Latest news with #MLSWesternConference
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLS club claims to have suffered illness, like the Crew, in CONCACAF final
VANCOUVER (WCMH) — One year after the Columbus Crew fell in the CONCACAF final while suffering from stomach issues, another Major League Soccer team claims to have fell victim to the same fate. The Vancouver Whitecaps made it to its first CONCACAF Champions Cup final, taking on Liga MX's Cruz Azul on Sunday at Estadio Olimpico Universitario in Mexico City. Vancouver lost 5-0, mirroring the Crew's convincing defeat to Pachuca 3-0 in the 2024 final. On Thursday, Vancouver confirmed another similarity: their team had played through wide-spread illness. Advertisement 'Following the team's return from Mexico, a significant number of Whitecaps FC players and staff reported gastrointestinal symptoms,' Vancouver said in a statement. Meredith Gaudreau surprises Monahan with prestigious NHL award The Whitecaps canceled training on Wednesday and held a modified session on Thursday for players who had been cleared by the club's medical team and an infectious disease consultant. In Sunday's final, Vancouver failed to register a single shot and had less than one-third of possession throughout the match. The Whitecaps also had just two touches in Cruz Azul's box. Upon their return to central Ohio after losing to Pachuca, Columbus Crew Coach Wilfried Nancy informed members of the media that multiple Crew players and staff members were dealing with a similar bout of stomach illness. See previous coverage in the video player above. Advertisement Former Crew star Cucho Hernandez commented on social media about the news. 'Should I be surprised?' he said. Despite the CONCACAF loss, the Whitecaps lead the MLS Western Conference standings with just one loss in 15 games. The Crew will play the Whitecaps at home on June 14 at 7:30 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bruce Arena wary of his L.A. return against a Galaxy team 'due' for success
San José Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena stands on the sideline during the playing of the national anthem before a match against the Columbus Crew on April 26. (Jason Mowry / Getty Images) The last time Bruce Arena and Dave Sarachan stood together on the sidelines at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy were beating the Colorado Rapids in the MLS Western Conference semifinals. That was 2016 and the win was the pair's 18th playoff victory in eight seasons with the Galaxy. It was also the last game they coached together in Carson. Advertisement They'll be back on Wednesday, only this time Arena and Sarachan will be in the opposite technical area, standing in front of the San José Earthquakes' bench. And in some ways it's a bittersweet return. Because while both men have mostly fond memories of their time with the Galaxy, they return with the home team hungry and winless through 15 games, the longest drought in franchise history. That makes the homecoming both welcome and challenging. Read more: Commentary: Bruce Arena aims to achieve the seemingly impossible with San José 'I have nothing but good memories of my time in L.A. with the Galaxy. So it's nice to go back,' Arena said. Advertisement 'I like watching them and they've had tough times. But they're better than their record indicates. We're the next team up, which will be in some ways very, very challenging because you know they're due to have success.' The Galaxy (0-11-4) have led in each of their last three games, only to lose two of them on goals deep in stoppage time. So Wednesday's game could be a dangerous one for the Earthquakes (5-6-4), who are unbeaten in their last five. 'It's almost amazing that they haven't gotten a win,' Sarachan said. 'It's a double-edged sword because there's a certain fragility to it. But at the same time, they're looking to get out of this funk. They're in a tough situation so we just have to be ready.' Arena and Sarachan, his top assistant with both the Galaxy and men's national team, are arguably the most successful coaching duo in U.S. Soccer history, having taken the national team to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup before winning three MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields in five seasons with the Galaxy. Advertisement It was the most successful five-year stretch by any team in MLS history. But the Galaxy didn't win another MLS Cup until last season, ending the team's longest trophy drought. Less than two years after leaving the Galaxy to return to the national team, Arena and Sarachan went their separate ways after failing to qualify the U.S. for the 2018 World Cup. They reunited this winter in San José, where they took over a team that had tied the MLS record for losses (25) and broke the record for goals allowed (78) in 2024, guiding it into playoff position after 15 games this year. 'Our goal is to get through the first half of the season where we have a good feel for our team and understand where we need to go in the second half,' Arena said. 