Tag Archives: MLS Cup MVP

Cucho Hernandez Named MLS Cup MVP After Leading Columbus Crew Past Defending MLS Cup Champions Los Angeles FC

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Cucho Hernandez has helped dethrone the reigning champions…

The 24-year-old Colombian professional footballer scored a goal to help the Columbus Crew defeat Los Angeles FC (LAFC) on Saturday to give his team their third MLS Cup and earn this year’s MLS Cup MVP award.

Cucho HernandezTwo of those titles have come in the last four seasons. Columbus advanced to the 2015 title game but lost to the Portland Timbers. The LA Galaxy‘s five titles are still the most for a Major League Soccer franchise.

Saturday’s win capped the Crew’s impressive turnaround this season. After winning the 2020 MLS Cup, Columbus missed the playoffs the next two seasons. The franchise has since undergone significant changes, including the hiring of Wilfried Nancy as the team’s head coach.

Hernandez scored in the 33rd minute, putting Columbus up 1-0 on a penalty kick. He deposited the ball in the lower left corner for his fifth goal in six playoff matches this season. LAFC defender Diego Palacios was whistled for a handball off his right arm at the top of the box, setting up the penalty.

Yaw Yeboah added a goal in the 37th minute, doubling Columbus’ lead when Malte Amundsen threaded a pass through to Yeboah on the left flank. From there, Yeboah dribbled to the goal box and slipped a shot past goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

The objective for the Crew in the second half was to avoid the same fate as FC Cincinnati a week earlier in the Eastern Conference final. Columbus rallied in that game from a two-goal deficit in the final 15 minutes of regulation and won 3-2 in extra time.

LAFC’s Bouanga made it 2-1, scoring on his own rebound after Patrick Schulte made a save at the left post in the 74th minute. Bouanga, who led the MLS with 20 goals, has 38 goals in 49 matches in all competitions this year.

Earlier this year, Hernandez was named to the MLS Best XI, an annual acknowledgment of the best eleven players in Major League Soccer. The selection is determined by a collection of media, players and MLS club technical staffs.

Diego Valeri Signs One-Day Contract with Portland Timbers to Retire as a Franchise Member

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Diego Valeri is making his way into the ring… 

The 37-year-old Argentine former professional footballer has signed a one-day contract with the Portland Timbers  to retire as a member of the franchise.

Diego ValeriValeri, who spent nine seasons in Portland (2013-21), will be honored during pregame and halftime ceremonies of Saturday’s match against Columbus Crew.

Valeri will be inducted into the Timbers Ring of Honor, joining Clive Charles, John Bain, Jimmy Conway, Mick Hoban and Timber Jim.

“When I first came to Portland, the most important thing to me was to honor the club’s history and bring the highest prestige to the Timbers,” Valeri said. “Today, returning to retire a Portland Timber, I feel fulfilled about my journey and adventure with the club and am so thankful for the love the city gave to me.”

Valeri is the Timbers’ all-time leader in regular-season goals scored (86), assists (91) and points (263). He was named the MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2013, MLS Cup MVP in 2015 and Landon Donovan MLS MVP in 2017.

“It is only fitting that Diego Valeri will officially retire a Portland Timber,” owner Merritt Paulson said.

“He gave so much to our club and we can never give back what he has given us. It will be amazing for fans to have the opportunity to recognize Diego publicly Saturday when we induct him into the Ring of Honor.”

https://twitter.com/TimbersFC/status/1679907203258650625

Victor Rodriguez Named MVP After Seattle Sounders’ MLS Cup Championship Win

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Victor Rodriguez is the man of the pitch…

The 30-year-old Spanish professional footballer and Seattle Sounders midfielder has been awarded the MLS Cup MVP trophy, after scoring the second goal in the Sounders’ championship victory over Toronto FC on Sunday.

Victor Rodriguez

Seattle came out on top 3-1 in front of 69,274 fans at a sold-out CenturyLink Field, making it the largest sporting event in the history of the stadium and the largest soccer crowd in the history of Washington State. 

Despite Toronto dominating possession in the first half, Seattle broke the deadlock after a cross-shot from right-back Kelvin Leerdamdeflected in off the unfortunate Justin Morrow.

Despite the introduction of Toronto striker Jozy Altidore off the bench, Seattle doubled their lead with 14 minutes remaining thanks to a fine strike from the edge of the box from Sounders substitute Rodriguez. And the result was put beyond doubt in the 90th minute, whenRaul Ruidiaz out-muscled Chris Mavinga and finished delightfully past Toronto keeper Quentin Westberg. 

Altidore’s goal soon after was a mere consolation for the visitors.

Gonzalez Named the MLS Cup MVP…

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Omar Gonzalez has etched his name in the Major League Soccer history books…

The 24-year-old Mexican American professional soccer star received the MVP trophy at the 2012 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup after a dominating performance that included scoring the game’s equalizing goal.

Omar Gonzalez

In winning this year’s MVP honors, Gonzalez becomes the first defender ever to win the award.

Gonzalez’s well-placed header in the 61st minute tied the game and helped shift the momentum enough to propel his Los Angeles Galaxy team to a 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo, giving the team it’s second consecutive MLS Cup title.

Gonzalez scored on a crossing pass from Juninho after the Galaxy were unable to convert a corner kick just seconds before.

But it was Gonzlez’s constant effort on defense that likely earned him the trophy, although it was his mistake that allowed the Dynamo to score its lone goal of the night. But Gonzalez atoned quickly, his goal setting off a barrage of scores for the Galaxy that would eventually clinch the MLS Cup for Los Angeles.

Gonzalez suffered a torn ACL less than a year ago, but was able to rehab and return in time to help the Galaxy clinch their MLS championship.

“I never thought for a second that when I made my comeback this season I’d be MVP in the final,” Gonzalez said after the match. “It was a very emotional moment, after my injury I never thought I’d experience something like this. After my operation last winter I really had my doubts [if would get back to my best]. I was seriously wondering what kind of level I would be able to play at again. I know I’m back to where I was before the injury, but the best is yet to come.”