11.5.15
ASN Morning Read: New Position Pays off for Nagbe
The maybe-gonna-be-a-member-of-the-U.S.-eventually Portland Timbers midfielder is shining in the Major League Soccer playoffs; the Americans have a new FIFA ranking; MLS in SA?
- From SI.com: The Timbers have generally played with two holding midfielders under Porter, but with captain Will Johnson out again, still feeling the effects of a broken leg, Porter finally made the switch. Diego Chará played as the lone No. 6 against Real Salt Lake in the third-to-last game of the season, and Nagbe slid into central midfield from his usual position on the wing. It paid off immediately. Nagbe completed 96% of his passes and created four goalscoring opportunities in the 1-0 win over RSL, and he went on to score three of his five goals in the last three games of the regular season. Having a full 360 degrees of options on the ball, rather than 180 in wide areas, suits a player whose dribbling, passing and shooting threats are especially terrifying when combined. “I’m a rhythm player,” Nagbe told SI.com. “Just getting more touches, I feel better as the game goes on and then [I’m] able to get guys involved a little bit more.”
- MLS to San Antonio? Sure, why not: "San Antonio is serious about its pursuit of Major League Soccer and this deal takes us a step closer to bringing it here,” San Antonio Mayor Ivy R. Taylor said in a statement. "Fans may have to wait a few more years, but soccer has an international appeal and is a perfect fit for our city’s global outlook and economic strategy."
- The United States tumbles to 33rd in the latest FIFA Rankings, one spot behind Cape Verde Islands. The FIFA rankings are just the best, aren't they?
- Danny Williams Ready for World Cup Qualifiers
- Here's... something:
German-American coach David Wagner, formerly w/ Dortmund's U23s, is reportedly close to signing with Championship side Huddersfield Town
— Brian Blickenstaff (@BKBlick) November 5, 2015
