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Newsweek
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch Cruz Azul vs Seattle Sounders: Live Stream Leagues Cup, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Seattle Sounders, out of the MLS, face off against Liga MX giants Cruz Azul on Thursday night as both clubs open their respective Leagues Cup campaigns this summer. Mateusz Bogusz of Cruz Azul battles for the ball against Paul Rothrock of Seattle Sounders during the match between Cruz Azul and Seattle Sounders as part of the Concacaf Champions Cup 2025 at Estadio Olimpico... Mateusz Bogusz of Cruz Azul battles for the ball against Paul Rothrock of Seattle Sounders during the match between Cruz Azul and Seattle Sounders as part of the Concacaf Champions Cup 2025 at Estadio Olimpico Universitario on March 11, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. More Photo byThe Seattle Sounders are one of the proudest clubs in MLS, with two MLS Cups on their resume, as well as four U.S. Open Cups and one Supporters' Shield trophy. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul has won nine Liga MX championships in its history, making this matchup between two giants in their respective countries all the more compelling. Plus, with advancement in the Leagues Cup competition on the line, both clubs will be giving it their all to secure three points tonight. How to Watch Cruz Azul vs. Seattle Sounders Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025 Time: 10:30 p.m. ET Venue: Lumen Field Channel: FOX Sports 1 Stream: Fubo (WATCH NOW) The Seattle Sounders currently sit fourth on the table in the MLS' Western Conference with 38 points through 24 matches, courtesy of a record of 10 wins, eight draws, and six losses. Most recently, the Sounders drew 2-2 with Atlanta United on the back of goals scored by Pedro de la Vega, who scored in the 54th minute, and Osaze De Rosario, who scored what should have been the winning goal five minutes into second-half stoppage time. But, unfortunately for Seattle, Atlanta drew the game nine minutes into second-half stoppage time, ending the game in a 2-2 draw. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, is fifth on the Liga MX table with five points through three matches, based on a record of one win and two draws. Tune the channel to FOX Sports 1 at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday night to catch the Cruz Azul vs. Seattle Sounders matchup. Live stream the Cruz Azul vs. Seattle Sounders match on Fubo: Start your subscription now! Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
USA Today
17-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
30 best players in MLS history: From BWP to Beckham, Messi to Moreno. See who made the cut
MLS has seen its fair share of stars over what is now a 30-season lifespan. Whether those players were global icons, cult figures, or unknowns who used the league to make their name in the soccer world, the league has seen some outstanding talents grace its fields. Some of the biggest names are obvious: Lionel Messi is a player with no equal, while even the most casual soccer fan in the U.S. knows names like David Beckham and Landon Donovan. However, MLS history extends beyond the "retirement league' cliches, and to see the league as nothing more than a home for aging big names and U.S. men's national team hopefuls would be a huge mistake. From the get-go, MLS has been home to some extravagantly skillful players, as well as some incredible underdog stories, comebacks and top-level international talent that real soccer heads know all about. With that thought in mind, here are USA TODAY's picks for the 30 best players in MLS history: Jeff Agoos Only Landon Donovan has surpassed Agoos' five MLS Cup rings. The longtime USMNT defender, who today is the president and general manager of the NWSL's Portland Thorns, was a crucial piece for the most dominant team in MLS history (the D.C. United sides of the 1990s) and then arguably even more important on a San Jose Earthquakes club that won MLS Cups in 2001 and 2003. Miguel Almirón Almirón has only played three seasons in MLS, but his impact is undeniable. The Paraguayan put together two marvelous MLS Best XI campaigns with Atlanta United in 2017-18, helping a brand-new team redefine what it is to hit the ground running in this league. Almirón then joined Newcastle United in a reported $26 million transfer, which remains a league record. Moreover, the move validated MLS as a place for elite younger players to blossom before moving on to the world's elite leagues. The Five Stripes brought 'Miggy' back this season in part hoping to recapture the