Paul Pogba Would Be a 'Great' Addition to MLS, Says Wayne Rooney
Mar 21, 2019
D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) reacts after an MLS playoff soccer match against the Columbus Crew SC, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Washington. The Crew SC won 2-2 (3-2) in penalty kicks. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Football writer Kristan Heneage was particularly impressed with his play in the buildup to his second goal:
Wayne Rooney did a good job of managing the press for #DCU here (you don’t see all of it in this clip). Instead of just running head on he kept splitting the RSL defenders as D.C. laid a trap. He even had the presence of mind to stay onside when it was sent left. https://t.co/unpDIvcbAh
MLS has given the 33-year-old a career renaissance after he spent several years visibly declining in English football.
Pogba, 26, is in the prime of his career and seems unlikely to leave the confines of the European game in the near future.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the FA Cup Quarter Final match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on March 16, 2019 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Imag
He has displayed some of his best form with the Red Devils in recent months since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho in December.
In that time, he's scored nine goals to take his tally to 14 for the season, having scored a total of 15 in his first two campaigns back at Old Trafford following his return in 2016.
United are still in the UEFA Champions League this season, and Pogba will hope to help the team challenge for it and other major honours in the coming years.
MLS has become an increasingly viable and attractive destination for players in Europe, though, with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andrea Pirlo, Thierry Henry and Frank Lampard among those to cross the Atlantic.
In the future, Pogba could be another coup for an MLS side.
David Beckham Discusses Bringing Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo to MLS
Mar 17, 2019
David Beckham attends an LA Galaxy David Beckham statue MLS soccer ceremony at Legends Plaza in front of Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., Saturday, March 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has refused to rule out making a move for Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo but acknowledged both are still playing at a level well above that of MLS.
Beckham spoke to reporters about the search for players for his new club, which will debut in MLS in 2020. Per Reuters (for ESPN FC) he touched on the two stars and the possibility of landing them at this time:
"Everyone has their wish list -- everyone does! But if you look at the way Leo and Cristiano are still playing, even at what you might think is the later stage of their careers, I don't see it ending for them.
"They're playing at such a high level that it's hard to see them leaving the clubs they are at. But we will see. You never know what can happen in football."
Ronaldo and Messi are 34 and 31, respectively, but are still widely considered among the best players in the world.
They reminded everyone of their remarkable talents in midweek, playing key roles for Juventus and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League:
Beckham became MLS' biggest overseas star when he joined L.A. Galaxy in 2007, handing the league a massive profile boost. Top stars from Europe have since found success in North America, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney making the switch last year.
The latter has started the new season in sensational form for D.C. United:
Beckham is expected to try to add stars of at least similar caliber, knowing full well expansion teams can find success in MLS almost instantly. Atlanta United made their debut in 2017 and won the title a year later.
There's plenty of work to do before Inter Miami take to the pitch, however. The team doesn't even have a ground to play in, as sports writer Graham Ruthven noted:
Beckham also discussed his old club Manchester United and their success under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He wants his old team-mate to get the job on a permanent basis:
"He's just brought the players together -- and the players have responded in the right way, the way the fans had hoped. It's just nice to see Ole do so well. It's not down to me to decide. But look at the fans. They've loved all the time he has been the manager so far. They want that to continue.
"Ole has just come in. He gains that respect from the players because he had done it. He'd been there on the biggest stage and won, he's been successful."
Solskjaer and Beckham were team-mates during the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Video: Watch David Beckham Get Pranked by James Corden with Fake Statue
Mar 12, 2019
David Beckham was recently on the receiving end of an elaborate prank.
His friend and CBS Late Late Show host James Corden swapped out a statue intended to honour Beckham's career with Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy for a less flattering model at Dignity Health Sports Park in California:
Corden's faux statue came equipped with a particularly pronounced chin and was missing more than a few teeth. It added up to a rendering sure to make the football and fashion icon blanch.
