Michael Bradley Comments on MLS Referees Following Loss

Michael Bradley didn't mince words when speaking out against the officiating in Toronto FC's 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City on Saturday. The American midfielder was extremely critical of the referees and implored the Major League Soccer home office in New York City to do something to remedy what he feels is a systemic problem throughout the league, per The Associated Press, via ESPN FC:      It's by no means an excuse, it was the same for both teams, but the referee was absolutely awful. The people at the MLS office in New York, when they talk about wanting to improve the league, the first thing that needs to be improved is the refereeing, bottom line. That shouldn't come across as sour grapes because that's just the reality. And it was bad for both teams and I'm sure they're sitting in their locker room saying the same thing to themselves, but they've got three points with them and that certainly makes it a little easier to swallow. TFC picked up five yellow cards in the defeat, including four in the first half. Sporting KC had three of their own, including two for Matt Besler, who was sent off in the 75th minute. According ...

MLS Soccer 2014 Predictions: Coaches Most Likely to Be Fired Early in the Season

When it comes to managing a soccer team, you know it's always better to rent than lay down a payment on a new house. This past offseason saw a lot of turnover in Major League Soccer, with eight new coaches taking over ahead of the 2014 season. While that limits the potential pool for the sack race, you can bet that plenty of coaches will be sitting on the hot seat from the opening week and beyond. These three appear the most under threat to not finish the season with their current clubs.   Ryan Nelsen, Toronto FC It doesn't matter how poorly Michael Bradley, Jermain Defoe, Julio Cesar and Gilberto play this season; Ryan Nelsen will be first to go if things don't start off well a Toronto FC. Sacking the coach is much easier than sacking the players. The fact that he is still the manager is a little surprising. You can draw a parallel to Jason Kidd and the Brooklyn Nets. The team hired a rookie coach to lead a bunch of aging veterans with a win-now mantra. While the Nets have leveled off, the results were comical early in the season. Unfortunately for Nelsen, he doesn't have an 82-game season to make things ...

MLS Predictions 2014: Stars Who Will Make Biggest Impact on New Teams

In perhaps no other season has Major League Soccer seen so many talented players flood into the league during the winter. Both Michael Bradley and Jermain Defoe decided that playing regularly for Toronto FC was better in a World Cup year than starting sporadically for Roma and Tottenham Hotspur, respectively. Michael Parkhurst and Maurice Edu returned to MLS after spending years abroad. And who knows what's going to happen after the World Cup, when aging players may feel more welcome in taking the perceived step down? Of course, not every big-name offseason move works out. For every David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Cuauhtemoc Blanco or Marco Di Vaio, there's a Rafael Marquez, Mista, Blaise Nkufo or Kris Boyd. Looking at the list of transactions heading into the new season, these four stand out in terms of how well they should work out for their respective clubs.   Michael Parkhurst, Columbus Crew Out goes Chad Marshall, in comes Michael Parkhurst. Marshall will go down as one of the best centre-backs in Columbus Crew history, but it was probably the right time for him to go. Gregg Berhalter stamped his authority on the team by trading him to the Seattle Sounders, and the trade helped to open up some cap space for ...

MLS SuperDraft 2014: Date, Start Time, Live Stream, TV and More

Every MLS franchise has a chance to start anew on Thursday at the 2014 SuperDraft. The concept of a draft isn't unique to American sports fans, but to foreign soccer fans, it's anathema. The idea that a player would be obligated to move to a team not of his choosing doesn't make any sense, nor does the fact that teams with losing records would be rewarded by having the lowest picks. But the draft offers a great chance for those teams who had a forgettable 2013 season to hit the reset button in 2014. A couple of key moves here and there, and you can go from worst to first in no time—especially with the unpredictability of the playoffs. With so many talented players in the draft pool, plenty of teams will receive major upgrades on Thursday and add another piece to the foundation of what they'll hope will provide future success. Here's a quick preview of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, with the draft order and a couple of key players worth following ahead of Thursday.   When: Thursday, Jan. 16, at 12 p.m. ET Where: Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pa. Watch: ESPNews Live Stream: Watch ESPN   SuperDraft Order   Stars to Watch Andre Blake, GK, Connecticut Andre Blake has been on the top ...