club's early success. DaMarcus Beasley As a fleet-footed winger, Beasley burst onto the scene with an excellent Chicago Fire side that won three trophies in his five seasons there. The Indiana native – who is the only USMNT player to appear in four World Cups – then broke new ground with a transfer to Dutch power PSV, eventually playing in the Premier League and Bundesliga before returning to MLS in 2014 to join the Houston Dynamo. Remaking himself as a left back, Beasley became a leader in Houston, helping the Dynamo to the 2018 U.S. Open Cup. Kyle Beckerman The dreadlocked Crofton, Maryland, native owns the MLS record for minutes played by a field player (41,164), a remarkable achievement for a player whose career started before teams in this league really knew what to do with talented youngsters. His other MLS record (most yellow cards, with 152) speaks to a win-at-all-costs grit that made him a club legend for Real Salt Lake. Beckerman played in six MLS All-Star Games and is one of 15 players with 400-plus league appearances. David Beckham Beckham's place in MLS history is fascinating. The global superstar was an important piece of the puzzle for an LA Galaxy side that won MLS Cups in 2011 and 2012, putting up 20 goals and 42 assists in 124 appearances in all competitions. However, he was not the most important player on that team and missed time due to a torn Achilles tendon suffered on a winter loan to AC Milan that, at the time, went down like a lead balloon. As a cultural force, though, Beckham's impact was absolutely essential for MLS' growth. His arrival served as rocket fuel for a league that was seemingly stuck in place, opening wallets domestically and doors abroad that were previously closed. Sergio Busquets Busquets' career speaks for itself: nine championships and three UEFA Champions League wins with a Barcelona side whose stylistic qualities fundamentally changed the sport, and a pivotal role on the Spain team that won the 2010 World Cup to boot. The 36-year-old may play an unglamorous position, but his presence in MLS remains mind-blowing for any long-standing league observer. Since coming to Inter Miami in 2023, Busquets has been nearly ever-present, functioning as a leader and the driving force of the possession-based style that allows Messi and company to make all the headlines. Dwayne De Rosario 'De Ro' is a thoroughly MLS success story. De Rosario won eight major trophies and was named to the MLS Best XI six times in his 14 seasons in the league. With the San Jose Earthquakes, he scored a brilliant Golden Goal to secure the 2001 MLS Cup and later scored a physics-defying free kick that remains arguably the best goal in MLS history. In 2011 he won the MLS MVP award despite being traded twice after that season had begun (playing for Toronto FC, the New York Red Bulls, and D.C. United). Between his wandering career, his trademark goal celebration, and a staggering highlight reel, the Ontario native is unquestionably an MLS legend. Clint Dempsey Dempsey started his career in MLS with the New England Revolution in 2004, eventually earning a move to the Premier League after three seasons. However, the second chapter of Dempsey's MLS career with the Seattle Sounders is what earned him his place on this list. A blockbuster $8 million return to the league after European success with Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur broke new ground for MLS, with an in-demand USMNT star coming to the league at a time when that simply didn't happen. Dempsey's swaggering, brash personality and creativity are ingredients MLS clubs have often had to find abroad, making him a uniquely important figure in league history. Landon Donovan Donovan's MLS career was so impressive, and so important to what was a fledgling league when the California native arrived on the scene, that the league MVP award is officially titled the Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player Award. No one has won more MLS Cups (six), made more Best XI lists (seven), or had more assists (136) than Donovan, who also sits third on the league's all-time goal scoring list with 145. Between his time with the Earthquakes and Galaxy, Donovan lifted nine major trophies. Marco Etcheverry Etcheverry was the cornerstone of what remains the most successful run by a single club in MLS history. D.C. United won eight trophies from 1996 to 1999, including three MLS Cup victories and the first continental trophy in league history (the 1998 Concacaf Champions Cup). Moreover, the Bolivian playmaker was exactly what MLS wanted to be: his skills would have fit in anywhere in the world, and his competitive fire (his nickname, 'El