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Soccer Goals: The MLS playoffs are here. Excitement are in the cards for the the MLS and marketing geniuses, who hoped for these Western Conference matchups, Galaxy vs Chivas USA and Houston Dynamo vs Seattle Sounders. Boasting a full strength squad of David Beckham and Landon Donovan set to face their inner city rivals in El Super Clasico, while new franchise darlings, Seattle Sounders face the steady and clock-work orange Dynamo, the Westerern Conference playoffs will truly embody "Must see Tv".

 

Soccer Videos: MLS Week 32 and MLS Playoff Predictions

 

 

 

On the Eastern Conference front, the less-than-savory matchups suggest a more anticlimatic outcome with Columbus Crew tabbed as the favorites to reach the MLS Cup finals. New England and Chicago limped into the playoffs, while RSL has demonstrated its road woes all season.

 

Boasting marquee names such as Beckham, Blanco, Donovan, Barros Schelotto, and Ljungberg can only draw further domestic and international attention. To coin a phrase from Boxer Floyd Money Mayweather, "step your game up, son" -- I ask the same question -- which DP will step their game up?

 

Every team that boasts a high profile DP position made the playoffs with the exception of NYRB's Juan Pablo Angel and Toronto FC, who landed midfielder Julian De Guzman for the final four regular season games. If a MLS team acquires the right Designated player, the DP should bring the experience to at least earn a playoff berth. With that being said, MLS General Managers must consider this as a future option both from a performance aspect but also as marketing and exposure tool as well. Let's not forget that there have been several DP busts, so buyer beware.

 

Well, let me jump off my soap box, so I can examine the MLS playoff's first round.

 

Eastern Conference

Columbus Crew vs Real Salt Lake

After securing the Supporters Shield and avancement to knock-out phases of the CCL, the Columbus Crew coasted into the playoffs while on auto pilot: will they be able to turn up their playoff intensity? Without defender Chad Marshall in the starting Xl for the first game, will the Crew neutralize the speedy attack of Robbie Findley and Yura Movsisyan?

 

Even though RSL should play better than a typical eighth seed, their sporadic play will lead to their demise. RSL will struggle to contain the attack of GBS, Rogers, Gaven, and Moreno. The motivated Crew will open their  account early on the road, as they win the aggregate 4-2.

 

Chicago FIre vs New England Revs

As poor as both teams have finished this season, I just don't see either team as a legitimate contender to hoist the MLS Cup. Since the Cuauhtemoc Blanco and McBride bunch have struggled for long stretches of the season, I just don't see them winning out in a scrappy series. Appearing fatigued and disinterested, the Fire have not resembled the championship team that many predicted to win in their sleep. This team's offense struggles to find a flow and chemistry, coupled with numerous injuries on the defensive side, signals an early exit.

 

Despite missing their key figure, Steve Ralston, the Revs still boast a solid defense and experienced keeper. MVP candidate, Shalrie Joseph, should dictate and dominate the midfield play. The Fire will have to play with a goal deficit, ushering the end of the Blanco era. Taking ugly soccer to the next level (the anti-soccer most despised by Coach Hugo Sanchez), the overachieving Revs will grind out the victory, advancing with a  2-1 aggregate.

 

 

Western Conference

La Galaxy vs Chivas USA

Conjuring up the ultimate SUM (Soccer United Marketing) scenario, El Classico features Kljestan, Donovan, and that other guy -- Oh yeah -- David Beckham. Guaranteed to sell out the Home Depot Center and garner attention from the David Beckham supporters, this rival will feature the most heated and competitve battle.

 

Chivas USA, L.A.'s red-haired stepchild, will feature a team willing to grind out the victory. However, success will only bear fruit if Sacha Kljestan maintains his sensational form, performances that landed the Chivas star on the 2008 USMNT radar. Finishing should make the top of Preki's list, as the Chivas' forwards have yet to impress with consistent offensive showings. Galindo, Santos, Lillingston have been more up and down than the Southern California real estate market, but trending more on the down side.

