:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31454727/20131123_jla_sr9_1032.0.jpg)
The US Women showed little ill effect from the abrupt firing of their coach, Tom Sermanni, in last night's friendly against China, flattening the Chinese, 3-0.
Former Red Star Carli Lloyd tore the game open with a quickfire double, scoring in the 20th and 23rd minutes. The first finish was simple, as the Chinese defense had come completely unsprung in transition and Lauren Holiday's layoff found Lloyd unmarked from 12 yards. The second - Lloyd's 50th goal for the USA - was a bit special, a left-footed curler from 25 yards precise enough to beat the keeper near-post. Lloyd was named Player of the Match.
Sydney LeRoux finished the scoring seconds into the second half, slotting in from close range after USA pounced on a turnover.
Interim head coach Jill Ellis remains undefeated as a fill-in, running her career record to 6-0-2. The US Women return to action May 8 against Canada in Winnipeg.
The new phonebooks are here!
Salary day! We finally learned (kind of) what everyone in MLS makes. There are plenty of people who deserve a raise and then there are some who make way too much. It's always fun to go through the list and it'll be interesting to see how these numbers affect the union negotiations.
Opara out For season
Ike Opara has had season-ending ankle surgery. He injured himself on March 29th versus Colorado, and the MRI that was taken as a precaution turned up a congenital defect that called for immediate surgical intervention. This puts Sporting in a tough spot with Matt Besler going to the World Cup. They might end up playing highly touted 16-year-old Erik Palmer-Brown as center back. This could be a big problem for Kansas City.
Chivas USA acquire Rivero
Chivas USA has traded a 4th round pick in the 2015 MLS Superdraft to Colorado for midfielder Martin Rivero. Wilmer Cabrera knows Rivero from his time at Colorado and could be a nice move by Chivas USA if Rivero can stay healthy. The catch is that Chivas "acquired his rights" and didn't sign him because of rumors that he might be on loan from Rosario Central in Argentina (yes that is confusing but hey, that's Chivas for you).
Copa America coming to AMERICA?
Rumors are picking up again that the 2016 Copa America will be much different and include 10 South American teams and 6 CONCACAF teams. The tournament would be held in the U.S. (WOOHOO!). This would be an amazing tournament and some great experience for the U.S. team against some of the world's best teams on their home soil. Please be true.
More Brek Shea! Huzzah!
Toronto FC coach Ryan Nelsen spoke about the Brek Shea rumors and talked vaguely. He said it was just rumors but they might be able to fit him into their team if he wanted to come back. This is a rumor that is just getting started. Get ready people.
FIFA rankings - triple huzzah!
The new FIFA rankings are out and the U.S. is up to 13. Yes these rankings are obviously flawed but hey, we are ahead of Meixco, France, Chile and the Netherlands. In terrible news, Portugal and Germany are in the top three. Take the ranking with a grain of salt please.
