Aston Villa, who have struggled this season in the English Premier League, are reportedly interested in a loan for Omar Cummings. The Jamaican international has been with the Colorado Rapids since 2007 and helped lead them to the 2010 MLS Cup Championship. The Rapids have allowed Cummings to go on trial with Aston Villa and possibly for a short-term loan.

While a permanent move is possible, it doesn’t seem likely as Colorado manager Gary Smith said he plans to have Cummings back by the start of the 2011 MLS season (March). He had the following comments.

“Aston Villa will take a little look and we’ll then see if that turns into a loan period,” Smith told MLSsoccer.com. “My involvement will be if he’s on trial and it turns into something more substantial. Then, he must be back for that first game.”

“I was a little surprised when I first heard about it,” Smith said. “But that is what you have to expect. That is any agent’s job to throw out a few bits of bait and get (their clients) under peoples’ noses.”

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier said the following about Cummings.

“He will be here probably until March,” said Houllier. “We looked at some videos and said we would have him here on trial. He looks quick although he’s a bit jet-lagged.”

Aston Villa Interested In Short-Term Loan For Colorado Rapids Striker Omar Cummings - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

It’s down to the final match of the MLS 2010 season as FC Dallas faces the Colorado Rapids to determine the Championship. The match will take place at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada on Sunday, November 21, 2010. Kickoff is scheduled for 20:30 EST (USA Eastern), 19:30 CST (Dallas time), and 18:30 MST (Colorado time).

FC Dallas v Colorado Rapids TV Listings

It will be televised on ESPN in the United States, TSN2 in Canada, ESPN in the United Kingdom, Setanta Sports in Ireland, and on Sky Sport in Italy.

FC Dallas v Colorado Rapids Preview

FC Dallas manager Schellas Hyndman

“I’ve been trying to keep them really relaxed with the same structure and patterns of things we’ve done in the past,” he said after Saturday’s training at BMO Field, the final session before the big game. “The exercises are the same. We’ve maybe only spent eight to 10 minutes out there working on Colorado’s strengths and their free kicks and corner kicks, but the rest of the time has just been work as normal.”

Keys To The Match

• The Midfield – As with most matches, the team who can control possession and the midfield usually will win the match. Both teams have skilled forwards but it the midfield is where the game will be won or lost.
• Finishing Chances – FCD were able to advance to the MLS Cup Final because they took advantage of the scoring chances against LA. Colorado did the same in their playoff run and that will be a major factor in this match. It’s not about how many chances each side gets but how many they can convert and put in the back of the net.
• Goalkeeping – Kevin Hartman was the MVP for FCD against LA and once again could be the difference. Colorado’s Matt Pickens hasn’t been as impresive this season but did have seven clean sheets and can’t be underestimated.

Players To Watch

• David Ferreira (FCD) – The MLS 2010 MVP will need to play well for FC Dallas to win the match. He doesn’t score a ton of goals (but can when needed) but is a great playmaker that usually sets up his teammates.
• Jeff Larentowicz (COL) – The Colorado midfielder will be very important to his team in Sunday’s match. He will play the more defensive position and can provide cover for fellow midfielder Pablo Mastroeni to get forward in the attack.
• Conor Casey (COL) – He’s often underrated and gone under the radar but has proven to be a clutch goalscorer. He had 13 goals this season and more than capable of scoring goals in a variety of ways.
• Brek Shea (FCD) – The winger has had a break-out season with Dallas and is always a threat on set pieces. With Ferreira likely to attract a lot of the defense’s attention, it’s a chance for Shea to perform on the biggest stage in MLS.