 

When it is all said and done, it won't be what the Chivas do, but rather how the Galaxy administer their three-pronged attack of David Beckham, Edson Buddle, and David Beckham. Let's not forget that the LA defense has improved tremendously and their goalkeeper Ricketts makes more spectacular plays than an And1 mixtape. Combine this offense and defensive superiority, and Donovan and Beckham will prevail over a pesky Chivas side, winning with a 3-2 aggregrate.

 

Seattle Sounders vs Houston Dynamo

Although the Sounders suffered a middle of the season rut, the green and blue embrace the qualities that can grow MLS' credibility, offering passionate supporters, offensive and open play, and record attendance. Considering that they stifled the hottest attack in the league (FC Dallas) while winning their last three season games, the Sounders ride the Tsunami waves of momentum into the playoffs.

 

On the other hand, the Dynamo have played poorly since before the All Star Break. Although their defense has proven solid, their offensive has sputtered since Luis Landin entered the mix and while Ching has struggled to find the goal in the last several weeks. The battle will be won in the midfield where Osvaldo Alonso will face Ricardo Clark and Stuart Holden will organize the attack against Brad Evans. Let's not forget that Freddie Ljungberg receives free roam and will facilitate ball possession in the midfield.

 

In the end, Seattle Sounder's form and team speed will ultimately supplant the Dynamo's defensive prowess. Dominic Kinnear's side will not be able to flip the switch, while Sounders will benefit from their strong home presence to take the early lead. Sounders advance with a 4-2 aggregate.

 

What do you think of the playoff predictions? Which teams will make the MLS Cup final? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss  Soccer Goals and soccer videos: The 2009 MLS Playoff Predictions

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 Soccer Goals: After the recent hoopla of Mexican Primera Division signings Jesus Padilla (Chivas USA) and Luis Landin (Houston Dynamo) in MLS circles and in soccer forums, one would have thought that the US soccer revolution had taken place. Attacking flair, fancy back heels, and the famous scorpions goals would better influence the league and raise the level of play, traits that have made Mexican soccer technically gifted and fun to watch.

 

These soccer videos feature interviews with Padilla and Coach Preki

 

 

Both coaches stated that their players could rise up and be considered in the top echelon of Major League Soccer. With little impact in their first several games, their performances evoked questions of "Why more Mexican players don't come to MLS?" Let's examine the two players progress and discover why they have experienced a slow start.

 

Considered potentially to be one of the best attacking players for Chivas USA and MLS, Coach Preki stated that Jesus Padilla's attacking arsenal is plentiful, but he needed to work on his positional sense. "He has good attacking instincts and can play in a couple of different positions. He can play on the right and up top. So, that is a good option to have. He is going to be one of the better players if he wants to be" said Preki.

 

With the majority of his playing time at  right wing, the Chivas attacker has looked lost for long stretches during games and uncertain what do when he received the ball. As defenders and midfielders apply pressure during the entire 90 minutes, the former Goat of Guadalajara has struggled with the intensity, speed of play, and tempo. In his initial observations of his squad when he was brought into his first training camp with Chivas USA, he mentioned that the team's fitness was strong and the ball skills were comparable to the Mexico's level.

 

Since Sacha Kljestan has struggled most of the season after a failed transfer to Celtic, Kljestan has regained his swagger, attacking opposing defenders relentlessly, as the Padilla signing suggested that the US international was expandable. It is interesting that Sacha Kljestan has demonstrated a greater willingness to attack players 1v1 than the San Jose native.

 

So, why is Padilla struggling? There are probably a myriad of reasons: Fitness, lack of playing time with former club,Chivas de Guadalajara, confidence, and MLS' super athletic play have contributed to his slow integration and average showings. Against TFC, RSL, and Galaxy, he demonstrated little to warrant the #10 but has shown flashes of technical ability on several different occasions. Wearing the #10 bears great responsibility and demands consistency, will this pressure diminish his creative play? His athleticism and frame bodes well in this physical league. Couple this with his technical ability and attacking instincts, and Padilla could improve into a talented MLS player.

