Quakes Top Group and Sounders get Through

BAY LAKE – The San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders advanced to the knockout stages of the MLS is Back tournament following victories on Sunday night.

The Quakes used two second-half goals to get past the Chicago Fire 2-0. The result continued San Jose’s goal-scoring run and came after the team controlled the possession throughout the match.

After failing to capitalize in the first half, the opening goal finally came through an unexpected source. Having not scored in over a year, Cristian Espinoza received a through ball from Jackson Yueill and improved the angle with his first touch before scoring with his second.

Highlights: Chicago Fire v San Jose Earthquakes – MLS is Back Tournament – July 19 2020

Chicago thought it had an equalizer in the 70th minute as Robert Beric put it in the back of the net. That goal was ruled out after a CJ Sapong foul in the build-up.

The Fire was paid for that missed chance with seven minutes to play when Chris Wondolowski extended his lead atop the MLS all-time goal scoring charts with his 161st goal.

Photo Courtesy: Matthew Stith and Eric Goncalves

The Seattle Sounders recovered from their slow start to the tournament and advanced thanks to a 3-0 win over a disjointed Vancouver Whitecaps FC side in the late match.

It was a big game for Jordan Morris, who was involved in all three goals, scoring one, assisting on another, and earning a penalty for the other. The penalty was the opener as Morris was fouled, allowing Nicolas Lodeiro to score.

Read More: Rossi Scores Four as LAFC Embarrasses Cross Town Rivals in El Trafico

Morris added the second in the 34th minute after a beautiful ball over the top fell into his path, allowing him to continue his run and send it past the keeper to double the lead.

Highlights: Seattle Sounders v Vancouver Whitecaps – MLS is Back Tournament – July 19 2020

The third came in the second half through Raul Ruidiaz, putting away Morris’ header across the box after a corner. It could have been so much worse for Vancouver as it never looked in the game. The result means the Caps have conceded five unanswered goals after its collapse to San Jose in the opener. All hope is not lost for them, but they need a massive win against Chicago to stay in the tournament.

PHOTO COURTESY: Jared Martinez and Matthew Stith

Fort Lauderdale CF Falls in First Game

FORT LAUDERDALE – The first game in Fort Lauderdale CF history saw it fall to Greenville Triumph SC 2-0 at Inter Miami CF Stadium on Saturday night.

It seemed that Fort Lauderdale would head to the break level after starting the match well. Still, Triumph had other ideas, opening the scoring in first-half stoppage time. A long ball was lifted over the top and controlled by Alex Morell, who curled it into the net’s bottom corner.

Greenville doubled the lead early in the second half as Jake Keegan put away a header in the 47th minute. From there, the visitors easily held out and claimed all three points to open the USL League One season.

Things could have been very different. Fort Lauderdale did well in the opening minutes. In the 13th minute, Servando Carrasco got on the end of a corner but headed it over the bar. A stunning shot from 16-year-old debutant Edison Azcona hit a curling strike that was well saved by the keeper.

Along with Azcona, there were three other professional debuts in the starting 11. Frank Nodarse and two other academy products, Francisco Raggio, and Andres Cardenas.

From the bench came four more professional debuts to Ian Fray, Joshua Saavedra, Jason Buckner, and Christian Lue Young. There was also one more debut in the match, the venue. This match was the first held at Inter Miami CF Stadium, which will remain home for the club even after the parent club, Inter Miami CF, move to Miami Freedom Park.

Rossi Scores Four as LAFC Embarrasses Cross Town Rivals in El Trafico

BAY LAKE – It may not have been in Los Angeles, but the El Trafico didn’t lack any intensity. Los Angeles FC exploded offensively to claim a 6-2 win over cross-town rivals LA Galaxy at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Sunday night’s MLS is Back action.

It only took five minutes for the opening goal to come. The older team scored the opener after a ball swung back, seeing Latif Blessing put the ball in his own net. Eight minutes later, the teams were back on level terms after a Perry Kitchen foul allowed Diego Rossi to score from the spot.

The half was frantic, with the sides trading blows in a fast and physical affair, and another penalty came in the 31st minute. Dejan Jakovic fouled Joe Corona, which led to Cristian Pavon putting it away and putting Galaxy back in front.

