New England maintaining a clean sheet against San Jose.

 

This link features highlights of the Quakes vs Revs game 0-1.

 

Even though San Jose created the majority of the scoring chances the during the night, Kheli Dube seized the moment and scored on  wonderful service to secure three points and the victory. San Jose created many chances in the first half but failed to capitalize proving that perhaps their late season run was an aberration.

 

In his first professional start, Rookie Kevin Alston matched up against one of the most feared wingers Darren Huckerby neutralizing his patented attacking runs for the majority of the night. Darrius Barnes proved his worth in the back line with a stellar performance closing down space and keeping a clean sheet.

 

For San Jose, hopeful fans witnessed the speed and tenacity of Quincy Amariwka who gave San Jose the added spark that Johnson and Weaver were unable to provide. Perhaps the departures of the Sealy, O'Brien, and Lima meant more than many predicted in the off season. The central midfield did not portray the same dynamic as Lima and Corrales of 2008. Despite having a watered-down defense with two rookies starting, Bobby Convey lacked the creativity needed for the #10 role.

 

Although many have predicted  San Jose's inclusion to the 2009 playoffs, losing such influential players as last year concerned me enough not to jump on the bandwagon. The verdict is still out, but their performances must improve to make me a believer.

 

This match reports features stats and starting lineups for the Revs vs the Quakes.

 

What was your  thoughts on the game? Who was the man of the match? Will NE Revs produce another strong season? Will Alston continue to start? What are your thoughts? Let us know.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: New England secure backline despite multiple injuries winning 1-0 and this soccer video.

 

 

 

In the latest soccer news: MLS Week 1 provided some great match ups and created one of the best season openers in some time. With Kenny Cooper  super goal, Dave Arnaud's precise long distant strikes, or Chris Pontius' clutch goal against LA, the season openers proved worthwhile with attacking soccer, excitement, and inclusion of several rookies who performed tremendously. Let's take a look at the rookies who dressed and impressed in their debut.

 

Dressed and Impressed

1. Chris Pontius (DC United): started and played an above average game in his first start as a striker. His second half goal proved tremendous as he moved from left to right and sent a bending strike far post top corner which gave DC United a 2-0 lead. Although he demonstrated scoring traits and ability to attack players 1v1 at the combine, I must admit that his performance exceeded even my expectations. After the combine, Pontius ranked as the best forward in the draft. Will he be able to maintain this form over the course of the season?

 

2. Kevin Alston (NE Revs): proved his speed, defensive coverage, and worth in the 2009 MLS Combine. But, seeing  him slip to New England surprised many on Draft Day. Starting the game at right back with a make shift lineup, Alston faced one of the top left wingers in MLS, Darren Huckerby. The English winger appeared frustrated and was unable to exploit his speed on the wing. Alston's speed and defensive coverage is reminiscent of Marvelle Wynne, but his skill is more advanced than Wynne was/is at his age. Alston could go down as one of the great steals in the draft possessing such great potential and demonstrating GA title proudly.

 

3. Darrius Barnes (New England): started center back against San Jose and held his own. Despite feeling the pressure of his first professional game and pairing with a new center back starter, Jay Heaps, Barnes absorbed and handled the pressure throughout the game. What impressed me the most in his play transpired during a break-away when Ryan Johnson appeared to separate from Barnes. However, he sprinted neck and neck to the end line neutralizing a potential scoring opportunity. Dealing with the pressure of his first professional start, NE Revs' makeshift roster, and San Jose's speed, he managed the game well resulting in three points.

 

4. Sam Cronin (TFC): started and played at right wing, a position unfamiliar to him at the combine and college. His performance proved a solid outing as he was assigned to Claudio Lopez on the flank. Cronin shadowed Lopez most of the game and handled the pressure of KC's five man midfield in the second half. His inclusion in the starting lineup surprised me: his rookie value is boasted even more competing for playing time on such a great TFC midfield.

 

5. Jeremy Hall (NYRB): Thrusted into a difficult scenario down 0-2 against the Sounders playing in a position new to him,  Jeremy Hall demonstrated that his versatility lead NY to draft him utilizing him at different positions. It is unfortunate that the NYRB's midfield buckled under pressure turning over the ball and failing to mark their assignments. Hall proved his worth bringing stability at right back for the final 65 minutes of the game.

 

6. Stefan Frei (TFC): conceded two goals to Davy Arnaud, but great goalkeepers such as Buffon, Casillas, and Cech would have struggled to save those strikes. Although two goals were conceded, Frei demonstrated composure in the box and beat out the Canadian international Sutton for the starting position.

 

Honorable mentions:Michael Lahoud, Rodney Wallace, AJ De La Garza, Quincy Amariwka, and Kyle Patterson.

 

 

Faded in their rookie debuts

1. Graham Zusi (KC Wizards): received many accolades and high praise in the preseason despite his poor combine performance. His play and composure under TFC's pressure proved detrimental when TFC capitalized on one of his turnovers resulting in a goal. Preferring to dribble out of pressure when a passing option was available, Zusi turned over the ball on several occasions, forced passes, and struggled with Ricketts pace on the left wing. Although he suffered from a poor outing, earning a starting position in Major League Soccer provides a difficult task. His performances should improve with experience and understanding the speed of play.

 

2. Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy): Faced with a difficult starting proposition playing for the LA Galaxy defense, the towering center back appeared out-of-sync with his partner Sanneh. If it wasn't for Donovan's late game goals, more blame would be directed to the LA defense. In one occasion, Luciano Emilio ran unmarked down Gonzalez' lane but failed to score. As the season progresses, Gonzalez will develop and improve his skills, but his first outing was mediocre at best.

 

This rookie class' depth appears to be stronger than 2008's group. Could it be the less depth or could it be better talent than last year? It will be interesting to see how they develop this season. Congratulation to all the rookies who earned playing time this season.

 

Who was your favorite rookie this week? Who will be the rookie of the year? IS this class stronger than last years? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: MLS Rookies Week 1 - Pontius scores and Alston seals the flanks