Eastern Conference MLS Championships was delayed !

The Eastern Conference Championship series between the Montreal Impact and Toronto FC on this evening on Tuesday was delayed 30 minutes due to an issue with the width of the penalty areas at Olympic Stadium.

According to league officials, the width of both penalty boxes measured at 16 yards instead of the regulation 18 yards and the match, which was originally set to kick off at 8:08 pm ET, was pushed to 8:40 pm ET to allow the boundaries to be repainted.

“Obviously, it’s the first time that it’s happened to us,” Montreal Impact owner Joey Saputo told ESPN’s Katie Witham. "We’ve been in situations like this before[at Olympic Stadium] where we have 61,000 fans. We had the [CONCACAF] Champions League final here.

"It’s the responsibility of the referees to check it out. Unfortunately the referees got here a little bit late whether it was traffic or traffic around the stadium. So it’s unfortunate, but we have to take the responsibility for it. It’s our fault and it’s unfortunate that this has happened."

Who is interested in Frank Lampard!

Frank Lampard has left New York City FC, but he might not be leaving MLS.

The English midfield legend announced his departure from NYCFC on Monday, sparking speculation that he was set to call time on his illustrious playing career. But a new English tabloid report claims that Lampard is the subject of interest from two other MLS clubs.

According to the Mirror, the 38-year-old is on the radar of both the LA Galaxy and Orlando City SC, and may also receive offers from unnamed European clubs.

The Galaxy bid farewell to veteransRobbie Keane and Steven Gerrard this week, while Orlando will be led by Brazilian playmaker Kaká for at least one more season as they move into their new, soccer-specific home in 2017. Playing primarily a central attacking midfield role, Gerrard bagged 12 goals and 3 assists in 19 games (15 starts) for NYCFC this season.

The report states that Lampard may yet elect to hang up his cleats and move into another phase of the game, with his longtime club Chelsea FC ready to offer him a coaching or ambassador-type role

Frank Lampard is set to leave New York City FC

Frank Lampard is set to leave New York City Football Club following the conclusion of his
contract.

The most prolific goal-scoring midfielder of his generation, the 38-year old will depart when his contract expires at the end of 2016. Signed by New York City FC in 2014, Frank made 31 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals.

He assured his place in club history with the team’s first-ever hat-trick against the Colorado Rapids on July 30, 2016 which helped NYCFC towards the MLS Playoffs for the very first time. Lampard told NYCFC.com: “As my time at NYCFC comes to an end, I would like to thank so many people for the kindness and support that they have shown me over the last two years.” “My teammates have been a pleasure to play alongside. The amazing fans have given me incredible support and backing.”

“I have very much enjoyed my time, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play for such a great club and in such an incredible city.” For Lampard’s Head Coach, Patrick Vieira, Frank’s influence at NYCFC transcended even his stellar efforts on the field of play. Vieira said: “Everybody talks about Frank’s goal-scoring record from midfield but I can tell you after a year of working with him, he brings so much more to a team than just goals.”

“What Frank has brought to the locker room is something just as important – his experience, his elite mentality and his mentorship for the younger members of our squad have helped us
greatly this year.” “It is clear that Frank has embraced playing in this league and for this club. I am grateful for his
service in my first year here and I wish him the very best in whatever he chooses to do next.” Sporting Director Claudio Reyna echoed Vieira’s sentiments and expressed his gratitude to Lampard.

“On and off the pitch he has been a fantastic ambassador. I would tell any young player to watch Frank, to see how he’s conducted himself over the last two years and to use that as inspiration as to how an elite, professional footballer should approach the game” said Reyna.

“From the second he walked through the door, he’s set the example. “Frank will always be part of the history of this club and we thank him for playing an important role in so many special moments in our young history.”

Everyone at New York City FC would like to thank Frank for his service and wish him all the very best of the luck for the future.

Dos a Cero nickname for U.S. vs.Mexico game

Dos a Cero has become an unofficial nickname of sorts for the U.S. vs. Mexico game and rivalry. It has resulted from the last four World Cup qualifiers played in Columbus, Ohio, but it has actually been the most common scoreline in the series. There have been 13 games out of 66 total in the U.S. vs. Mexico rivalry that have ended with 2-0 on the scoreboard.

The first was on March 12, 1965 at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario in Mexico City which saw the hosts redeem themselves after a surprising 2-2 draw five days earlier in Los Angeles. The match was part of qualifying for the 1966 World Cup.

Two friendlies at the Estadio Azteca saw the scoreline repeated in 1973 and in 1975.

The U.S. truly ignited the rivalry with their first 2-0 win on July 5, 1991 in the first Gold Cup semifinal. Goals by John Doyle & Peter Vermes led the Americans to a shocking win that many see as the true turning point when the U.S. believed that they were equals with Mexico. The win was only the third in the overall series for the U.S. dating back to 1934.