READ MORE: Philadelphia Union too good for Inter Miami

When it seemed Galaxy would go to the break in front, Rossi sealed his brace to make it even at half-time. Some slick passing allowed Mark-Antony Kaye to set up Bradley Wright-Phillips, whose shot was saved only to fall right for Rossi to make it 2-2.

Galaxy thought it took its third lead of the match when Pavon got it past the keeper after a bad giveaway from the new club. Pavon quickly put it away only be flagged offside, correctly, after very slightly mistiming his run.

Wright-Phillips made LA Galaxy pay for that mistake. He was given just too much time and space, allowing him to curl it out of the reach of David Bingham and give the black and gold its first lead of the match in the 57th minute.

Rossi wrapped up the match and his hat trick in the 76th minute when Jose Cifuentes sent it long for Brian Rodriguez. That allowed him to square for Rossi, who had a simple tap-in. Salt was rubbed into the wound just four minutes later when Mohamed El-Munir launched it from 20 yards after making space for himself.

The Galaxy defense had time to fall apart one last time. Rossi had his fourth after Francisco Ginella laid off to an open Blessing who squared for Rossi to pass it home.

Photo courtesy: Matthew Stith, Devin L’Amoreaux

The Portland Timbers sealed their place in the MLS is Back knockout rounds with a 2-1 win over Houston Dynamo in the only other match of the day.

A long ball allowed the Timbers to turn defense into attack and open the scoring in the 35th minute. The ball went over 50 yards before landing at the feet of Jeremy Ebobisse on the left. He kept his run going and slotted it home from a seemingly tricky angle.

That goal capped a reasonable period of pressure for Portland, which had started to take charge of following some good early pressure from Houston. Dynamo woke up after the goal but couldn’t get through a strong goalkeeping performance from Steve Clark, keeping it 1-0 at the break.

Portland sealed the win just after the hour mark, yet again a long ball catching out the Houston defense. The ball came to Larrys Mablala, who was able to square for Diego Valeri, left with far too much space, allowing him to cut in and stick it in the net.

Dynamo had a lifeline in the match with five minutes to play after a handball gave Houston a penalty, dispatched by Albert Ellis to give his side a chance. Ellis instantly went to the villain, getting sent off two minutes later after collecting Bill Tuiloma in the face for his second yellow card, ending Houston’s chances.

PHOTO COURTESY: Xavier Dussaq

Weak Second Half Costs Rowdies

ST. PETERSBURG – Taking a 2-0 lead into the second half, it seemed the Tampa Bay Rowdies would cruise to a victory over North Carolina FC at Al Lang Stadium on Friday night. But the visitors stunned the 100 home fans in the stadium, coming back for a surprising 2-2 draw.

After a two-hour weather delay, the Rowdies started well, opening the scoring after just seven minutes. Yet again, Leo Fernandes was involved. He got space and was able to volley across the face of goal and found Sebastian Guenzatti, who had a simple finish.

In the 22nd minute, Fernandes became the scorer. With a free-kick just outside the box, Fernandes unleashed. He hit it through a sea of bodies and into the net for his third this season.

Tampa Bay continued to control proceedings for the first half. Still, after the break, it was a very different story as NCFC came out determined. That began with controlling possession. In the 56th minute, the possession told. After a Lucky Mkosana giveaway, Dre Fortune bounced, burying the goal to put his side in it.

Much like last week, where a defensive error against Atlanta saw the Rowdies redouble its defense, the defense took notice again. They were determined to hold out the visitors. That saw the lead, while halved, seemingly looking comfortable despite how much possession the former Railhawks had.

READ MORE: Late Fernandez Goal Sends Rowdies Past 10-Man Atlanta

All of North Carolina’s huffing and puffing finally blew the house down with seven minutes to play. Robert Kristo managed to head home the equalizer and break hearts in St. Petersburg.

For the Rowdies, the draw is the first points dropped of the season and still has them top of the group. Yet the result highlights what last-week may have papered over. Despite being July, it’s only the second game of this restarted season, Tampa Bay is still rusty, and it looked like it. The form that made for a playoff run last year showed glimpses, and with a shortened season, will need to come back quickly.

PHOTO: Tampa Bay Rowdies

Philadelphia Union too good for Inter Miami

BAY LAKE – Philadelphia Union continued its good form managing a 2-1 win over Inter Miami CF in the MLS is Back tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Tuesday night.

A shot from distance from Kai Wagner in the 5th minute gave Philly the lead. After Miami failed to clear, Wagner’s shot had too much power and bounced in front of the keeper to catch him out.