Top Scorers

FCD – Jeff Cunningham (11 goals), David Ferreira (13 assists)

COL – Omar Cummings (14 goals), Jamie Smith (8 assists)

Injuries

FCD – DF Edson Edward (osteitis pubis); DF Kyle Davies (L ankle sprain)

COL – MF Ciaran O’Brien (L hip sprain); FW Ross Schunk (R ACL tear)

FC Dallas v Colorado Rapids Prediction

FC Dallas wins 2-1

FC Dallas v Colorado Rapids Betting Odds

Dallas win – 23/10

Draw (after 90 minutes) – 11/5

Colorado win – 11/5

FC Dallas v Colorado Rapids Live Online

The match can be seen at Free Live Sports TV.

FC Dallas v Colorado Rapids – Preview, Prediction, TV Listings, and Betting Odds – MLS – 21 November 2010 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The Conference Semifinals (aka quarterfinals) have concluded in the MLS 2010 Playoffs and the Conference Finals are now set. The Los Angeles Galaxy will host FC Dallas next Sunday while Colorado hosts San Jose on Saturday.

The Conference Finals are one match (unlike the two legged semifinals) with the winner advancing to the MLS Cup Final on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.

Below are the list of matches along with television listings.

MLS 2010 Conference Finals Schedule

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Colorado Rapids v San Jose Earthquakes  - 9:30 PM EST – Fox Soccer Channel

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Los Angeles Galaxy v FC Dallas – 9:00 PM EST – ESPN2

Major League Soccer 2010 Conference Final Matches Set: LA v FCD & COL v SJ - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Below are my predictions for the upcoming 2nd leg matches in the MLS 2010 Playoff Conference Semifinals.

MLS 2010 Playoff Conference Semifinals 2nd Leg Predictions

Thursday, November 4, 2010

New York Red Bulls v San Jose Earthquakes (1-0 after first leg) – NY wins 1-0 (2-0 on aggregate)

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Real Salt Lake v FC Dallas (1-2 after first leg) – RSL wins 3-1 (4-3 on aggregate)

Columbus Crew v Colorado Rapids (0-1 after first leg) – 1-1 Draw (Colorado advances 2-1 on aggregate)

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Los Angeles Galaxy v Seattle Sounders FC (1-0 after first leg) – 1-1 Draw (2-1 on aggregate)

Major League Soccer 2010 Conference Semifinals 2nd Leg Predictions - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The MLS 2010 Playoffs are about to start with the first leg of the conference semifinals this upcoming weekend (along with a match on Thursday). So, what will happen in the first legs of all the matches. Below are my predictions and feel free to share your own with a comment.

MLS 2010 Playoff Conference Semifinals 1st Leg Predictions

Major League Soccer 2010 Playoff Conference Semifinals 1st Leg Predictions - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The Los Angeles Galaxy looked to continue their great form to start the 2010 Major League Soccer season as they traveled to face the Colorado Rapids. The Galaxy have not won at Colorado since they moved to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in 2007. LA will play again on Saturday while the Rapids don’t play again until May 15th.

Colorado Rapids 0-1 Los Angeles Galaxy – Video Highlights

The Los Angeles Galaxy would remain undefeated and get their sixth win of the season on Wednesday night.

The lone goal in the match was a header from Alan Gordon in the 21st minute. Gordon timed his run from a Landon Donovan free kick that was crossed into the box and then headed it just under the crossbar.

Both teams would have chances in the match including a breakaway for Colorado’s Omar Cummings and a shot from Landon Donovan that grazed the post. MLS leading scorer Edson Buddle had several chances in the match and continues to attract attention about a possible spot in the USA World Cup roster.

The win puts the Galaxy at 19 points and nine points clear of Houston, Colorado, and Chivas USA.

Scoring Summary:

LA — Alan Gordon 1 (Landon Donovan 6) 21′

Misconduct Summary:

COL – Mehdi Ballouchy (caution; Dissent) 30

LA — Juninho (caution; Reckless Foul) 31

COL — Omar Cummings (caution; Reckless Foul) 64

COL — Conor Casey (caution; Reckless Tackle) 77

LA — Edson Buddle (caution; Dissent) 89

Lineups:

Los Angeles Galaxy – Donovan Ricketts, A.J. DeLaGarza (Bryan Jordan
81), Omar Gonzalez, Gregg Berhalter, Todd Dunivant, Michael Stephens,
Christopher Birchall, Juninho (Jovan Kirovski 62), Landon Donovan, Edson
Buddle, Alan Gordon (Clint Mathis 71).