 

The question now remains: Will he integrate before the season concludes as Chivas USA aspires for a strong playoff run?

 Luis "El Escorpion" Landin signs with the Dynamo

After Luis Landin signed a  18-month Designated Player contract to play for the Houston Dynamo -- their first ever DP-signing -- many suggested that he would be the impact player that combined size, technical ability, and strong finishing, while still in the prime of his career. Most noted for his Scorpion goal in the Apertura for Cruz Azul where he scored on an acrobatic set-piece play, the U-23 Mexican international has big shoes to fill.

 

These soccer videos feature Landin signing.

 

 

 

In his first two appearances against the Seattle Sounders and Colorado Rapids, the target forward blended in with the opposing defense, failing to make the impact, which has merited the high-priced DP signings, such as Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Freddie Ljungberg, or Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Although he finishes well in the 18-yard box, his skill set is too similar to that of Brian Ching, crafty, strong hold-up play, and solid finishing. Paired with a fast player that can create space for Landin and chase down his headers, the former Cruz Azul forward would find consolation in this ying-yang approach.

 

Considered one of the deepest and most talented midfields in MLS, the Dynamo midfield will create chances for the 24-year old Mexican.  But, his initial showing has produced a resemblance of an ordinary forward who is slow, passive, and unengaged. Incorporating his skill set and participation will offer another facet to the Dynamo attack.

 

It is my hope that he integrates well with the Dynamo and experience success in MLS. If both Jesus Padilla and Luis Landin succeed in Major League Soccer, additional interest would be garnered from a Mexican and Mexican-American audience and viewership. The Latin community loves its futbol, and their further participation could elevate MLS to another level. Gaining exposure and acceptance from its southern neighbors would benefit MLS both from a marketing and financial perspective.

 

For the Dulio Davino's of the world who tried their fortunes in MLS but never really integrated well, there is Cuauhtemoc Blanco who has been a marketing grand-slam. Mariano Trujillo, Claudio Suarez, and Eduardo Lillingston have provided solid performances in their MLS careers. Perhaps, Luis Landin and Jesus Padilla can raise the bar even higher, opening the door for future Mexican prospects while bringing additional exposure to Major League Soccer.

 

What do you think of their play? Will either player experience a solid finish to the 2009 season? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Why more Mexicans don't play MLS?

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Soccer Goals: After garnering a great deal of attention for the recent acquisition of forward Jesus Padilla, a different figure, and forgotten player, showed up in Chivas USA's 2-0 victory over Toronto FC. Appearing to have snapped out of his funk, Sacha Kljestan, the Goat's red-haired stepchild, sent out a message after scoring his first goal, silencing the crowd by shushing with his finger. In a moment of relief, the US Olympic midfielder expressed his frustration of being put on the back burner by almost everyone; Coach Bradley, Preki, and USMNT supporters.

 

These soccer videos feature Chivas USA 2-0 victory over TFC

 

 

Since his failed Celtic trial, where the two entities could not reach an agreement on his transfer price, Sacha Kljestan resembled a player uninterested (much like Brad Guzan the year before transfering to Aston Villa), apparent by his poor play for both club and country. After being omitted for the Gold Cup and Mexico qualifier and hearing of Stuart Holden's great exploits, the Chivas midfielder remains an outsider to make the USMNT.

 

One can assume that after hearing about the recent signee's exploits, Kljestan had enough, starting the game as a player possessed, running at defenders, hustling for loose balls, and appearing the more impressive between Padilla and Kljestan. Although his two goals proved invaluable and impressive, it was his overall play that suggested that the once long-haired midfielder has regained his swagger.