There was more in store for Beckham, though, as Corden had an actor pose as a dignitary attending the fake ceremony. The impostor was instructed to get key details wrong about the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star's career when speaking with the 43-year-old.
For his part, Beckham took whole ruse, including the ghastly mock-up of himself, in good spirits.
Ex-Manchester United Winger Nani Joins Orlando City on 3-Year Contract
Feb 18, 2019
LISBON, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 3: Nani of Sporting CP in action during the Liga NOS match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica at Estadio Jose Alvalade on February 3, 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
The club's executive vice president of soccer operations, Luiz Muzzi, highlighted what his side are expecting from their new signing, per the club's officialwebsite.
"This is an exciting day for our organization," he said. "Nani brings tremendous experience to our roster. He's a dynamic winger with quality abilities to move and cross the ball, impact games and lead the offensive play."
Nani is an exciting winger with an eye for goal who rose to prominence at Manchester United after joining from Sporting in 2007. He went on to make over 200 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 41 goals.
After leaving Old Trafford, Nani went on to play for Fenerbahce, Valencia and Lazio, and he possesses plenty of top-level experience.
La Liga showed off his acrobatic celebrations and offered a glimpse of what to expect from the winger:
Nani has also enjoyed a stellar international career with Portugal. He's won over 100 caps for the national team and played a key role in Portugal's victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship:
The 32-year-old leaves Sporting after making 23 appearances for the club this season in all competitions and scoring eight times for Marcel Keizer's side.
Paul Pogba Confirms Brother Florentin Signed with Atlanta United
Feb 2, 2019
Manchester United's Paul Pogba, left, and St.-Etienne's Florentin Pogba during the Europa League round of 32 first leg soccer match between Manchester United and St.-Etienne at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017 . (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has confirmed on Instagram that his brother Florentin has joined Atlanta United.
Per Rob Ursy of Dirty South Soccer, on his social media account the Red Devils star posted a snap of his brother signing a contract:
The accompanying caption read: "So happy for my bro, just sign (sic) for Atlanta Utd."
While there has not yet been official confirmation from the Major League Soccer champions of a transfer being finalised, it appears an announcement regarding the deal is now inevitable.
Earlier this week it was reported byJeff Carlisleof ESPN that Atlanta were close to wrapping up the signing of the defender, whose previous club was Genclerbirligi S.K. in Turkey.
However, at the end of the previous campaign the Guinea international's contract was not renewed and he has recently been on trial with second-tier Spanish side Elche.
As noted byThe Athletic's Felipe Cardenas, the former Saint-Etienne defender endured some tough times during his stint with Genclerbirligi:
2017 Florentin Pogba would've been a good signing. Not sure what the 2019 version looks like. Last year he walked off the pitch of a Turkish league match with his squad down 1-0. His teammates were not happy.https://t.co/eRlUWn4MCd
Atlanta will be looking to bolster their squad in other areas having lost their key playmaker Miguel Almiron to Newcastle this month. He excelled in 2018, with his creativity and Josef Martinez's goalscoring potency propelling the team to the MLS Cup.
Last term Michael Parkhurst and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez provided Atlanta with a solid defensive base too. It means Pogba is unlikely to be a immediate starter for new boss Frank De Boer.
Toronto FC Deny Sebastian Giovinco Transfer Rumours, Al-Hilal Deal
Jan 28, 2019
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 19: Sebastian Giovinco #10 of Toronto FC looks on during the first half of the 2018 Campeones Cup Final against Tigres UANL at BMO Field on September 19, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
MLS club Toronto FC have denied speculation Sebastian Giovinco is set to join Al-Hilal, explaining the Italian left camp due to a medical issue and not to finalise a move.
As shared by Italian Football TV, press from the Italian peninsula picked up on his absence from camp, with a Gazetta dello Sport reporter even suggesting a deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal had already been secured:
A Toronto representative said those reports are wide of the mark, however, per ESPN FC'sJeff Carlisle:
"In recent days, rumours have suggested Giovinco is heading to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, with Saudi Arabian daily Al Jazirah reporting that he had been issued with an entry visa.