'At the end of next week we'll be at the midway point in the season and we have a better feel for where we are. Read more: LAFC and Galaxy each won something notable in their El Tráfico draw Advertisement 'We're improving. Maybe not as quick as I'd like but I think we have a chance to be a good team in the season half.' Arena's blueprint for turning the Quakes around is the same one he used to rescue the Galaxy team he took over midway through the 2008 season. In L.A., he remade the roster by shipping out more than 20 players that winter. In San José, he brought in 16 new ones, including former Galaxy defender Dave Romney, who leads the team in minutes played, and former LAFC striker Cristian Arango, who is third in the league with nine goals. But while Arena celebrates his team's success, he takes no joy from the Galaxy's struggles. 'Listen, I did my spell there and it was time to move on, like anything else,' Arena said. 'You stay in one place too long, they eventually want you to move on. Advertisement 'I have the greatest respect for that organization. There are better times ahead for them. The second half of the season is going to be much improved.' Sarachan agreed. But he'd just as soon the Galaxy hold off on that improvement until the Quakes have left town. 'Yeah,' he said, confessing to harboring no hard feelings. 'I'd like to see them 0-12-4. And we can move on from that.' This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Bruce Arena wary of his L.A. return against a Galaxy team ‘due' for success
The last time Bruce Arena and Dave Sarachan stood together on the sidelines at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy were beating the Colorado Rapids in the MLS Western Conference semifinals. That was 2016 and the win was the pair's 18th playoff victory in eight seasons with the Galaxy. It was also the last game they coached together in Carson. They'll be back on Wednesday, only this time Arena and Sarachan will be in the opposite technical area, standing in front of the San José Earthquakes' bench. And in some ways it's a bittersweet return. Because while both men have mostly fond memories of their time with the Galaxy, they return with the home team hungry and winless through 15 games, the longest drought in franchise history. That makes the homecoming both welcome and challenging. 'I have nothing but good memories of my time in L.A. with the Galaxy. So it's nice to go back,' Arena said. 'I like watching them and they've had tough times. But they're better than their record indicates. We're the next team up, which will be in some ways very, very challenging because you know they're due to have success.' The Galaxy (0-11-4) have led in each of their last three games, only to lose two of them on goals deep in stoppage time. So Wednesday's game could be a dangerous one for the Earthquakes (5-6-4), who are unbeaten in their last five. 'It's almost amazing that they haven't gotten a win,' Sarachan said. 'It's a double-edged sword because there's a certain fragility to it. But at the same time, they're looking to get out of this funk. They're in a tough situation so we just have to be ready.' Arena and Sarachan, his top assistant with both the Galaxy and men's national team, are arguably the most successful coaching duo in U.S. Soccer history, having taken the national team to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup before winning three MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields in five seasons with the Galaxy. It was the most successful five-year stretch by any team in MLS history. But the Galaxy didn't win another MLS Cup until last season, ending the team's longest trophy drought. Less than two years after leaving the Galaxy to return to the national team, Arena and Sarachan went their separate ways after failing to qualify the U.S. for the 2018 World Cup. They reunited this winter in San José, where they took over a team that had tied the MLS record for losses (25) and broke the record for goals allowed (78) in 2024, guiding it into playoff position after 15 games this year. 'Our goal is to get through the first half of the season where we have a good feel for our team and understand where we need to go in the second half,' Arena said. 'At the end of next week we'll be at the midway point in the season and we have a better feel for where we are. 'We're improving. Maybe not as quick as I'd like but I think we have a chance to be a good team in the season half.' Arena's blueprint for turning the Quakes around is the same one he used to rescue the Galaxy team he took over midway through the 2008 season. In L.A., he remade the roster by shipping out more than 20 players that winter. In San José, he brought in 16 new ones, including former Galaxy defender Dave Romney, who leads the team in minutes played, and former LAFC striker Cristian Arango, who is third in the league with nine goals. But while Arena celebrates his team's success, he takes no joy from the Galaxy's struggles. 'Listen, I did my spell there and it was time to move on, like anything else,' Arena said. 'You stay in one place too long, they eventually want you to move on. 'I have the greatest respect for that organization. There are better times ahead for them. The second half of the season is going to be much improved.' Sarachan agreed. But he'd just as soon the Galaxy hold off on that improvement until the Quakes have left town. 'Yeah,' he said, confessing to harboring no hard feelings. 'I'd like to see them 0-12-4. And we can move on from that.'
