With sales of Electronic Arts (EA) Sports "FIFA 15" continue to grow in North America, particularly during the holidays, a recent study showed that the video game draws new fans to the sport of soccer.
The 2014 Major League Soccer Playoffs have started off with a bang as the New York Red Bulls upset Eastern Conference top seed, DC United, in the first leg of their Eastern Conference semifinals series. In Liga MX action, Guadalajara, who has struggled for most of the year, managed to earn a point against Club América in their "Super Clasico"
With the playoffs set to start on Wednesday, the Seattle Sounders defeated the LA Galaxy to capture the Supporters' Shield -- given to the club with the best record in Major League Soccer while New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips tied Chris Wondolowski and Roy Lassiter for the MLS season goal record. In Liga MX action, Queretaro, trying to slide into the last 2014 Liguilla playoff spot upset league leader Club América, keeping with pace with Cruz Azul.
Also, Atlas fails to catch Club America after losing to Toluca in Liga MX action, while Toronto FC is eliminated from a postseason berth despite having spent $100 million during the offseason on English Premier League striker Jermain Defoe and U.S. national team midfielder Michael Bradley.
Also, Guadalajara of the Liga MX contemplates making a changes at the head coach position as the continue to struggle in the standings, while MLS's DC United defeats Panama's Tauro FC to qualify into the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League.
With the 2014 World Cup now in the rear-view, Luke Dempsey's entertaining book "Club Soccer 101" helps new-school soccer fans and sports history wonks learn more about professional club teams from around the world -- including La Liga, Bundesliga, English Premier League (EPL), Liga MX, and Major League Soccer (MLS) -- with his new book further helping them understand the passion of "the beautiful game."
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho signs with Queretaro of Liga MX and is met with both open arms and a racial slur by a former Mexican politician, Seattle Sounders clinch MLS Playoff berth and aim for the Supporters Shield, and MLS Commissioner Don Garber is interested in replay challenges for the league.
The 2014 Major League Soccer season is winding down. With so few games remaining in the standings, every game is critical, and the New York Red Bulls are currently in sixth place and in need of a big win to make the playoffs.