Mexico earned their third and final 2-0 win over the U.S. on January 19, 1997 at the U.S. Cup at the Rose Bowl. That tournament was a major disappointment for the U.S. as they were headed into the final round of qualifying for the 1998 World Cup, it was also the first time Mexico defeated the U.S. on American soil since 1974.

The U.S. notched another 2-0 on October 25, 2000 at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum in front of 61,072. This match is a famous one as it was Landon Donovan’s national team debut and he scored to mark the occasion.

The true history of the Dos a Cero result started on February 28, 2001 in La Guerra Fria at the Columbus Crew Stadium in a World Cup qualifier. Josh Wolff and Earnie Stewart were the goalscorers. The win marked the first time the U.S. won three straight over Mexico and the first win in World Cup qualifying against Mexico since 1980.

Andrew Das of the New York Timeshad some great background this week about how Columbus made this game work and how they went about selling it.

The scoreline was forever marked in history by the greatest U.S. win over Mexico at the 2002 World Cup in the Round of 16. Jeonju, South Korea was the host for the legendary win that saw Brian McBride and Landon Donovan score to eliminate Mexico from the World Cup and send the U.S. to their first quarterfinal appearance.

2005 saw the next U.S. 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifier at Columbus Crew Stadium. Steve Ralston and DaMarcus Beasley scored the goals that sealed qualification for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The next time the rivals clashed also saw a 2-0 win for the U.S. in a friendly at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This game is primarily remembered for Landon Donovan’s late goal that sealed it.

NY Cosmos facing new opponent for Championship Final

The New York Cosmos are in their second straight NASL Championship Final tonight's game, facing Indy, if win, they would become the first back-to-back NASL champions of the Modern Era and only the second in league history, joining the 1977-78 Cosmos.

It would be New York’s eighth NASL title ove
rall. The only professional soccer club in the country to match that number was the Philadelphia German Soccer Club, winners of eight American Soccer League championships from 1934-56.

New York and Indy have met nine times in NASL regular season action in the past three years. All six matches in 2014 and 2015 were draws, while this year saw the home team take all three games (two for Indy and one for the Cosmos). The two teams played twice in the Fall Season, with the home team winning 3-0 each time.

Streaking: Counting their 2-1 win over Rayo OKC last week, the Cosmos have won four consecutive matches and are unbeaten in their last seven games (one draw). They have only conceded four goals on that run, and have four clean sheets in the seven games.

Golden Juan: Juan Arangohas been awarded the 2016 NASL Golden Ball, given to the league’s MVP. The Venezuelan midfielder finished second in the league in both goals (15) and assists (7).

United States vs. Mexico ended with 1-2

United States vs. Mexico ended with 1-2 on Fridays night match in Columbus, Ohio. Dos a Cero was dead, when Mexico with inferior talent put ahead in victory.

Dos a Cero has become an unofficial nickname of sorts for the U.S. vs. Mexico game and rivalry.

It has resulted from the last four World Cup qualifiers played in Columbus, Ohio, but it has actually been the most common scoreline in the series. There have been 13 games out of 66 total in the U.S. vs. Mexico rivalry that have ended with 2-0 on the scoreboard.

Mistakes on set pieces happen, and Brooks has earned a lot of equity for the US with his play over the past year. He was mostly very good this evening, and was spectacular this summer at the Copa America.

Despite that, the U.S. played with Mexico time and time again, even holding the advantage in the rivalry for the better part of the 2000s. Every time El Tri traveled to Columbus, they walked away with 2-0 losers.

Highlights from game on Friday, Rafa Marquez lead home in the 89th minute to lift Mexico to a 2-1 win over their hated rivals, El Tri had finally gotten the best of the U.S. in Columbus, Ohio.

Juan Carlos Osorio deserves the bulk of the credit for this new Mexico. He's known as "The Professor" because of the work he puts in studying the game and how prepared his teams are for matches. So while El Tri made a change as soon as the match started, going to a more conventional setup, they never looked confused or even unsure of what they were doing.

Tactically, they were rock solid and even when the U.S. came out in an unusual 3-5-2, Mexico weren't fazed. They attacked the Americans just fine. Osorio prepared his team to perfection and the players were as assured as could be.

Moreover, Mexico looked comfortable, which no one really expected. El Tri teams of the past have looked overexcited at times against the U.S.

You can tell the atmosphere in Ohio wasn't been so easier for Americans team, been uneasy under the pressure, right from the start, but Mexico looked calm. The players didn't press or overexert themselves and that is huge benefits from start.