 

With nine games remaining and possibly more if the Goats qualify for the playoffs, Kljestan now can impress both Coach Bradley and doubters that he can perform at a high level, proving that his recent stretch of bad play was an aberration. It appears that the recent signing of Jesus Padilla has really lit a fire under Sacha.

 

Jesus Padilla adapts to MLS Play in his Chivas USA debut.

Before he even stepped on the pitch, soccer bloggers had been clamoring and waiting in anticipation for his debut. From the start of the game, it was evident that the young midfielder struggled with the high pressure  common place in the MLS but did offer glimpses of his attacking prowess.  As the game progressed and duing the the conclusion, it became apparent that Padilla began to find a rhythm and better define his role on the field.

 

If both Kljestan and Padilla can facilitate deadly offenisve sequences from the wing, Chivas USA could become a dangerous squad heading towards the final stretch of the season and playoffs. With the addition of Brazilian foward Maicon Santos, who also impressed in his debut, the offense could be revived as they fight for a playoff berth.

 

What did you think of Kljestan's brace? Will Padilla adjust quickly to the MLS game? Were you impressed with Maicon Santos? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Kljestan nets a brace - Is he back?

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Soccer Goals: Excitement and buzz surrounds the recent signings after the closing of the trade deadline, especially in the case of Jesus Padilla. Alluding to his natural attacking talent, Coach Preki feels that he can be one of the best players in the league. Although his professional production does not warrant these accolades, his sheer talent suggests that he will experience success in the MLS.

 

Will he experience a break out performance this weekend? Highly unlikely, but many will get a glimpse of what Preki alluded to when suggesting that he is break-out player.. 

These socccer vidoes feature Jesus Padilla's introduction at CHivas USA.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Jesus Padilla's debut against TFC

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Soccer Goals: Speculation has arisen to whether forward Padilla is truly Mexican, American, or both. Now he is an American goat playing for Chivas USA.  It was recently reported that the guys in the locker room forced him out of his club which set up his move to southern California.

 

These soccer videos feature Jesus Padilla's intro for Chivas USA.

 

After declining an invitation to play for the U-20 team for Coach Thomas Rongen, the ample forward has yet to choose his allegiance; El Tri or USA. Whatever country he does chose, Chivas USA fans hope that he can turn around the SS Chiva which has been sinking farther away from the playoff picture. His Mexcian heritage will also help draw further from LA's latino community.

 

Will Padilla make an impact? Would like to see him play for the USA? Have you seen him play for Chivas de Guadalajara? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Jesus Padilla is introduced by Chivas USA

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In the latest soccer news: In the battle of Texas, the Houston Dynamo crush the laughable FC Dallas who possessed very well but conceded goals like New Zealand. Has the voting started for MVP? Now would be a good time to stop the polls since Guillermo Barros Schelotto proves that he is worthy of the award. The ederly Argentine has demonstrated that he deserves Beckham/Blanco money and should have been selected as an 2008 All Star (oh I'm sorry Juan Toja really deserved the selection).

 

Just when it appeared that Major League Soccer would experience new emergiing teams, MLS went retro and realized that DC United, Columbus, and Columbus boast the consistency to remain in the top echelon of the league. Let's take a look at the Soccer Addict News Power Rankings Week 13.

 

 

 