Diablo,' was no joke) drove D.C. to heights it couldn't have achieved otherwise. Etcheverry's 101 assists in league play came in just 191 appearances, making him one of the most prolific chance generators MLS has ever seen. Sebastian Giovinco Giovinco wasn't in MLS for all that long, but his four years with Toronto FC were unprecedented. The pint-sized Italian won the league MVP award in 2015, leading MLS in both goals (22) and assists (15). TFC would go on to be the only team in MLS history to win a treble in 2017, claiming the MLS Cup, the Supporters' Shield, and the Canadian Championship. In just four MLS seasons, Giovinco scored a league-record 13 direct free kick goals. Thierry Henry Henry's numbers (52 goals, 40 assists in 135 appearances) speak to his class as a player, but where the Arsenal and Barcelona icon truly stood out came by changing perceptions about MLS. Many global stars came to the league at the same point in their careers as Henry, who arrived in the league at age 33. However, none with his profile had brought the intensity and commitment to winning that the France legend did, and it's fair to say he sparked a sea change at a Red Bulls franchise that had never won anything before his arrival. Zlatan Ibrahimović Whether you buy into the Zlatan persona or not, the towering Swedish striker made an impact in MLS that stands alone. Ibrahimović joined an LA Galaxy side in 2018, scoring 52 goals in 56 games for what was otherwise one of the worst teams in the league at the time. Ibrahimović's combination of skill, creativity and pure power remain unmatched in league history, and his subsequent success at AC Milan showed that MLS wasn't as far from the world's top leagues as some would say. Robbie Keane As much as the LA Galaxy's best era as a team are defined by Beckham and Donovan, Keane was arguably that group's most vital player. The Ireland striker was relentless for a Galaxy team that won the MLS Cup three times in four seasons, scoring 83 times in 125 total appearances. His forward partnership with Donovan has arguably never been matched in the league, and Keane's intense competitive nature was just as important in pushing the biggest club in MLS to capitalize on Beckham's presence with on-field success. Kei Kamara A refugee who escaped the Sierra Leone civil war, Kamara has had a remarkably unlikely path to MLS stardom. The striker has played for a record 12 MLS teams, and he sits second on the league's all-time goal scoring chart with 146. Despite rarely staying with any team for more than two years, Kamara has aerial ability and an outsized personality that have won fans over across MLS. At age 40, Kamara is in the midst of his 18th MLS season, and he's not merely hanging around. The target man is an often-used substitute for a serious contender in FC Cincinnati, and last season he had a similar role with another big-time franchise in LAFC. Chad Marshall Marshall's 35,843 minutes played place him fifth all-time, and third among field players. A remarkable 16-year run in MLS saw the California native establish himself as a defensive cornerstone for the Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders, leading both teams to tremendous success. In Ohio, Marshall helped the Crew to an MLS Cup win in 2008 and three Supporters' Shields. The center back then joined the Sounders, lifting three trophies (including the 2016 MLS Cup), and was a model of consistency throughout his career. Despite long being on the outside looking in with the USMNT, Marshall is the only player to win MLS Defender of the Year three times. Josef Martínez Martínez may currently play for San Jose, but he is synonymous with the incredible early success Atlanta United experienced when the club entered MLS in 2017. Martínez bagged 111 goals and 17 assists in 158 appearances for Atlanta, terrorizing defenses with a wide range of finishes. There have been few players to feel as inevitable as Martínez did from 2017 to 2020, before a torn ACL slowed his output and hastened his exit with the Five Stripes. While his performances at Inter Miami, CF Montréal and with the Earthquakes may not quite have matched the good old days, the Venezuelan is sixth in MLS history with 123 goals. His strike rate of 0.62 goals per appearance is the best among any of the 13 players to cross the 100-goal barrier. Tony Meola Meola was a vital figure in MLS' first few years, lending the notoriety he gained as the USMNT's starting No. 1 (which also resulted in an NFL tryout with the New York Jets, among other things) to a league that needed all the help it could get. The New Jersey native remains the only MLS goalkeeper to win an MVP award, doing so in 