"The report that Giovinco had left the camp added to the impression that his departure was increasingly likely, but the team representative said he had travelled to Los Angeles to see a specialist about tightness in his leg at the request of his agent, Andrea D'Amico.
"Manager Gregg Vanney gave Giovinco permission to see the specialist, and the player is expected to return to Toronto's camp later on Monday."
Carlisle added sources said there has been no offer from the Saudi Arabian Pro League club, but that does not mean there is no interest and a bid could still arrive. The 32-year-old is in the final year of his current contract.
Giovinco himself has responded to the speculation and left the door open:
The former Juventus man has been a smash hit since joining Toronto in 2015. The Atomic Ant quickly established himself as one of the top players in MLS, winning the Golden Boot and MVP Award in his debut campaign.
He also guided the Canadians to the MLS Cup and a domestic treble in 2017.
The Italian is the team's first ever 50-goal scorer:
Al-Hilal are Saudi Arabia's most successful club and have a long history of adding strong overseas players. Rivelino, Christian Wilhelmsson and Thiago Neves are but three examples, while Bafetimbi Gomis and Andre Carrillo are currently members of the squad.
Losing the popular Giovinco would be a tough pill to swallow for Toronto, but the trickster is coming off his worst season yet with the club. He managed a respectable 13 goals and 7 assists in the 2018 MLS season, but it's fair to wonder whether his production will dip further with age.
Add to that his contract situation, and a big-money move to Saudi Arabia could be in the best interest of both parties. Toronto couldn't qualify for the play-offs the past season and their run of dominance appears over; it might be a good time to load up for the future and turn the team over to younger players.
Giovinco never had the opportunity to land a massive contract while in Europe so he'll likely be keen to cash in. Al-Hilal will have to offer tremendous wages to lure him away from MLS, setting him up for a nice payday.
Josef Martinez Signs 5-Year Contract Extension with Atlanta United
Jan 16, 2019
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Josef Martinez #7 of Atlanta United reacts as he leaves the pitch against the Portland Timbers during the 2018 MLS Cup between Atlanta United and the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MLS MVP and Golden Boot winner Josef Martinez has signed a new five-year contract with Atlanta United.
Per the club'sofficial website, Martinez talked about his decision to commit his future to the MLS champions:
"This means a lot to me because of the affection that the fans have shown me, that the fans show all of the players. It's unique. They recognize the effort that you give and they know you did everything to win, and I think that's why we love playing here.
"I have to thank everyone. My teammates, the city, my family and friends, because this is a dream I've always had. I've said before that I don't want to go anywhere because this is my home. You can expect more work, more intensity, because that's who I am. I want to win. I want to do everything for my teammates and for the city."
The 25-year-old joined the club from Torino at the start of 2017 and bagged 19 goals in 20 matches in his debut MLS campaign. Atlanta made the play-offs in their debut season, setting the stage for a phenomenal run in 2018.
The Venezuelan bagged 31 goals in the regular season, breaking the MLS' single-season record, and finished the year by winning League MVP, All-Star Game MVP, the Golden Boot and MLS Cup Final Game MVP.
Here is a look at his record-setting campaign:
Per OptaJack the numbers behind his short stint in MLS are absurd:
50 - Despite playing in just two seasons, Josef Martinez is already tied for the fifth-most goals in a #MLS player's first three seasons. Absurdity. pic.twitter.com/iZW4S47JkQ
Somewhat surprisingly, his strong play has not led to much transfer speculation. PerCharles Boehmof MLSSoccer.com, broadcaster Stuart Holden said there was interest from La Liga, the Premier League and Ligue 1 in August, but there has been little news since.
The new deal should silence whatever speculation there was. Per sportswriter Kristan Heneage, it's a deserved one:
This is well-deserved. Josef Martinez has been a revelation since arriving in MLS. https://t.co/lwwHU9macN
MLS has been a smash hit in Atlanta, and Martinez's strong play has played a major role in the team's popularity. This new contract was a no-brainer, ensuring one of the league's biggest and most productive stars stays right where he is.