Team and Rank	Team	Record	Comment
1 2	Houston Dynamo	8-2-3	Dominic Kinnear still does not receive the credit due for all his shrewd deals that he makes throughout the past seasons. His ability to evaluate and culminate talent has allowed the Dynamo remain competitive. I knew that Kei Kamara would  mature into a top forward, but acquiring Dominic Oduro and Cam Weaver would have been a dream situation for Dynamo fan. Pinch yourself it is for real.
2.  (1)	Chivas USA	8-4-3	The last minute loss was devestating but did your team really deserve to win the game? Chivas USA has found a tough run of form. Perhaps, the return of a rejuevinated Kljestan and Bornstein will steer Chivas USA in a return to good form.
3.    (6)	DC United	5-2-7	Winning on two penalty kicks does not inspire confidence for Coach Soehn. However, handing the Chicago Fire their third consecutive defeat gives hope to the resurging United. Rodney Wallace demonstrated his versatility once again playing as a defensive midfielder.
4.   5	Columbus Crew	4-2-7	The Crew boast a deep squad that they were able to win a come-from-behind victory against Chivas USA and trade Pat Noonan to the Rapids for a first rounder and some MLS funny-money. If the Crew continue their performance, the could propel themselves to the top of the Eastern Conference and the top two of the Power Rankings.
5.   (4)	Colorado Rapids	4-2-5	A break was just what the doctor ordered with Mastroeni recovering from international duty and Conor Casey at the Confederations Cup. Coach Smith bolstered his roster with Pat Noonan who will offer the creativty that has plagued Colorado during stretches of games. The Rapids could be a darkhorse in the Western Conference.
6.  3	Chicago Fire	5-3-6	Blessed with an extremely talented team, it appears that Dennis Hamlet underachieves as a manager falling to second in the East despite boasting a superior side. What would a Coach Kinnear or a Preki do with this type of talent at their disposal? Busch received too many accolades last season and the defense has been in shambles for weeks.
7.  (7)	Seattle Sounders	5-3-5	The Sounders broke the curse of bad play, but unfortunately it was against a poor San Jose side. Once Osvaldo Alonso returns from injury and to good form, the Sounders should find success in the Western Conference. Zakuani wants some love for his rookie season.
8.   9	Toronto FC	5-5-4	Bolstering a talent-worthy midfield and goalkeeper, one wonders how TFC meddles at mediocrity. Oh yea, their defense resembles the same swiss cheese unit from last year, and their forwards can't finish except for Dichio. Bring in more reinforcements.
9 10	KC Wizards	5-5-4	They dismantled the Revs 3-1, but their team does not warrant a playoff spot. Claudio Lopez earns back some of his salary after performing poorly last year. He still claims the pending DP Bust Title  until proven otherwise. The KC defense still appears shakier than a fat lady on a treadmill.
10. 8	New England Revolution	4-4-4	Without Twellman, the Revs created little fear for the KC Wizards. The game finished before it started. New England must make some player acquisitions or trades to make a run at the playoffs. Could Twellman be forced to retire prematurely.
12	Real Salt Lake	4-6-3	RSL dismantled the Galaxy defense but were fortunate that the Galaxy's scoring opportunities just missed. The outcome could have transpired differently. The Galaxy bubble finally burst, and RSL boast more defeats than victories. Could Movsysian return to 2008 form?
13    11	LA Galaxy	2-2-9	The record says it all 2-2-9. The talent pool suggests that most mid level USL players could make the roster. How can you lose at home to the one of the worst road teams in MLS that haven't won on the road this year? LA Galaxy!
13.   14	San Jose Earthquakes	2-8-3	San Jose played an admirable game against a water-downed Sounder's side. San Jose jumps ahead of FC Dallas due to the beatdown that the Dynmo gave to the Hoops. You're bad: they are bad, and the NYRB make you look good.
14.  13	FC Dalllas	2-7-4	How can you play a tidy possession game and lose 3-1? The FC Dallas proved that anything is possible acting as gracious hosts but weak opponents. Actually there are three teams vying for the second best Texas team; Austin Aztecs, FC Dallas, and Laredo Heat. Hyndman's seat warms up.
15  15	NY Red Bulls	2-10-3	Keep Mac Kandji, JPA, Goldthwaite, Hall, and Stammler. Use the rest of the team as trade bait. The season only draws longer for the unfortuante Red Bull Fan.

 

 

What did you think of the MLS Power Rankings? Will the Crew move up the rankings? What transactions would you like to see your team make? Who is the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: Soccer Addict News Power Rankings Week 13 - Houston is victorious earning top spot

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