2000 as he helped a defense-first Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City) to an MLS Cup victory. Meola's 16 shutouts that season remain an MLS record, and we'd be remiss if we ignored what remains the best season a goalkeeper has had in league history. Lionel Messi If you're regarded in plenty of quarters as the best player in soccer history, and you play in MLS, you definitely belong on this list. Messi's output for Inter Miami (49 goals, 24 assists in 59 games) is jaw-dropping, even knowing how good he has been at the very top of the sport, and only Beckham has come close to matching the Argentine's cultural impact as an MLS player. He is, simply put, one of one. Could MLS have more clearly capitalized on his presence? Certainly, but the GOAT being in the league has still been revolutionary. Jaime Moreno Moreno (133 goals, 102 assists) remains an icon with D.C. United, having been two different versions of himself in two stints with the club. In the '90s, Moreno was the best forward in MLS, a classic speed-first No. 9 who was indispensable for a team that won three of the first four MLS Cup titles. After a back injury that nearly ended his career in a 2002 trade, he returned to the District in 2004 slower but craftier, helping United win another championship in 2004. The Bolivian was a part of 12 of United's 13 major trophy wins, landing on the Best XI five times. He and Donovan are the only two players to sit in the league's all-time top 10 in goals and assists. Pat Onstad Now the president of soccer at the Houston Dynamo, Onstad won two MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors in 2003 and 2005 (earning a spot in the Best XI on both occasions as well). Quiet and unspectacular, Onstad made positioning, sound fundamentals and organizational ability his top priorities. The result? He was a key piece in the San Jose team that claimed the 2003 MLS Cup and 2005 Supporters' Shield, then carried on when the team relocated, becoming the Houston Dynamo. That same group, now in Texas, continued an outstanding run, going back-to-back with MLS Cup wins in 2006 and 2007. In a nine-year MLS career, the Canadian posted a 1.14 goals-against average, one of the 10 best marks in MLS history. Eddie Pope In an era where center backs were big, mean, and slow, Pope was like a visitor from the future. The North Carolina native's 12 MLS seasons were characterized with an unshakable calm with and without the ball, as well as the kind of mobility and comfort with the ball that became hallmarks in soccer over a decade after he had hung up his boots. Pope won eight trophies in his years with D.C. United (scoring a legendary game-winner in the first-ever MLS Cup final), and landed on the MLS Best XI four times (twice with D.C. and twice with the MetroStars). He remains arguably the best center back the USMNT has ever had, another highly unlikely achievement for a player whose pro career was entirely spent in MLS. Preki Predrag Radosavljević had the kind of career that can scarcely be believed: Stints in Serbia, Sweden, and in the Premier League with Everton were broken up by years spent plying his trade in the various indoor soccer leagues that served as the best option in the U.S. before MLS kicked off in 1996. In 10 MLS seasons (nine of which came with the Kansas City Wizards), Preki was named MLS MVP in 1997 and 2003, making him the only player in league history to win that award twice. With his trademark cutback move and powerful shot, Preki won two Golden Boot awards, while his 112 career assists rank him fifth in league history. Steve Ralston MLS's first-ever Rookie of the Year, Ralston was a six-time All-Star Game participant and landed on the league's Best XI three times (1999, 2000, 2002). The Missouri native's 135 career assists are one shy of Donovan's all-time record, while his 33,143 career minutes played rank 10th all-time. Ralston thrived alongside Carlos Valderrama with the Tampa Bay Mutiny, then became a key cog for the best era in New England Revolution history once the Florida-based side folded in 2001. His consistent play over such a long span eventually won him a role with the USMNT, where he scored the goal that clinched the team's qualification for the 2006 World Cup. Nick Rimando No player has spent more time on the field in MLS games than Rimando, whose 46,336 minutes played are easily the league record. He also holds league records for shutouts (154) and saves (1,701). While Rimando is held in high esteem at D.C. United, his legend was truly built with Real Salt Lake, where he made 389 appearances over 13 seasons. There, the California native's prowess at saving penalty kicks