David Villa. David Beckham. Thierry Henry. What do they have in common? The MLS. And while their names have done a ton to improve the image of the American Soccer League, there are other names that could do even more to further that cause.
Example? Cristiano Ronaldo.
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.
Also, the New England Revolution end Thierry Henry's career after defeating the Red Bulls to advance to the MLS Cup finals while Monterrey upsets Atlas in the 2014 Liga MX Liguilla postseason.
Landon Donovan, looking to win his sixth MLS Cup before he retires, scores a hat trick against Real Salt Lake on Sunday helping the LA Galaxy advance into the Western Conference finals. In Liga MX action, eight teams -- including Ronaldinho's Querétaro club -- are vying for four spots in the 2014 Apertura Liguilla with one game left in the season.
The Columbus Crew will take on the New England Revolution in the 2014 Major League Soccer semifinals. Latin Post previews this match-up and predicts who will win.
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.
Also, Los Angeles Galaxy tie the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference of the MLS, while in Liga MX action, Club America finally breaks scoring drought.
With Major League Soccer (MLS) turning 20 years old next season, the league shined the spotlight on young players such as Chivas USA's Erick Torres as they unveiled their new logo at the MLS and EA Sports FIFA 15 launch party Thursday night.
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.