On the flip side was the U.S., who came out with a three-man back line then changed only a half-hour in after being overwhelmed. They were the ones who didn't know exactly what they wanted to do. And their opening goal was made possible in part by Michael Bradley over-running the play as the Americans were the ones who pushed a little too hard.

Mexico still went into the 89th minute only level. And yes, it was an impressive performance that looked set to earn them a historic draw, but there was a corner kick to be taken and that's where they finished the deal. Marquez scored on it, getting free and nodding the ball home for the winner.

After the match, Klinsmann said that John Brooks was supposed to be marking Marquez, while Brad Guzan pointed at both Brooks and Jozy Altidore following the goal, Bradley said it was a tactical miscommunication.

Mexico still had the most talented, skillful team on Friday, but that wasn't all they were. And it's why they didn't get beat again. Because thanks to Osorio, they were calm and composed or maybe just more luck.

NASL The Championship

The North American Soccer League (NASL) unveiled its 2016 Best XI on Friday morning ahead of The Championship Final, which features this year's two top teams - the New York Cosmos and Indy Eleven - at 7 p.m. ET at Belson Stadium in Queens, N.Y. on Nov. 13.

Seven of the 11 players on this year's list featured in The Championship, the league's four-team postseason tournament, with four are still competing to lift the Soccer Bowl Trophy - three from the Cosmos, one from Indy.

Here is a full rundown of this year's NASL Best XI: GK: Matt VanOekel (FC Edmonton) - The Eddies goalkeeper started 29 of the club's 32 games, setting league records for most shutouts (16) and goals against average (0.55). He made 95 saves in 2016, while keeping a record of 15W-8D-6L, and earned a Player of the Month nod in August, earned Player of the Week twice, and was a member of the Team of the Week seven times. He also claimed the league's Golden Glove Award.

DEF: Ayoze (New York Cosmos) - The veteran defender was once again a consistent force on the left side for the Cosmos and played in 30 games (29 starts). Not only was Ayoze strong in defense, he contributed two assists and had a passing accuracy of 80 percent. He was also a member of the Team of the Week twice.

DEF: Justin Davis (Minnesota United) - The overall leader in NASLappearances with 151, Davis was named to the Best XI for a third consecutive year. He started 31 games and won 165 duels, made 89 interceptions, and won 64 tackles, leading the Loons in each category. He also helped contribute in the attack with one goal and one assist during the year. Davis was named to the Team of the Week one time in 2016.

DEF: Albert Watson (FC Edmonton) - He was in the heart of the league's top defense, which conceded just 21 goals, and he appeared 27 times (all starts). Watson made 109 clearances and 74 interceptionsduring his action on the field and also won 105 duels. He also scored twice during the campaign and was on the Team of the Week four times.

DEF: Carlos Mendes (New York Cosmos) - The Cosmos captain featured in 27 games (all starts) andmarshaled the side's back line. He made 90 clearances and 70 interceptions during the year and also had a passing accuracy of 89 percent. Mendes was on the Team of the Week one time in 2016, but this is his third straight selection to the NASL Best XI.

MID: Nazmi Albadawi (Carolina RailHawks) - Captaining the RailHawks this year, Albadawi set a league record with 10 assists in 29 starts. Albadawi was second in the league in chances created (50) and further emphasized his contribution in the attacking third with three goals. Albadawi finished the year with a passing accuracy of 81 percent and was the Player of the Week once. He was also selected to the Team of the Week four times.

MID: Juan Arango (New York Cosmos) - The Venezuelan led the Cosmos in scoring with 15 goals - tied for second best in the league. He also created chances for his teammates regularly with 44 and picked up seven assists, also tied for second-best in the NASL, in 29 starts. Arango was Player of the Month for October, Player of the Week twice and was also named to the Team of the Week 10 times.

MID: Joe Cole (Tampa Bay Rowdies) - The English star's season may best be remembered for a stunning bicycle kick, but Cole scored nine goals to go along with seven assists, tied for second in the league, in 24 appearances (23 starts). No player created more chances than Cole (57) during 2016. He was Player of the Week once and also made six appearances on the Team of the Week.

MID: Michel (Rayo OKC) - The veteran midfielder finished off 2016 with 14 goals in 27 starts and showed his composure, scoring seven goals from penalty kicks. His goalscoring was crucial in the final month of the Fall Season, finding the back of the net four times in the final five games. Michel earned Player of the Week honors twice and was named to the Team of the Week five times this year.

FWD: Christian Ramirez (Minnesota United) - Always an attacking threat, Ramirez led the league in goals with 18 in 2016. He started in 30 of his 31 league appearances and had four assists with 34 chances created during the campaign. He earned Player of the Month honors in July, was named Player of the Week twice, and was also on Team of the Week eight times.