became mythical, and he would claim the MLS Cup MVP award in helping RSL claim its lone championship victory in 2009. While the league's Goalkeeper of the Year award (controversially) never went his way, his place in MLS history is secure. Carlos Valderrama A legend in Colombian soccer, Valderrama was much more than his iconic hairstyle. One of the great playmakers on the planet in the '90s, 'El Pibe' piled up 114 assists in 175 MLS matches (the fourth-highest total all-time), including a 26-assist masterclass in 2000 that remains the league's single-season mark. During time with the Tampa Bay Mutiny, Miami Fusion, and Colorado Rapids, Valderrama played the game with a casual ease that MLS has only really seen in one other player: Messi. Valderrama's vision and ability to weigh a pass perfectly meant that he could play with casual ease and still be the most dangerous player on the field. Diego Valeri Humble, dedicated, and possessing lavish skill, Valeri is the kind of player every MLS fan hopes their team will sign. Portland Timbers fans fell in love with the Argentine straight away, as Valeri led MLS in assists and clinched the first of three appearances on the league's Best XI after joining the club in 2013. During his nine seasons with Portland, Valeri would become just the third MLS player ever to surpass 80 goals and 80 assists, and he helped the Timbers win the MLS Cup in 2015 by scoring just 27 seconds from kickoff, the fastest goal in the league final's history. Carlos Vela Vela was LAFC's first designated player, and it could hardly have found a better candidate for the job. The Mexican forward came to MLS in 2018 and was instantly dangerous in a 14 goal/10 assist campaign. That was just the appetizer. Vela's 2019 remains the single-season bar all other players aspire to: a 34-goal, 10-assist masterpiece that set a new MLS record for goal scoring in one year and helped LAFC to the 2019 Supporters' Shield. That's the kind of productivity that only Messi has really matched, and it helped set a standard for LA's second club that has thus far seen the team in the discussion for trophies during every single season it has existed. Chris Wondolowski There is no better MLS underdog story than 'Wondo,' who was the 89th player selected across MLS' two different college drafts in 2005. Wondolowski earned a contract with the Earthquakes but saw little action, largely stuck out of position as a right winger. By the time his 17th season in the league had ended, the California native had scored 171 goals, which still stands as the league's all-time record. It's a staggering feat, especially when you consider that he didn't become a starter (or score more than five goals in one season) until 2010. What followed was unmatched consistency: 10 straight seasons with at least 10 goals, including five instances in which he broke the 15-goal barrier. Bradley Wright-Phillips Wright-Phillips didn't look like he would be much of an MLS signing. With a more famous sibling (his brother Shaun played for Manchester City) and a solid career in the English second and third tiers, 'BWP' seemed like a shot in the dark when the New York Red Bulls signed him in the summer of 2013. After a tepid debut half-season, the move turned out to be a stroke of genius for both parties. Wright-Phillips scored 27 goals in 2014, equaling what was the league record at the time and landing the first of two Golden Boot awards during his nine seasons in MLS. The English striker scored at least 17 goals in five straight seasons and sits seventh on MLS' all-time goal scoring list with 117 goals in 234 games. USA TODAY Sports' 48-page special edition commemorates 30 years of Major League Soccer, from its best players to key milestones and championship dynasties to what exciting steps are next with the World Cup ahead. Order your copy today.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLS at 30: The 15 Best Managers in League History
From early pioneers to culture-shaping leaders, these coaches left an undeniable mark on MLS. We continue our MLS at 30 series by focusing on the men on the sidelines — the coaches who helped define some of the league's most memorable teams. Advertisement While a well-built roster is the main course of a championship team, a good coach is the gravy on top — like when you find a casino bonus after winning a slot jackpot. Among these coaches are dynasty builders, player developers, larger-than-life personalities, and true club legends. While many deserve honorable mentions, these 15 names shaped MLS in more ways than one. Steve Nicolfor New York Red Bulls Before he was cracking jokes on ESPN FC, Steve Nicol was the steady