MLS: Rating the Designated Players’ Performances so Far This Year

As MLS continues to grow in the world of football, plenty of its teams are looking for foreign talent to help bolster their squad. Ever since the DP rule was introduced in 2007, more and more clubs are taking the Designated Player path and signing big names in order to enhance their chances at claiming MLS glory.There are currently twenty one players with this DP label in MLS, and I have grouped each one of these players into a specific category based on their 2012 performances so far. From those who are more than earning their paycheck (Thierry Henry) to those who aren't quite the fan favorites (Rafa Marquez), I have placed each DP into one of four groups that explains their current play this season.Enjoy!Begin Slideshow

MLS: Picking an All-Star Team Based on Performances So Far

We have seen some excellent performances so far this 2012 MLS season. Whether it was Thierry Henry's hat-trick vs Montreal or Aurelien Collin's dominance in the back for Kansas City, plenty of players have stood out as clear favorites for a MLS All-Star selection. Here is a list of the best XI so far this season and who would deserve a spot on the team if the selections happened today. Enjoy!Note: Normal All-Star lineups are based off of voting from fans. I am merely selecting the eleven players who deserve a spot based on their excellent early season play. I also acknowledge that a 3-4-3 is not the expected formation the All-Star team would play. However, this formation allowed me to highlight the 11 best players in MLS so far this season. Begin Slideshow

MLS: Can the All-Stars Really Defeat Chelsea This Summer?

In case you missed the announcement, Chelsea will take their talents to Philadelphia on July 25 to compete against the best in MLS at the annual All-Star game.The two sides battled it out back in 2006 in a game that had the American super-squad come out on top one-nil. But a lot of things have changed since that historic summer day at Toyota Park. Nearly all of the players on that All-Star team are out of the league now, and Chelsea has spent millions of dollars in revamping their squad the last six years.Plus, the MLS All-Star team has since struggled in their invented competition, losing the last two games to Chelsea-rival Manchester United by a combined score of 9-2. All signs point to another EPL victory on American soil, resulting in MLS fans across the country groaning at the league’s decision to select such a difficult opponent.But instead of sighing about the future, let’s be optimistic about the contest and imagine the ways the All-Star Team could get back to its winning ways. It might not be as improbable as you think. First off, let us predict the starting XI that will most likely take the field that Wednesday ...

Sporting Kansas City: 5 Reasons Why They Are Taking MLS by Storm This Season

This headline on an article 12 months ago would have looked incredibly silly and unprofessional, yet here we are five weeks into the MLS season and the title couldn't be more relevant.Sporting Kansas City is the only MLS club still undefeated in the league and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down anytime soon.Playing in front a revived fanbase, Kansas City is one of the toughest teams to earn a point off of as of right now. However, it is not just the enhanced support that is helping the Wiz Kids earn the W week in and week out. Here are five other reasons why SKC is taking the league by storm this season. Enjoy!Begin Slideshow

MLS: Top 10 Teenagers in the League Today

There is no doubting that the MLS has become somewhat of a feeder league the last couple of years. With domestically-developed stars such as Jozy Altidore, Stuart Holden and Tim Ream all making the switch across the pond, it is evident that the league boasts more talented youngsters than ever before.With so many good young players, it is tough to select the ten best teenagers in the American league. Nevertheless, I have picked those who are worthy of your attention prior to them officially establishing themselves in MLS.Enjoy!Begin Slideshow

MLS First XI: Most Effective Strikers in the League Right Now

Welcome to the first edition of MLS First XI!In the next couple of weeks I will be making lists of the top 11 players at each general position in the American league.We start off with the men that make and break their careers off of pressure situations: strikers.This is a list of the 11 most effective strikers in MLS, and the rankings are based on who is the most productive on the attack, not who is necessarily the most talented.History, recent form and style were all taken into account during the production of this list. Which 11 players can their team count on to get the job done in crunch time? Begin Slideshow

MLS: Relating Each Team to a Premier League Parallel

Have you ever thought about the similarities between MLS and Premier League clubs in the modern era? A decade ago it would have been silly to think of parallels between the massively different leagues, but as American soccer has progressed, suddenly its domestic league has started to resemble the EPL more and more.We are even at a level where teams share a number of characteristics despite being located thousands of miles and an ocean away. I began to look into some of these inter-league parallels and realized there are more comparable teams than what you would initially expect.Here is a list of each MLS team and the English Premier League club it most reflects. Note: This is a subjective list and it is obvious that some comparisons are stronger than others. Nevertheless, if you would have different pairings than the ones on the list, feel free to comment with your opinion. Have fun and enjoy!Begin Slideshow

MLS Week 2: Predictions and Previews for the Week Ahead

After an interesting and exciting MLS First Kick, our tongues have just begun to taste the potential of what this season has to offer. Last week, we saw last minute winners, west coast dominance, and the official debut of MLS' new TV partner NBC Sports.All that being said, there will be plenty of great matchups and stories to watch as the MLS enters the second week of its 17th season in action. Check out the Week Two Preview here. Enjoy!Begin Slideshow

MLS Season Preview: Predicting the Breakout Performances of 2012

After a long, busy offseason MLS First Kick week is finally back and ready to get the season started.This winter featured a number of big moves and transfers that will give the league a completely new look in the next eight months. With so many great new additions, 2012 looks to be the most competitive and entertaining season in league history.Want to know who is destined for a breakout season in MLS? Click through this slideshow for some preseason predictions.Enjoy!Begin Slideshow

Red Bulls Offseason Report: Marquez Status, Henry to Arsenal and Ream Transfer

This is your New York Red Bulls offseason report for the month of December.At the start of the Red Bulls' offseason, I made a list of five things that the team had to do before the much-anticipated start of the 2012 season. Those five things were: Get attractive home jerseys, sell Rafa Marquez, keep Henry happy, test Ream in the market and find a playmaker.How is the team doing on the five objectives I assigned to them? Click through this slideshow to see. Begin Slideshow