Colorado Rapids –
Matt Pickens, Danny Earls, Marvell Wynne, Julien Baudet, Drew Moor,
Mehdi Ballouchy (Claudio Lopez 71), Pablo Mastroeni, Jeff Larentowicz,
Wells Thompson (Colin Clark 46), Conor Casey, Omar Cummings.

Referee: Edvin Jurisevic

Referee’s Assistants: Anthony Vasoli; Peter Manikowski

4th Official: Ben Chouaf

Attendance: 9,882

Weather: Partly Cloudy-and-59-degrees

Colorado Rapids 0-1 Los Angeles Galaxy – Video Highlights and Recap – MLS – 5 May 2010 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The Major League Soccer regular season is finished and the playoffs are starting this week. It was an interesting regular season which included new franchise Seattle making the playoffs and leading the league in home attendance. Other clubs such as the New York Red Bulls struggled all year and were the worst team in the league. The San Jose Earthquakes also struggled and couldn’t find their form in time to make a run at a playoff spot.

Toronto FC, another team with great fan support, just missed out on their first playoff spot. They were too inconsistent and losing 0-5 at NY was an embarassment. Other notable storylines for the resurgence of the Los Angeles Galaxy, who with Beckham and Donovan, were the top team in the Western Conference. With the end of the regular season, this is the final list of power rankings for Major League Soccer.

1. Los Angeles Galaxy – They have a well balanced club that are one of the favorites to win the MLS Cup. Donovan is in terrific form and if he can deliver in the playoffs it could be time for him to follow teammate David Beckham and transfer to Europe.
2. Columbus Crew – A meaningless loss on Sunday against New England as Columbus had the Supporter’s Shield already clinched. The Crew are the favorites to reach the MLS Cup Final in a weaker Eastern Conference.
3. Houston Dynamo – A talented team who is tied for the fewest goals conceded with only 29 through 30 matches. They should reach the Western Conference Finals but will need Brian Ching and Stuart Holden to have good performances.
4. Seattle Sounders FC – They may be in their first year as a franchise but the Sounders are as dangerous as anyone. Freddie Ljungberg as adjusted well to the league and Kasey Keller has been a wall in goal.
5. Chivas USA – The team has been up and down after a terrific start. Sacha Kljestan appears to have found his form and the club will need it against the Galaxy.
6. Chicago Fire – The Fire limped into the playoffs as the second placed team in the Eastern Conference. With Blanco and McBride they can win any match but the defense is the real question mark.
7. New England Revolution – Another club that didn’t finish strong and had to get a result in the last weekend to make the playoffs. They are the only team to make the playoffs with a negative goal differential.
8. Real Salt Lake – They just made the playoffs and note likely to advance very far in the playoffs. The key will be improving their form on the road.
9. DC United – Their busy schedule with the US Open Cup, Champions League, and MLS schedule caught up to them in the final part of the season. They were always within reach of a playoff spot but couldn’t get the result in the final weeks. The defense is the focus in the offseason as they conceded 44 goals in 30 matches.
10. Colorado Rapids – The Rapids were in position to qualify in the final few weeks but couldn’t get the results when they needed them. A team that is close to being a contender but needs some help in the midfield and defense.
11. FC Dallas – They made a late run and almost came out of nowhere to make the playoffs. They were one of the better teams in the last few months and Jeff Cunningham was the MLS leading scorer with 17 goals.
12. Toronto FC – The lack of defense was their achilles heel as Toronto once again failed to make the playoffs. They need to make moves in the transfer market.
13. San Jose Earthquakes – San Jose had talent but never really got going until the final month or so of the season.
14. Kansas City Wizards – The Wizards were never considered one of the top teams and struggled in July, August, and September.
15. New York Red Bulls – A 5-0 win against Toronto does little for the Red Bulls who were simply horrible this season. Next season they have a new arena and rumors are that Thierry Henry will be transferring after the World Cup. It should provide a much needed boost to the franchise and specifically their attendance.