hand behind the New England Revolution from 2002 to 2011. Nicol witnessed the league's growing pains first hand and guided the Revolution through the dawn of MLS 2.0. Under his watch, the Revs reached the MLS Cup final four times (2002, 2005, 2006, and 2007) and made the playoffs every season over a remarkable seven-year stretch. Advertisement Nicol also helped launch the careers of Clint Dempsey and Shalrie Joseph. Though an MLS Cup eluded him, he did lift a U.S. Open Cup and remains one of the most respected coaches in club history. Thomas Rongen Doug Pensinger/Allsport The Dutch-born coach was among the few early MLS managers who truly understood the American player and how to blend them with high-priced foreign stars. Thomas Rongen captured two Supporters' Shields — first with the Tampa Bay Mutiny in 1996 and then with D.C. United in 1999. He also guided United to their third MLS Cup that same year. Although his D.C. side declined sharply afterward and he never regained that form — including a brief spell at Chivas USA — Rongen's impact on MLS's formative years is undeniable. Frank YallopAdvertisement Canadian Frank Yallop was one of the first former MLS players to find real success as a head coach. He steered a young Landon Donovan and the San Jose Earthquakes to two MLS Cups (2001 and 2003) with a squad that included Jeff Agoos, Dwayne DeRosario, Manny Lagos, Ramiro Corrales, and Ronnie Ekelund. Returning to San Jose years later, he won the Supporters' Shield again in 2012, proving his knack for building competitive teams. Dominic Kinnear Photo byDominic Kinnear has done nearly everything in MLS — player, assistant, head coach — and he did it well. He guided the San Jose Earthquakes before the franchise moved to Houston and rebranded as the Dynamo, technically the same team with a new city and name. In Houston, Kinnear led the Dynamo to back-to-back MLS Cups in 2006 and 2007 and won a Supporters' Shield with San Jose in 2005. He remains a valued MLS veteran, now assisting at FC Cincinnati. Óscar Pareja Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Advertisement Óscar Pareja is renowned for doing more than chasing trophies — he builds teams with identity and trust. Famous for turning academy prospects into first-team regulars, he made FC Dallas a model for youth development while collecting the Supporters' Shield and U.S. Open Cup. His sides play bold, attacking soccer and don't shy away from taking risks. At Orlando City, Pareja brought stability to a chaotic club and made them playoff regulars, adding a U.S. Open Cup in 2022. Giovanni Savarese Photo byGiovanni Savarese has earned widespread respect in MLS circles for molding tough, fearless teams that thrive under postseason pressure. With the Portland Timbers, he consistently got the best out of rosters that weren't always stacked, leading them to multiple MLS Cup finals and winning the 2020 MLS is Back tournament. His teams are organized, opportunistic, and flexible enough to exploit opponents' weaknesses — a testament to his sharp tactical mind. Surprisingly, he has yet to land another MLS job since parting ways with Portland in 2023. Greg Vanney Photo byAdvertisement Greg Vanney transformed Toronto FC from a perennial underachiever into one of MLS's greatest single-season sides. In 2017, his TFC won a historic treble thanks to a balanced, proactive approach. Vanney's teams, now including the LA Galaxy, are known for smart buildup play and defensive structure — hallmarks of his belief that success starts with a clear tactical identity. He's equally skilled at managing big stars while bringing through young talent. Wilfried Nancy Photo byWilfried Nancy is one of the league's brightest coaching minds, already making a strong impression. Calm, thoughtful, and tactically sharp, he helped CF Montréal punch above its weight on a small budget before guiding the Columbus Crew to an MLS Cup in 2023. His fearless, possession-based approach and smart squad management — especially replacing top players lost to Europe — show he understands the modern MLS inside and out. Peter VermesAdvertisement Few coaches have left a bigger imprint on one club than Peter Vermes at Sporting Kansas City. A former player who rose to the front office before taking over the sidelines, Vermes turned SKC into a model of consistency and defensive grit. He's led them to an MLS Cup and multiple Open Cups while building a recognizable culture. But as MLS spending grew and the league evolved, Vermes's teams struggled to keep up — a reminder that even the best must adapt to stay on top. Jim CurtinJim Curtin perfectly embodies the Philadelphia Union's underdog ethos. He's guided the club