Toronto Star
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Vancouver Whitecaps not discounting Valour FC heading into Canadian Championship
The Vancouver Whitecaps heard analysts' predictions ahead of the Major League Soccer season. Pundits mused the club would finish 14th or 15th in the standings, that the 'Caps were a middling team that would miss the playoffs. 'We really took that and put a chip on our shoulders,' said midfielder Jayden Nelson. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Vancouver has defied expectations in dramatic fashion — the club currently sits atop the MLS Western Conference standings and has earned a spot in next month's CONCACAF Champions Cup final. Now the Whitecaps are on to their next quest, chasing a fourth consecutive Canadian Championship title. 'Now it's like, OK, this season, we really could make a name for ourselves to say we're one of the best. And why not us?' Nelson said. 'So I think to have that mentality, we need to do it again and again and again.' Vancouver's title defence begins Tuesday when the squad visits Canadian Premier League side Valour FC to kick off a two-legged aggregate quarterfinal series. The 'Caps head to Winnipeg undefeated in their last 12 games across all competitions (6-0-6) and with a 8-1-4 record in MLS play. 'Honestly, I think they are arguably the best team in CONCACAF right now,' said Valour head coach Phillip Dos Santos, a former assistant coach for the 'Caps. 'They've just maintained the level of performance very high since the beginning of the season.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW As winners of the 2024 Canadian Championship, the Whitecaps earned a bye through the preliminary round of this year's tournament. Valour advanced to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over semi-professional side TSS Rovers, but has struggled through the early days of their CPL campaign. The club got its first league win of the year Friday when it beat York United 2-1, and it now holds a 1-4-1 record on the season. 'It's kind of the monkey off the back,' said forward Kris Twardek. 'Everyone wants to get their first win as early as possible.' The victory gave the team confidence, he added, and going up against a strong opponent on Tuesday could propel the group's growth even further. Twardek compared the challenge of facing the Whitecaps to some of the fixtures he played against bigger clubs while with Bohemian FC in Ireland. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'It was always the goal to get European qualifying matches,' he said. 'It kind of galvanizes the group, builds confidence. And I was fortunate to have a couple of games there like that. And it's something that can really light an excitement in the group and be a catalyst for everyone.' Meanwhile, the Whitecaps are coming off a 0-0 draw with Austin FC that head coach Jesper Sorensen called his team's 'worst performance of the season.' 'I think we've been strong over a long period of time, and it's normal that you have games where you don't really hit the right notes and you don't really seem as connected,' he said. The disappointing result and a 2-2 draw against Los Angeles FC the week before are fuelling Vancouver going into Tuesday's matchup, Nelson said. 'I think this game is actually important for us because we're coming off a couple ties and we want to win,' he said. 'We want to definitely go into this game to get our confidence and our groove back, so it's a serious game for us.' The two clubs have not met since 2022 when Vancouver blanked Valour 2-0 in the preliminary round of the Canadian Championship. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Even though the 'Caps are rolling, players aren't discounting the challenge their CPL opponents may provide. 'I think from the first whistle, it's important to respect Valour,' Nelson said. 'I think it stems from there, (we need) to really give them their respect and try to match the intensity and move the ball fast, and be able to show why we're playing in the MLS and why we're doing well in our league.' On the other side of the pitch, Dos Santos and his team are focused on what they can control. He wants his team to know they can win, know that they can score and focus on the small details. 'It's going to be about us being ourselves (on Tuesday). Guys don't need and they can't think that the occasion is too big for them,' the coach said. 'We need to look at the fact that it's an opposition, it's 11 guys that are going to step on to that field. And we need to play. We need to enjoy the moment. We need to understand the threats that they bring, but also know that nobody's perfect.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2025.