In the 26th minute, Philadelphia thought it was two when Kasper Przybylko put the ball in the back of the net. It seemed he’d put away an excellent one-on-one opportunity, but the offside flag denied him the moment.

Miami got back in level terms with some slick passing started by Rodolfo Pizarro. Miami strung together eight passes from defense to attack. The counter ending with Pizarro bundling it over the line despite the best efforts of the Union defense to clear off the line.

The Herons came out from the break as the stronger side but couldn’t make those opportunities count, leaving the door open.

After being denied in the first half, Przybylko got his goal in the 63rd minute. Philadelphia launched a counter with a perfect square ball from Jamiero Monteiro, finding Przybylko with the space to cut to his favored foot and slam it home.

READ MORE: Orlando City Through to MLS is Back Knockout Stages

Miami thought it was handed a lifeline in the 75th minute after the referee pointed to the spot. But after looking at the video, it was determined that the handball wasn’t deliberate, the correct call. Inter went close again in the 83rd minute with the bar coming to the rescue of Philly denying Roman Torres.

With the result, Philly joins Orlando in the knockout stages. At the same time, Miami will have to beat New York City FC in a virtual playoff.

Photo Courtesy: Matthew Stith and Devin L’Amoreaux

Orlando City Through to MLS is Back Knockout Stages

BAY LAKE – Orlando City SC used a quick start to seal its place in the MLS is Back knockout rounds on Tuesday night. The Lions managed a 3-1 win over New York City FC to become the first team to advance.

It only took four minutes for the hosts to open the scoring, Joao Moutinho’s free-kick dropped perfectly for Chris Mueller. The youngster stabbed it home on the volley to put his side on top.

That advantage was doubled by Mueller again, continuing his hot start to the tournament. The ball was floated into the box and headed back across by Dom Dwyer for Mueller at a tight angle. He took his time, sucked in the keeper, and slammed it into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead in the first ten minutes.

After being shell shocked for the opening moments of the match, NYCFC started to come into the match midway through the half, but its chances only came from set-pieces. The gaining of some stability came thanks to a formation change, switching to a flat 4-4-2 after coming out in a more 4-1-3-2 shape.

A goal was pulled back in the 38th minute thanks to a wonder-strike from Jesus Medina. A flowing counter caught out Orlando for the opportunity. Medina chested the ball down on the edge of the area and slammed it past the keeper with a powerful half-volley. The goal snapped the team’s longest goalless streak, 308 minutes.

READ MORE: Chicago Fire Stuns Defending Champions

Only a crossbar denied Mueller his hat-trick before half-time as New York again left too much space on the right. That left plenty of time for the cross to find an open Miller who couldn’t sneak it under the bar.

NYC came out much improved in the second half but struggled to make that performance count as Orlando rarely looked troubled.

The best chance came in the 77th minute when a double save was needed from Pedro Gallese to deny two back-to-back long-range shots. The second from Valentin Castellanos seemed sure to catch him out but was well saved to keep the Lions in front.

OCSC sealed the match in the 81st minute when Tesho Akindele put away the rebound from Benji Michel’s shot. It was practically Michel’s first touch of the game, having come on one minute earlier and delighting his manager with the impact.

From there, Orlando closed out the match and passage to the knockout stages.

Photo Courtesy: Matthew Stith and Devin L’Amoreaux

Chicago Fire Stuns Defending Champions

BAY LAKE – Chicago Fire FC put aside its awkward preparations for its first game of the tournament. Upsetting Seattle Sounders FC 2-1 at the MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Tuesday morning.

Hampered by schedule changes, Chicago was the underdog against the defending MLS Cup Champions. But the win put it top of Group B and almost certainly advance to the knockout stages.

READ MORE: Sounders and Quakes Blow Chances in Scoreless Draw

After a scoreless first half, the Fire switched to a 5-3-2, and it paid off in the 52nd minute when Robert Beric scored. He gathered possession in midfield and then ran through the Seattle defense, using a backheel to round Yeimar Gomez Andrade, before sticking it past Stefan Frei.

The Sounders fought back and in the 77th minute had things on level terms thanks to a perfect pass from Jordan Morris. He got to the byline and cut the ball back for Handwalla Bwana’s run for the goal.