from perennial also-ran to true contender with a fraction of the budget of bigger markets. Curtin's belief in youth development and smart scouting, combined with an aggressive pressing style, helped the Union lift a Supporters' Shield and gain league-wide respect for doing things their own way. Tata MartinoAdvertisement Gerardo 'Tata' Martino redefined what an MLS coach could be when he joined Atlanta United. Bringing global experience and a clear attacking vision, he led Atlanta to an MLS Cup in just their second season. Later with Inter Miami, he captured the Leagues Cup and a Supporters' Shield, setting a single-season points record along the way. Though not one to stay long, Martino delivered silverware and style in every stop. Bob BradleyA Bruce Arena protégé, Bob Bradley's MLS legacy is one of bold ideas and fearless attacking soccer. He won a double with the Chicago Fire in their inaugural season, then decades later shaped a record-breaking LAFC side built on high press and free-flowing offense. Not every stint was golden — his MetroStars and Chivas USA teams fell flat, and his most recent job with Toronto FC in 2023 saw him struggle to manage big egos. Still, his contributions to MLS's tactical evolution can't be overlooked. Brian SchmetzerAdvertisement Brian Schmetzer might look more like a math teacher than a soccer manager, but his coaching résumé with the Seattle Sounders is no joke. A Sounders lifer, Schmetzer has guided the club to two MLS Cups and a historic CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2022. Before MLS, he led the Sounders to two USL titles, and he's worked with some of the franchise's greatest names, from Clint Dempsey and Nicolás Lodeiro to Raúl Ruidíaz and Stefan Frei. Sigi Schmid OttoSigi Schmid was a true pioneer, shaping teams that were disciplined yet daring. He won MLS Cups with both the LA Galaxy and Columbus Crew but perhaps made his biggest mark in Seattle, laying the groundwork for the Sounders' long-term success. Known for his ability to manage big personalities, Schmid won 11 major trophies across three clubs and remains one of MLS's most respected figures. Bruce ArenaAdvertisement Bruce Arena is, without question, the godfather of MLS coaches. He built a dynasty at D.C. United, winning the league's first two international titles, and later stabilized David Beckham's LA Galaxy, turning them into a powerhouse. More recently, he's taken on the challenge of reviving the San Jose Earthquakes. Arena's trophy haul — five MLS Cups, four Supporters' Shields, four MLS Coach of the Year awards, three CONCACAF Gold Cups and the best modern-era World Cup finish with the United States men's national team — cements his status as an icon of American soccer.
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Ezequiel Ponce goal enough as Dynamo blank punchless St. Louis City
Ezequiel Ponce scored in the 66th minute Saturday night and the Houston Dynamo earned three points with a 1-0 blanking of visiting St. Louis City SC. HT Image Houston generated the goal off a cross into the box. Franco Escobar passed to Felipe Andrade near the right post and his pass found a wide-open Ponce, who kneed the ball into what amounted to an empty net for his fourth goal of the year. Goalie Jonathan Bond had to make just one save Cedric Teuchert's attempt from the center of the in the sixth minute of stoppage time as the Dynamo earned their seventh clean sheet of the year while snapping a three-game losing streak, all by 3-1 scores. Houston outshot St. Louis 18-7, putting six shots on frame. It was another low-event night for St. Louis , which fell to 1-11-4 in its last 16 matches. Goalie Roman Burki came up with five saves to help keep it in contention, but an offense that entered the night 25th in the league in goals simply never threatened Bond. St. Louis' only decent scoring chance prior to Teuchert's shot came in the 78th minute, but Joao Klauss' header sailed over the crossbar. Klauss came into the match on a roll, scoring a hat trick in a 3-3 tie with the LA Galaxy on June 14 and adding a goal in Wednesday night's 4-2 defeat against Orlando City. An early sign that it might be another long night for St. Louis came in the 15th minute when interim coach David Critchley was forced to sub out forward Alfredo Morales after he suffered an apparent injury. Akil Watts replaced Morales but wasn't able to add much to the attack. The match was the last Dynamo appearance for highly decorated midfielder Nico Lodeiro, who won two MLS Cups with Seattle in 2016 and 2019. Lodeiro, who subbed in during the 85th minute and took a handful of corners at the end, will join the national club in his native Uruguay. Field Level Media This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bruce Arena wary of his L.A. return against a Galaxy team 'due' for success
