The former England captain has departed the LA Galaxy. And he always gave the impression of a man who valued the Californian lifestyle over MLSThere were more than a few familiar aspects to Steven Gerrard’s last appearance on a Major League Soccer pitch. Not for the first time, he stroked home a penalty past Tim Howard as the LA Galaxy vied with the Colorado Rapids for a place in the Western Conference final. And again, not for the first time, the 36-year-old finished a shoot-out on the losing side. It was an appropriate way for Gerrard to bring this stint of his career to a close.Of course, that isn’t reflective of the glittering 18-year career Gerrard has enjoyed, during which...
The US are already lagging behind their rivals in World Cup qualifying. Their defenders in particular will need to improve at a venue where they are winlessIf there was any consolation for USA after the 2-1 defeat to Mexico on Friday night ended the 15-year sequence of 2-0 wins in Columbus, it might have been that no record lasts forever. And as the team move on to their next World Cup qualifier in San Jose on Tuesday night, they could really do with doing what no US team has ever done in 10 games — win in Costa Rica.To anyone who finds that 0-8-2 record in Costa Rica puzzling, given that the US beat Costa Rica 4-0 in the Copa...
Lampard’s departure begs the question: Are aging designated players worth it or would the money be better invested in cultivating young, home-grown talent?Frank Lampard’s two-year love affair with New York City came to an end as Monday morning came with the news that the 38-year-old English midfielder will not return to the club after his $6m contract expires next month. Related: Frank Lampard set to depart New York City FC as contract expires Today, we say goodbye to a legend. Best of luck on your next chapter, Frank. #ThankYouFrank Related: Frank Lampard to be offered Chelsea post if he retires from playing This city, this team was lucky to have you. #thankyoufrank #nycfc @NYCFC Continue reading...
Pedro Garay only stood 5ft 6in but he protected the world’s greatest player during his whirlwind career with the New York CosmosIt was 1975, and in his wildest imagination, Pedro Garay never dreamed he would wind up in the middle of this wild, almost surreal scenario. There he was, draped over the greatest football player to ever walk the Earth, protecting him from a horde of pitch invaders. The Cuban refugee was guarding American soccer’s most precious jewel at the time, the incomparable Pelé. Pelé’s shirt, shorts and sneakers had been ripped off by the over-zealous fans who had come to Boston’s Nickerson Field stadium to watch the New York Cosmos superstar in his first season in North American Soccer...
Sporting giants are on the front line of setting the cultural tone and they should be praised when they raise their heads above the parapetGregg Popovich began with an apology. “I don’t think my voice is that important,” replied the San Antonio Spurs coach when asked his views on the US election. But then, over the course of six impassioned minutes, one of the greatest coaches in the NBA history sank the verbal equivalent of multiple three-pointers from mid-court. “I’m sick to my stomach,” he sighed, his voice now quivering with anger and a deepening anguish. “Not because the Republicans won but the disgusting tenor and tone and all of the comments that have been xenophobic, homophobic, racist and misogynistic.”The...