But in the 84th minute, the new-look Chicago Fire had the winner. Seattle had failed to deal with a corner. Mauricio Pineda pounced, sending it home from the far post, his first professional goal.

Highlights: Chicago Fire FC v Seattle Sounders FC – MLS is Back – July 14 2020

The first half was scoreless, but not for lack of trying, Seattle was the stronger side but failed to make that count. Having struggled in the first match to put chances away, the Sounders’ trend continued for the Champions, with just one shot on target all game.

With just one point earned and only one game to play, the defending MLS Champions are almost certainly out of the tournament. It was a big moment for Chicago, snagging its first win after a controversial rebrand in the offseason, the new era now really launched for the club.

Photo Courtesy Matthew Stith

10-Man Timbers Hold on For Monday’s Only Win

BAY LAKE – In a day with two draws, a 10-man Portland Timbers FC managed the day’s only win. The Timbers claimed a 2-1 victory over LA Galaxy in the final game on Monday at the MLS is Back tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports.

A stunning run from Sebastian Blanco, sneaking in off his defender’s shoulder to collect a pinpoint pass from Diego Valeri, set up the opener just before the hour mark. Blanco took his time and waited for the perfect moment to leave Jeremy Ebobisse with a simple finish to put Portland up.

READ MORE: Editorial: Cancel the Season

Seven minutes later it was two, thanks to Blanco again. This time he did it on his own, using his pace to get to the ball first and get past Giancarlo Gonzalez before putting it in the back of the net.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfzOrn-lmCQ
Highlights: LA Galaxy v Portland Timbers FC – MLS is Back – July 13 2020

Galaxy was given a window with 15 minutes to play when Dario Zuparic received a second yellow card. Chicharito scored his long-awaited first MLS goal two minutes from time when he evaded his defender and slid home Gordon Wild’s cross.

It could have come sooner as the Mexican record goal-scorer saw his 12th-minute penalty saved by Steve Clark. The frustrating night was added to in the 81st minute when Wild had the ball in the back of the net only for the referee to overrule the goal after reviewing the video.

DC United celebrate (Photo by Xavier Dussaq)

In the opening match of the day, DC United came from 2-0 down in the 80th minute to salvage a draw with Toronto FC.

The Canadian side went for the match from the opening whistle but late on capitulated late on to the 10-man DC.

It was Federico Higuain who had the most significant impact, despite only coming on off the bench. With six minutes to play, the debutante chipped the keeper to pull his side back in the match. In the first minute of stoppage time, he laid off the crucial assist. Higuain crossed for Frederic Brilliant, who headed home the equalizer.

Toronto nearly took the win back in the 96th minute. On a hat trick, Ayo Akinola was able to get a header away only to be denied by a stunning Bill Hamid save.

Highlights: Toronto FC v DC United – MLS is Back – July 13 2020

A phenomenal first half from the Reds had given them the lead. Akinola had the brace in the first half, scoring from distance and a tap-in.

Things seemed over in first-half stoppage time when DC was reduced to ten-men after Junior Moreno picked up his second yellow card. But the side showed incredible grit to come back and claim the win.

Memo Rodriguez celebrates one of his goals (Photo Courtesy: Devin L’Amoreaux and Jared Martinez)

In the other match, Los Angeles FC managed a big second half to come back and achieve a 3-3 draw with Houston Dynamo.

Trailing 3-1 at halftime, it seemed LAFC had missed its chance, but some weak Dynamo defense let it back in the match in the 63rd minute. A through ball found Diego Rossi allowing him to slam it out of the reach of Marko Maric.

Highlights: Los Angeles FC v Houston Dynamo – MLS is Back – July 13 2020

Six minutes later, the black and gold were on level terms after the Dynamo failed to deal with a set-piece. That allowed Latif Blessing to set up Brian Rodriguez to score his first goal in LAFC colors.

Memo Rodriguez had Houston 3-1 up at halftime thanks to a brace. He scored in the 9th minute through a swerving shot before poking in Zarek Valentin’s cross home in the 30th minute.

Between those two goals, Bradley Wright-Phillips leveled the scores with a 19th-minute tap-in. Houston made it three through Alberth Ellis’ header in first-half stoppage time at the end of a Darwin Quintero free-kick, which was allowed thanks to a video review reversing the original offside flag.