Major League Soccer 2009 Final Power Rankings: Who will win the MLS Cup? - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The Major League Soccer 2009 regular season finished on Sunday, October 25, 2009. The playoff match-ups are now set with Columbus, Salt Lake, New England, Chivas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, and Houston qualifying. The Los Angeles Galaxy are the top seed in the Western Conference and will have home field advantage through the Conference Finals. The Columbus Crew are the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the second straight season and won the MLS Supporter’s Shield for the club with the most points in the regular season.

Here’s a list of the match-ups for the first round (conference semifinals) of the Major League Soccer 2009 season. Match times and TV listings will be available on Monday.

Major League Soccer 2009 Playoff Matchups

West:
4 Chivas USA
1 LA Galaxy

3 Sounders FC
2 Houston

East:
4 Real Salt Lake
1 Columbus

3 New England
2 Chicago Fire

Final Regular Season Standings

• ^Note 1 – Toronto FC cannot qualify for the U.S. Open Cup, as it is a Canadian-based team. If they qualify for an automatic berth into the U.S. Open Cup, the next highest placed team not already qualified will be given a berth. Similarly, they cannot qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League through MLS. Rather, they can qualify through the Canadian Soccer Championship. If they qualify for the Champions League through MLS, then the highest placed team not already qualified will qualify.

• ^Note 2 – Additional Champions League berths will be awarded to the winner and runner-up of MLS Cup 2009.
  The winner of the 2009 U.S. Open Cup (Seattle) also qualifies.

Major League Soccer Playoff Matchups Set: Columbus v RSL, NE v Chicago, Chivas v Galaxy, and Seattle v Houston - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The Major League Soccer Power Rankings for Week 31 are here with not many changes at the top. The Columbus Crew, Los Angeles Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, and Chivas USA are in the top four spots. The Seattle Sounders are close by and have clinched their playoff spot in their initial season. The rest of the rankings are very close as there are a number of playoff spots left going into the last week of matches.

The one thing about MLS is that any team at any team can upset another. This being said, the seedings heading into the play-offs don’t make much difference as its a very balanced league with upsets possible.

Here are the latest Major League Soccer Power Rankings for Week 31 through Wednesday, October 21, 2009.

1. Columbus Crew – Columbus is a balanced club that are the favorites to repeat as MLS Cup champions. A +11 goal differential leads the league.
2. Los Angeles Galaxy – The Galaxy finally are in the playoffs and have Landon Donovan in great form. Can they advance to the MLS Cup final which would be a storybook ending for Beckham?
3. Chivas USA – Preki and this club goes under the radar most of the year but they are as dangerous as any club.
4. Houston Dynamo – The Dynamo are in the playoffs and can focus on their midweek Champions League match. Stuart Holden could use the playoffs to audition for clubs in Europe as its time for him to go overseas.
5. Seattle Sounders FC – The Sounders clinched a spot with a win on Saturday at KC. Freddie Ljungberg has arguably been one of the best designated players signed in the history of MLS.
6. Chicago Fire – The Fire could be in the playoffs even with a loss but need a result to get some momentum.
7. Toronto FC – Toronto have a great home win on Saturday and needs to do win on the road. They
8. DC United – DC had a clutch win last weekend and needs one more to keep their hopes alive. They have a Champions League match in the midweek in which they will likely use mostly reserves to focus on the weekend match.
9. FC Dallas – Dallas has been on fire the last month and had another win against Colorado on Saturday. This is the club that no one wants to play if they make the playoffs.
10. New England Revolution – The loss of Taylor Twellman for most of the season has been felt with only 32 goals scored this season. If they can squeak into the playoffs, they could be this years NY Red Bulls.
11. Colorado Rapids – The Rapids lost a chance to clinch a spot last week and need a result in their final match to make the playoffs.
12. Real Salt Lake – A much needed win last Wednesday against NY but a disappointing loss at Toronto on Saturday. A win in their final match will probably not be enough.
13. San Jose Earthquakes – A team that had potential but never found their form in the 2009 season.
14. Kansas City Wizards – The Wizards lost at home to the Sounders on Saturday. The club has the second fewest goals scored in the 2009 season, just ahead of the Red Bulls.
15. New York Red Bulls – The Red Bulls have played better since firing Osorio but never could produce enough offense. Who will they have as manager for next season?