San José Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena stands on the sideline during the playing of the national anthem before a match against the Columbus Crew on April 26. (Jason Mowry / Getty Images) The last time Bruce Arena and Dave Sarachan stood together on the sidelines at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy were beating the Colorado Rapids in the MLS Western Conference semifinals. That was 2016 and the win was the pair's 18th playoff victory in eight seasons with the Galaxy. It was also the last game they coached together in Carson. Advertisement They'll be back on Wednesday, only this time Arena and Sarachan will be in the opposite technical area, standing in front of the San José Earthquakes' bench. And in some ways it's a bittersweet return. Because while both men have mostly fond memories of their time with the Galaxy, they return with the home team hungry and winless through 15 games, the longest drought in franchise history. That makes the homecoming both welcome and challenging. Read more: Commentary: Bruce Arena aims to achieve the seemingly impossible with San José 'I have nothing but good memories of my time in L.A. with the Galaxy. So it's nice to go back,' Arena said. Advertisement 'I like watching them and they've had tough times. But they're better than their record indicates. We're the next team up, which will be in some ways very, very challenging because you know they're due to have success.' The Galaxy (0-11-4) have led in each of their last three games, only to lose two of them on goals deep in stoppage time. So Wednesday's game could be a dangerous one for the Earthquakes (5-6-4), who are unbeaten in their last five. 'It's almost amazing that they haven't gotten a win,' Sarachan said. 'It's a double-edged sword because there's a certain fragility to it. But at the same time, they're looking to get out of this funk. They're in a tough situation so we just have to be ready.' Arena and Sarachan, his top assistant with both the Galaxy and men's national team, are arguably the most successful coaching duo in U.S. Soccer history, having taken the national team to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup before winning three MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields in five seasons with the Galaxy. Advertisement It was the most successful five-year stretch by any team in MLS history. But the Galaxy didn't win another MLS Cup until last season, ending the team's longest trophy drought. Less than two years after leaving the Galaxy to return to the national team, Arena and Sarachan went their separate ways after failing to qualify the U.S. for the 2018 World Cup. They reunited this winter in San José, where they took over a team that had tied the MLS record for losses (25) and broke the record for goals allowed (78) in 2024, guiding it into playoff position after 15 games this year. 'Our goal is to get through the first half of the season where we have a good feel for our team and understand where we need to go in the second half,' Arena said. 'At the end of next week we'll be at the midway point in the season and we have a better feel for where we are. Read more: LAFC and Galaxy each won something notable in their El Tráfico draw Advertisement 'We're improving. Maybe not as quick as I'd like but I think we have a chance to be a good team in the season half.' Arena's blueprint for turning the Quakes around is the same one he used to rescue the Galaxy team he took over midway through the 2008 season. In L.A., he remade the roster by shipping out more than 20 players that winter. In San José, he brought in 16 new ones, including former Galaxy defender Dave Romney, who leads the team in minutes played, and former LAFC striker Cristian Arango, who is third in the league with nine goals. But while Arena celebrates his team's success, he takes no joy from the Galaxy's struggles. 'Listen, I did my spell there and it was time to move on, like anything else,' Arena said. 'You stay in one place too long, they eventually want you to move on. Advertisement 'I have the greatest respect for that organization. There are better times ahead for them. The second half of the season is going to be much improved.' Sarachan agreed. But he'd just as soon the Galaxy hold off on that improvement until the Quakes have left town. 'Yeah,' he said, confessing to harboring no hard feelings. 'I'd like to see them 0-12-4. And we can move on from that.' This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