Vancouver Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Whitecaps not discounting Valour FC heading into Canadian Championship
The Vancouver Whitecaps heard analysts' predictions ahead of the Major League Soccer season. Pundits mused the club would finish 14th or 15th in the standings, that the 'Caps were a middling team that would miss the playoffs. 'We really took that and put a chip on our shoulders,' said midfielder Jayden Nelson. Vancouver has defied expectations in dramatic fashion — the club currently sits atop the MLS Western Conference standings and has earned a spot in next month's CONCACAF Champions Cup final. Now the Whitecaps are on to their next quest, chasing a fourth consecutive Canadian Championship title. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Now it's like, OK, this season, we really could make a name for ourselves to say we're one of the best. And why not us?' Nelson said. 'So I think to have that mentality, we need to do it again and again and again.' Vancouver's title defence begins Tuesday when the squad visits Canadian Premier League side Valour FC to kick off a two-legged aggregate quarterfinal series. The 'Caps head to Winnipeg undefeated in their last 12 games across all competitions (6-0-6) and with an 8-1-4 record in MLS play. 'Honestly, I think they are arguably the best team in CONCACAF right now,' said Valour head coach Phillip Dos Santos, a former assistant coach for the 'Caps. 'They've just maintained the level of performance very high since the beginning of the season.' As winners of the 2024 Canadian Championship, the Whitecaps earned a bye through the preliminary round of this year's tournament. Valour advanced to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over semi-professional side TSS Rovers, but has struggled through the early days of their CPL campaign. The club got its first league win of the year Friday when it beat York United 2-1, and it now holds a 1-4-1 record on the season. 'It's kind of the monkey off the back,' said forward Kris Twardek. 'Everyone wants to get their first win as early as possible.' The victory gave the team confidence, he added, and going up against a strong opponent on Tuesday could propel the group's growth even further. Twardek compared the challenge of facing the Whitecaps to some of the fixtures he played against bigger clubs while with Bohemian FC in Ireland. 'It was always the goal to get European qualifying matches,' he said. 'It kind of galvanizes the group, builds confidence. And I was fortunate to have a couple of games there like that. And it's something that can really light an excitement in the group and be a catalyst for everyone.' Meanwhile, the Whitecaps are coming off a 0-0 draw with Austin FC that head coach Jesper Sorensen called his team's 'worst performance of the season.' 'I think we've been strong over a long period of time, and it's normal that you have games where you don't really hit the right notes and you don't really seem as connected,' he said. The disappointing result and a 2-2 draw against Los Angeles FC the week before are fuelling Vancouver going into Tuesday's matchup, Nelson said. 'I think this game is actually important for us because we're coming off a couple ties and we want to win,' he said. 'We want to definitely go into this game to get our confidence and our groove back, so it's a serious game for us.' The two clubs have not met since 2022 when Vancouver blanked Valour 2-0 in the preliminary round of the Canadian Championship. Even though the 'Caps are rolling, players aren't discounting the challenge their CPL opponents may provide. 'I think from the first whistle, it's important to respect Valour,' Nelson said. 'I think it stems from there, (we need) to really give them their respect and try to match the intensity and move the ball fast, and be able to show why we're playing in the MLS and why we're doing well in our league.' On the other side of the pitch, Dos Santos and his team are focused on what they can control. He wants his team to know they can win, know that they can score and focus on the small details. 'It's going to be about us being ourselves (on Tuesday). Guys don't need and they can't think that the occasion is too big for them,' the coach said. 'We need to look at the fact that it's an opposition, it's 11 guys that are going to step on to that field. And we need to play. We need to enjoy the moment. We need to understand the threats that they bring, but also know that nobody's perfect.'
