L.A. Times - Soccer

Chivas USA needs a makeover; Galaxy needs a goal

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The local MLS teams enter the off-season requiring changes large and small. Chivas is without a coach and also seems to be lacking direction; the Galaxy must find motivation for another title run.

The local MLS teams enter the off-season requiring changes large and small. Chivas is without a coach and also seems to be lacking direction; the Galaxy must find motivation for another title run.

Real Salt Lake defeats Galaxy for the MLS championship

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

After 120 minutes in chilly Seattle, it all comes down to spot kicks from 12 yards out. The Utah side prevails, 5-4, to win its first MLS title in only its fifth season of existence.

After 120 minutes in chilly Seattle, it all comes down to spot kicks from 12 yards out. The Utah side prevails, 5-4, to win its first MLS title in only its fifth season of existence.

U.S. team's World Cup success depends on luck of draw

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The national team will face several scenarios when FIFA representatives meet Dec. 4, but its chances to advance past the first round would improve with play of Landon Donovan.

The national team will face several scenarios when FIFA representatives meet Dec. 4, but its chances to advance past the first round would improve with play of Landon Donovan.

David Beckham's injury could add twist to MLS final

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The Galaxy midfielder is nursing a bone bruise as Los Angeles prepares to take on Real Salt Lake for the championship Sunday.

David Beckham was standing at his Galaxy locker, the one with the color photograph of him and his three sons in Real Madrid uniform, and he was being adamant.

Not to stick a (Space) needle in MLS' balloon, but is it sound?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

First-year success in Seattle, site of Sunday's MLS Cup between the Galaxy and Real Salt Lake, is encouraging for Commissioner Don Garber and his league. But beneath surface there are troubling signs.

The MLS Cup logo gleams from up high, freshly painted atop the Space Needle, along with the logos of the Galaxy and Real Salt Lake.

A look inside MLS Cup '09: Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

A breakdown of Sunday's Major League Soccer championship match at Seattle.

The MLS Cup :: Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake THE MATCHUP The all-time series between the clubs is as tight as could be. During the five years Real Salt Lake has been in the league, the teams have met 15 times and each has won five, with five draws, and Real has scored 24 goals to the Galaxy's 23. The Galaxy has not defeated Real Salt Lake since June 17, 2007, a 3-2 win at the Home Depot Center. Real has won two of the six meetings since, with four draws.

Thierry Henry's handball gets a big thumbs-down in Europe

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The popular veteran star's startling act of cheating that sent France past Ireland and into the World Cup -- and his unapologetic stance afterward -- may ruin his reputation.

Oddly, festive car horns echoed through the city even during the first half of the France-Ireland soccer melodrama Wednesday night.

Galaxy's Landon Donovan selected MVP of Major League Soccer

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

He finishes ahead of New England's Shalrie Joseph and Dallas' Jeff Cunningham to win honor for the first time.

Galaxy and U.S. national team forward Landon Donovan was named Major League Soccer's most valuable player for 2009. Donovan finished ahead of New England Revolution midfielder Shalrie Joseph and FC Dallas striker Jeff Cunningham to win the award for the first time. He is the second Galaxy player to take the honor. Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz won it in 2002.

World Cup qualifiers

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:31:30 -0800

The 32 teams in the 2010 World Cup will be grouped Dec. 4.

The qualifiers:

World Cup teams are locked, with loaded questions for some

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

France qualifies with help from Thierry Henry's handball, and Guus Hiddink isn't likely to return to his job with Russia.

Fury in Ireland. Disillusionment in Russia. Regret in Costa Rica.