It's also a fitting reward for a player who struggled to find his footing in Switzerland and Italy but has blossomed in North America.
Austin FC Announced as 27th MLS Club; Will Begin Play in 2021
Jan 15, 2019
FILE - In this Sept. 18, 2014, file photo, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber launches the league's new logo during a press conference in New York. Garber said Tuesday, Dec 2, 2014, the league is not performing as hoped financially with the league and its franchises still losing more than $100 million combined annually. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber officially announced Austin FC as its 27th franchise Tuesday with the team expected to begin play during the 2021 MLS season.
Kirk Bohls of The Statesman provided comments from Californian majority owner Anthony Precourt, who said the ownership group will soon include more local investors.
"We will shortly be announcing that we'll be welcoming in local Austin partners into our ownership group," Precourt said. "I've had very productive conversations over the last year, and we have very strong interest in a great lineup of local Austinites that will be part of this going forward."
MLS, which is set to contest the 2019 season with 24 clubs, will welcome teams from Nashville and Miami in 2020.
Jim Vertunoof the Associated Press reported Austin will provide land for Precourt to build a $225 million stadium with private funds.
Although there's a petition to force a voter referendum on whether the stadium should be built, Garber said the league is confident the deal will move forward, per Bohls.
"We have faith in the mayor, we have faith in the city council and we have faith in the work that Anthony is going to do early on with his community benefits agreement," he said, per Bohls. "People here will see the value very quickly of having an MLS team. We'll support any democratic process, but we're here to stay."
Austin FC will become the third MLS club in Texas, joining FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo.
It's unclear whether the league will look to add a 28th team by 2021 in order to balance the Eastern and Western Conferences.
Bohls noted Garber said Precourt relinquished his stake in the Columbus Crew, which began with a 2013 investment, in order to become majority owner of the Austin franchise.
The Crew are now owned by group led by Dee and Jimmy Haslam, who also own the NFL's Cleveland Browns.
MLS SuperDraft 2019: Complete Round-by-Round Results and Twitter Reaction
Jan 11, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 28: A detail view of an DC United MLS badge during the MLS match between DC United and Colorado Rapids at Audi Field on July 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Frankie Amaya was the first pick of the 2019 Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Friday, with FC Cincinnati securing the midfielder from UCLA.
The franchise will play in MLS for the first time in the upcoming season and were handed the prize pick as a result. The 18-year-old has been tipped for a big future having impressed in the nascent stages of his career.
Elsewhere, the San Jose Earthquakes went for VCU's Siad Haji with the second pick, while Santiago Patino was the third for Orlando City.
Here are the selections in full from the two rounds in Chicago and a look at what is always an exciting day in the MLS calendar.
Round 1
1. FC Cincinnati—Frankie Amaya, Midfielder, UCLA
2. San Jose Earthquakes—Siad Haji, Midfielder, VCU
3. Orlando City—Santiago Patino, Forward, FIU
4. FC Dallas—Callum Montgomery, Defender, Charlotte
46. San Jose Earthquakes—Mamadi Camara, Midfielder, Simon Fraser
47. Portland Timbers—Lennart Hein, Defender, Saint Louis
48. Atlanta United—Amir Bashti, Midfielder, Stanford
Amaya the Top Pick for Cincinnati
Having delved into the draft for the first time, the first pick for Cincinnati was always going to be a historic moment for the franchise. In Amaya, they appear to have secured an excellent prospect too.
The MLS Twitter account offered insight into what he may be able to offer Alan Koch's team:
The United States youth international has caught the eye on the international stage, particularly when representing his nation at the CONCACAF Under-20 Championships. He impressed in the final against Mexico, as the United States clinched the title with a 2-0 win.
