MLS Cup Playoffs 2016: Dates, Schedule, Odds, Bracket and Live-Stream Info

There will be a new MLS Cup winner in 2016. Both the Portland Timbers—the reigning champions—and 2015 runners-up Columbus Crew SC failed to qualify for the playoffs, marking the first time in MLS history that neither finalist has made it to the postseason, per Alicia Rodriguez of the league's official website. FC Dallas, the Colorado Rapids, the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC have already booked places in their respective conference semi-finals. They are waiting for the winners of Wednesday's and Thursday's fixtures. The LA Galaxy are the favourites for their match against Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, DC United don't expect to be troubled by the Montreal Impact in the Eastern Conference.   Here are the schedule and streaming details:   2016 MLS Cup Playoffs Schedule Date Time Conference Match TV Live Stream Wednesday, Oct. 26 7:30 p.m. ET (12:30 a.m. BST) East Toronto FC vs. Philadelphia Union ESPN 2, UniMas, TSN 2/Sky Sports 2 WatchESPN Wednesday, Oct. 26 10:30 p.m. ET (3:30 a.m. BST) West LA Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake UniMas/Sky Sports 2 MLS Live Thursday, Oct. 27 7:30 p.m. ET (12:30 a.m. BST) East DC United vs. Montreal Impact UniMas, RDS2/Sky Sports 3 MLS Live Thursday, Oct. 27 10 p.m. ET (3 a.m. BST) West Seattle Sounders vs. Sporting KC Fox Sports 1, UniMas/Sky Sports 3 Fox Sports Go MLSSoccer.com Here are the live-stream links: MLS Live, WatchESPN, Fox Sports Go. For the full ...

Ashley Cole to LA Galaxy: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Ashley Cole has moved on from AS Roma and joined MLS side LA Galaxy, potentially marking the final chapter in his storied career. The transfer was confirmed by the American club on Twitter: Details of terms were not revealed, but Galaxy insider Adam Serrano revealed Cole's squad designation: Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena has welcomed Cole to the club and outlined some of the qualities the veteran full-back will add to his squad, per the team's official site. "Ashley is one of the world’s most successful defenders and has played at the highest level of competition throughout his career," Arena said. "He can provide our defense with valuable experience. We look forward to his contribution to our club this season." This deal had been widely expected. Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times reported how Cole had been bought out the final five months of his contract amid interest from Galaxy. It seems the Italian club are only too happy to rid themselves of Cole. Writing for the Guardian, Marcus Christenson and Fabrizio Romano made it clear how Roma were "desperate to sever their ties" with the veteran defender. Now 35, the former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back can offer the cool head of experience to ...

Didier Drogba: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Star’s Future with Impact

MLS side Montreal Impact want Didier Drogba to play for them in 2016 and see out the final part of his contract, even though they are also trying to assist his comeback to Chelsea. Continue for updates. Chelsea Must Pay Compensation Tuesday, Dec. 29 Soccer analyst Alexi Lalas confirmed Chelsea will need to reach an agreement over compensation if they want Drogba to leave the MLS now: Impact in Contact with Chelsea Wednesday, Dec. 23 According to interim Blues manager Guus Hiddink, the Premier League team is attempting to bring Drogba back to Stamford Bridge, per Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph. Discussions are already taking place between Drogba's current employers and the club where he became a star, according to the Impact's official Twitter feed:     It's a situation the Impact maintain they are powerless to stop: Despite their needs, Montreal are also trying to be respectful of Drogba's obvious desire to return to the club where he won the UEFA Champions League: Speaking of being respectful, the MLS team has praised its fans' tolerance—probably both for Drogba's wishes as well as for the Impact's willingness to indulge them:     Law also stated that while the west London club wants to seal an early exit from Canada for Drogba, the Blues ...

Giovani Dos Santos to LA Galaxy: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Giovani dos Santos has joined LA Galaxy after the MLS club initially reported it had agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the former Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal attacker. The news was confirmed by Galaxy's official Twitter feed: Dos Santos is currently representing Mexico at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup and will join his new teammates after the tournament's conclusion. Galaxy manager Bruce Arena had confirmed the signing a little before it was officially ratified, per a report from Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times (h/t Goal's Thomas Floyd). Arena had spoken about the need for a mature approach from a player who hasn't delivered on his immense potential and talent: "It’s going to be a challenge for him. He's not been at a club yet where he's had those kind of responsibilities. And he's in a community where he's going to be sought after. He's going to have to be mature about it." Arena's words ring true. Dos Santos can light up the MLS if he fully applies himself. This is a player blessed with a natural flair and technical quality that makes him stand out in attack. His guile in the final third will be a major boost for Los Angeles. In fact, Arena is ...