Photo Courtesy: Devin L’Amoreaux and Jared Martinez

Minnesota United Scores Twice in Stoppage Time For Come From Behind Victory

BAY LAKE – Minnesota United came from behind with two stoppage-time goals to manage a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City in the MLS is Back tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Sunday night.

The winner came in the seventh minute of stoppage time thanks to Kevin Molino’s strike. Raheem Edwards squared it for Molino to redirect past the second-string keeper Richard Sanchez to seal all three points.

READ MORE: Editorial: Cancel the Season

Sanchez entered the match in the 76th minute after Tim Melia’s red card for pulling down Aaron Schoenfeld. That saw the Loons start to take control, but it wasn’t until the 92nd minute that they got on level terms. That goal came from a Khiry Shelton own goal following a well-taken free-kick from Jan Gregus,

Highlights: Sporting Kansas City v Minnesota United – MLS is Back July 12 2020

The first half was almost all Sporting KC, and after a great start, finally made it count two minutes before the break. Alan Pulido found Shelton, who ran into the box and beat the keeper at the near post to put SKC 1-0 up at the break.

It could have been better for Minnesota as Ethan Finlay put it in the back of the net in the 64th minute. The referee went to the video and ruled Molino was involved in the play after coming from an offside position.

Grant Boxall honors George Floyd (Photo and featured Photo Courtesy: Matt Stith & Jared Martinez)

With the match serving as the first match for United after the death of George Floyd, the team paid tribute to his memory with Grant Boxall wearing a captain’s armband bearing his name.

Real Salt Lake players celebrate their second goal (Photo Courtesy: Matthew Stith)

In the day’s other match, Real Salt Lake managed a 2-0 win over the Colorado Rapids, continuing its domination of the fixture.

Albert Rusnak opened the scoring in the 26th minute when he put away the rebound after the keeper only parried Douglas Martinez’s cross.

It should have been two in the 72nd minute when RSL won a penalty. Rusnak took it only to be denied by Clint Irwin’s save. Nick Besler ran on the rebound, but Irwin was up to the task again, taking the shot away from him.

That didn’t give the Rapids any momentum as Salt Lake made it two in the 76th minute thanks to Damir Kreilach’s long-range rocket. Corey Baird found Kreilach allowing him to slam it home with a volley.

Highlights : Real Salt Lake v Colorado Rapids – MLS is Back – July 12 2020

The two results set up Friday nicely with RSL and Minnesota facing each other for the top spot in Group D.

Editorial: Cancel the Season

With Florida seeing another record single-day increase in COVID-19 cases on Saturday, two MLS teams have already withdrawn from the tournament, and Sunday’s Toronto FC v DC United match postponed. It’s increasingly apparent that the whole tournament and all American soccer in 2020 should be canceled.

With one positive test, the NBA shut down its season. Since launching the supposedly safe bubble at Walt Disney World, 20 players and staff have tested positive. If one was bad enough before, why is 20 not bad enough now?

FC Dallas and Nashville SC made the trip to Orlando and very quickly saw their numbers rise. While MLS claims that the infections happened outside of the bubble, it seems evident that the players would have had contact with people in the bubble. The two teams may have left, but no doubt, the staff at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels that interacted with these players are still in the bubble.

The players and staff are not safe, that’s not even mentioning the hard-working staff of Walt Disney World and the Swan and Dolphin Hotels (which aren’t owned by Disney). They were also exposed to the virus.

That doesn’t even mention the ethical dilemma of MLS having access to on-demand and instant testing while surrounded by a community that is running low on tests and hospital beds.

Needing to get a COVID-19 test throughout Florida requires appointments. As I currently need a test in Tampa, I can reveal that the quickest time someone can get a test through Hillsborough County’s testing is July 23rd, 11 days away. That timing doesn’t even include waiting for results, which could take another week or two.

Healthcare workers in Hillsborough County have waited over nine days to get results from a COVID-19 test and are still waiting. Meanwhile, MLS players can have ten tests and results in that time.

While MLS is undoubtedly using a private testing company, these tests could otherwise have been used for the general population of Florida, where there aren’t enough tests.

Major League Soccer is placing its players, referees, and staff in danger to host what is essentially a meaningless Mickey Mouse tournament. While doing this, they are also doing a great disservice to the people of Florida. The competition should be canceled so players can go back to their homes safely. The tests can be distributed to the counties in Florida that desperately need them.

Cancel the season.

Photo Courtesy: Major League Soccer

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