MLS Cup Playoffs 2013: Key to Victory for Each Team in Conference Championships

After a two-week break, the MLS Cup Playoffs get back underway this weekend. In the Eastern Conference, Sporting Kansas City host the Houston Dynamo. After a 0-0 first leg, the second leg should provide plenty of entertainment. And with no away goals rule, Sporting KC won't have to worry about a major uphill battle if they concede an early goal. On the other side, Real Salt Lake carry with them a 4-2 lead from the first leg when they travel to Portland to take on the Timbers for the Western Conference title. Even a two-goal lead isn't safe when you consider how raucous and boisterous the crowd will be at Jeld-Wen Field. In order for each team to get through to the final, they'll have to make sure they follow through on these keys to the game.   Eastern Conference Final Sporting Kansas City: Free Graham Zusi and Let Him Create One of the most enjoyable teams to watch in MLS over the past couple of seasons has been Sporting KC. Peter Vermes uses a very positive attacking style that's not only been a pleasure on the eyes, it's also been very successful on the pitch. One of the biggest reasons for that success has been Graham Zusi. The 27-year-old ...

Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders FC: Complete Preview for MLS Semifinal

The Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders renew their rivalry Thursday night. This time, the stakes have been raised, as a spot in the Western Conference final is on the line. In the first leg of this two-legged affair, the Timbers came through with a big 2-1 win at CenturyLink Field. While away goals don't count in this instance, going into Seattle and walking away with a win is still a huge result. Jeld-Wen Field will be electric for this fixture. Overcoming a one-goal deficit will be difficult for the Sounders in such a daunting atmosphere. Portland lost just one match there the entire season. Here's a quick preview for the newest entry in this Pacific Northwest derby.   When: Thursday, Nov. 7, at 11 p.m. ET Where: Jeld-Wen Field, Portland, Ore. TV Info: NBC Sports Network Live Stream: MLS Live   Portland Player to Watch: Donovan Ricketts It's not a matter of if, but how much Donovan Ricketts will be tested. The Sounders have too much strength in the attack to go out with a whimper. Seattle will have plenty of shots on goal and opportunities to either tie or go ahead in the tie. The entire Portland defense has been doing its part, especially at home. According to MLSSoccer.com, the Timbers ...

Sporting Kansas City vs. New England Revolution: Complete Preview for MLS Clash

The New England Revolution travel to Kansas City Wednesday with a spot in the Eastern Conference Final on the line. This is the second leg of the two-legged Eastern semifinal. The Revolution carry a 2-1 advantage into the match after a win at home Saturday. Unlike European knockout competitions, that away goal for Sporting Kansas City will count just the same as a home goal, so they're not coming into this match with any sort of edge in that regard. It should be a lively affair, as Sporting KC look to take control early in front of their home fans and get the crucial equalizer. They've got a talented side, and getting bounced this early in the playoffs would be considered a major disappointment after earning the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.   When: Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 9 p.m. ET Where: Sporting Park, Kansas City, Kan. TV: KSMO (Kansas City); CSN-NE (New England) Live Stream: MLS Live   Top Storylines Will Sporting KC's Season End at Home, Again? By virtue of having the lower seed, Sporting Kansas City are supposed to be at an advantage playing at home in the second leg. It's the more pivotal of the two matches, so the team with the better regular-season record should ...

David Beckham Reportedly Chooses Miami as Target City for New MLS Franchise

David Beckham will reportedly bring some football talent down to Miami. According to Rob Harris of the Associated Press, the retired international footballer has finally reached a decision about the location of a proposed MLS franchise: From ESPN's Darren Rovell: MLS executive vice president Dan Courtemanche confirmed that Beckham and the league have discussed a new expansion franchise and spoke of Miami with regard to its soccer enthusiasts, via Harris: We know that Miami is one of the most passionate soccer markets in North America. We have met with David Beckham regarding ownership of an expansion team, and we look forward to David one day owning an MLS club. Back in June, Beckham told the South Florida CBS affiliate about the Miami fanbase's enthusiasm for soccer: I think bringing an MLS team here to South Florida would be exciting,” said Beckham. “I think Miami fans are very passionate about the sport and about winning and of course, it would have to be success but it’s definitely exciting.” Late last month, Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald reported Beckham and Miami-based cellphone tycoon Marcelo Claure were in serious negotiations that would land Miami its newest sports team: Beckham has an option to buy a franchise for a sharply discounted price believed to be ...