Although there will be plenty of excitement about Amaya and his skill set, according to Ives Galarcep of Goal, his new team may look to send him out on loan initially:
FC Cincinnati selects Frankie Amaya with the 1st overall pick. Talented central midfielder, good skill set, will need time to develop. I'm told Cincinnati could look to loan him to a Mexican club in year one to get him some experience. #SuperDraft
The man who many expected to rival Amaya to be top of this draft class was Haji, who is an unorthodox young player.
The 19-year-old always appears comfortable in possession and has been used in different positions during his time in college and as part of the United States youth teams. While there may be some doubts regarding his decision making, he has all the technical gifts to be a success for San Jose.
Scouted Football commented on how Haji doesn't possess the typical traits you would expect from a wide man:
Number Two: Siad Haji (21) Club: San Jose Earthquakes
Haji was amongst the best performers at this year’s MLS Combine.
He’s not the traditional wide player in that he’s fast and takes on defenders, but he provides tidy link-up play with teammates and knows how to finish. pic.twitter.com/Fk5Kqkj1V0
One of the players best placed to make an impact this season in MLS may be 22-year-old Patino, who was drafted by Orlando.
As relayed by Pro Soccer USA, the striker was actually part of the Orlando development academy before he moved to FIU, so he's a player the club know plenty about. Understandably, he's delighted to be back with the team:
After the completion of the draft, coaches will begin to start thinking seriously about the upcoming season, which begins on March 2. The third and fourth round of draft picks will be made over a conference call ahead of the campaign starting.
MLS Schedule 2019: League Releases Official Regular-Season Dates, Times
Jan 7, 2019
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United celebrates with the MLS Cup after their 2-0 over the Portland Timbers during the 2018 MLS Cup between Atlanta United and the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
On Monday, Major League Soccer released its full schedule for the 2019 season, which kicks off on March 2.
The teams will once again play 34 matches, including 17 each home and away, although there should be more drama this season based on the newest playoff format. Beginning this season, 14 teams will make the playoffs with only one in each conference getting a bye in a single-elimination bracket.
Every seed line will be important to get a home game, which could create plenty of excitement from March to October.
Check out the upcoming schedules for each team in 2019.
The first thing you notice on this list is the addition of FC Cincinnati, an expansion team making its debut in 2019.
The squad will begin its campaign with a road match against the Seattle Sounders on March 2, a place that has always been difficult for away teams. FC Cincinnati won't make its home debut at Nippert Stadium until the third match of the year on March 17 against the Portland Timbers.
While the new team has an uphill battle to be competitive, head coach Alan Koch believes more key players will be added before the season starts.
"We definitely need a few more key pieces to get us over the hump. If we started the season today, I wouldn't be happy," Koch said, per Patrick Brennan of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "We need to get a few more pieces to help set the group up for success. We can hopefully get them in the open market, in trades, and through the draft."
Of course, the team could look at Atlanta United FC for inspiration. The club won the MLS Cup title last season in just its second year of existence, riding an exciting offense and a great home crowd to the championship.
There is enough talent still on the roster to keep the team a top contender in 2019 as it tries to win a second straight championship.
Sporting KC finished last season with the best record in the Western Conference, but it was the Portland Timbers who advanced to the final with a dramatic run through the playoffs.
While the players are likely hoping for some revenge, they will have to wait a while to get an opportunity.
#SportingKC won’t see the #PortlandTimbers — who ended their season in the Western Conference final on Nov. 25 — in the regular season until September 2019. Game 1: @ #Timbers 9/7 Game 2: @ #SportingKC 9/29
With a lot of experience throughout its roster, Sporting KC should once again be among the top teams in the conference, but the team will have to take care of business in the postseason this time around.
Another team to watch are the Los Angeles Galaxy, who feature some notable international stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and both Jonathan and Giovani dos Santos. While the latter didn't live up to expectations in his first year with the club, he is talented enough to be a star in this league.
This type of firepower could help the Galaxy get back to the playoffs after a lost 2018 season.
One big game will be the rivalry battle against Los Angeles FC on Aug. 25.
A full rivalry week will take place from Aug. 21-25, with the Sounders and Timbers battling in one of several interesting matchups.