FWD: Eamon Zayed (Indy Eleven) - He took the league by storm in his first NASL campaign, earning a pair of hat tricks and scoring 15 goals - tied for second in the league - overall in 31 appearances (30 starts).

Zayed also added six assists. He scored one of the most memorable goals in Indy history, which helped clinch the Spring Season title. Zayed was Player of the Month in June, Player of the Week three times, and was on the Team of the Week three times.

The North American Soccer League (NASL) 2016 Best XI

The North American Soccer League (NASL) unveiled its 2016 Best XI on Friday morning ahead of The Championship Final, which features this year's two top teams - the New York Cosmos and Indy Eleven - at 7 p.m. ET at Belson Stadium in Queens, N.Y. on Nov. 13.

Seven of the 11 players on this year's list featured in The Championship, the league's four-team postseason tournament, with four are still competing to lift the Soccer Bowl Trophy - three from the Cosmos, one from Indy.

Here is a full rundown of this year's NASL Best XI: GK: Matt VanOekel (FC Edmonton) - The Eddies goalkeeper started 29 of the club's 32 games, setting league records for most shutouts (16) and goals against average (0.55). He made 95 saves in 2016, while keeping a record of 15W-8D-6L, and earned a Player of the Month nod in August, earned Player of the Week twice, and was a member of the Team of the Week seven times. He also claimed the league's Golden Glove Award.

DEF: Ayoze (New York Cosmos) - The veteran defender was once again a consistent force on the left side for the Cosmos and played in 30 games (29 starts). Not only was Ayoze strong in defense, he contributed two assists and had a passing accuracy of 80 percent. He was also a member of the Team of the Week twice.

DEF: Justin Davis (Minnesota United) - The overall leader in NASLappearances with 151, Davis was named to the Best XI for a third consecutive year. He started 31 games and won 165 duels, made 89 interceptions, and won 64 tackles, leading the Loons in each category. He also helped contribute in the attack with one goal and one assist during the year. Davis was named to the Team of the Week one time in 2016.

DEF: Albert Watson (FC Edmonton) - He was in the heart of the league's top defense, which conceded just 21 goals, and he appeared 27 times (all starts). Watson made 109 clearances and 74 interceptionsduring his action on the field and also won 105 duels. He also scored twice during the campaign and was on the Team of the Week four times.

DEF: Carlos Mendes (New York Cosmos) - The Cosmos captain featured in 27 games (all starts) andmarshaled the side's back line. He made 90 clearances and 70 interceptions during the year and also had a passing accuracy of 89 percent. Mendes was on the Team of the Week one time in 2016, but this is his third straight selection to the NASL Best XI.

MID: Nazmi Albadawi (Carolina RailHawks) - Captaining the RailHawks this year, Albadawi set a league record with 10 assists in 29 starts. Albadawi was second in the league in chances created (50) and further emphasized his contribution in the attacking third with three goals. Albadawi finished the year with a passing accuracy of 81 percent and was the Player of the Week once. He was also selected to the Team of the Week four times.

MID: Juan Arango (New York Cosmos) - The Venezuelan led the Cosmos in scoring with 15 goals - tied for second best in the league. He also created chances for his teammates regularly with 44 and picked up seven assists, also tied for second-best in the NASL, in 29 starts. Arango was Player of the Month for October, Player of the Week twice and was also named to the Team of the Week 10 times.

MID: Joe Cole (Tampa Bay Rowdies) - The English star's season may best be remembered for a stunning bicycle kick, but Cole scored nine goals to go along with seven assists, tied for second in the league, in 24 appearances (23 starts). No player created more chances than Cole (57) during 2016. He was Player of the Week once and also made six appearances on the Team of the Week.

MID: Michel (Rayo OKC) - The veteran midfielder finished off 2016 with 14 goals in 27 starts and showed his composure, scoring seven goals from penalty kicks. His goalscoring was crucial in the final month of the Fall Season, finding the back of the net four times in the final five games. Michel earned Player of the Week honors twice and was named to the Team of the Week five times this year.

FWD: Christian Ramirez (Minnesota United) - Always an attacking threat, Ramirez led the league in goals with 18 in 2016. He started in 30 of his 31 league appearances and had four assists with 34 chances created during the campaign. He earned Player of the Month honors in July, was named Player of the Week twice, and was also on Team of the Week eight times.

FWD: Eamon Zayed (Indy Eleven) - He took the league by storm in his first NASL campaign, earning a pair of hat tricks and scoring 15 goals - tied for second in the league - overall in 31 appearances (30 starts).

Zayed also added six assists. He scored one of the most memorable goals in Indy history, which helped clinch the Spring Season title. Zayed was Player of the Month in June, Player of the Week three times, and was on the Team of the Week three times.