Major League Soccer Week 31 Power Rankings: Columbus Crew favorites to win MLS Cup - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The Major League Soccer season is down to its final matches and the playoff picture is extremely close. Several teams who needed to win on Saturday to remain in contention did so including Toronto FC and DC United. Here’s a recap of the matches in Major League Soccer on Saturday, October 17, 2009 along with video highlights.

Major League Soccer Recap – Saturday, October 17, 2009

Toronto FC, DC United, FC Dallas, and the New England Revolution are all tied at 39 points for the final playoff spot after Saturday’s matches.

Toronto, DC, and Dallas all had much needed wins to keep their chances alive. Toronto is looking to clinch their first playoff spot since arriving in MLS in 2007. Captain Jim Brennan scored the match winner for TFC as they would earn a clean sheet. They will play at the New York Red Bulls next Saturday.

DC United had a similar win as Luciano Emilio scored a first half goal to lead his team past Columbus 1-0. They will travel to play the Kansas City Wizards next Saturday.

FC Dallas continues their hot streak in the last few months and within reach of a playoff spot. Their improbable run comes after they sold Kenny Cooper to Germany and the season appeared lost. Goals from George John and Ugo Ihemelu were the difference for Dallas against Colorado on Saturday night. Dallas travels to play at the Seattle Sounders FC next Saturday.

The Seattle Sounders clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 3-2 win at Kansas City. In their first season, Seattle has been an incredible success on and off the pitch. They lead the league in attendance and have been able to put together a very strong team.

New England and Chicago both missed opportunities as the two played to a scoreless draw. The Fire could have clinched a spot with a win while the Revolution could have kept their position in the last playoff spot. Chicago will qualify next week with a draw if DC or NE both fail to win.

Video Highlights

Saturday, October 17
Real Salt Lake	at Toronto FC	TOR 1, RSL 0		20,384
Chicago Fire	at New England Revolution	0-0		18,064
Columbus Crew	at D.C. United	DC 1, CLB 0		16,274
Colorado Rapids	at FC Dallas	DAL 2, COL 1		15,243
Seattle Sounders FC	at Kansas City Wizards	SEA 3, KC 2		10,135
San Jose Earthquakes	at Chivas USA	2-2		12,316

Latest Major League Soccer Playoff Standings through Satuday, October 17, 2009

										HOME						AWAY
CLUB	GP	W	L	T	PTS	GF	GA	+/-		W	L	T	GF	GA		W	L	T	GF	GA
y – Columbus	29	13	6	10	49	41	30	11		9	1	4	25	14		4	5	6	16	16
x – Chivas USA	28	13	9	6	45	32	27	5		9	2	3	23	11		4	7	3	9	16
x – Los Angeles	28	11	6	11	44	34	31	3		6	4	4	16	17		5	2	7	18	14
Chicago	29	10	7	12	42	38	34	4		4	4	6	15	17		6	3	6	23	17
x – Houston	28	12	8	8	44	36	27	9		8	1	5	23	13		4	7	3	13	14
x – Seattle	29	11	7	11	44	36	28	8		6	2	6	19	9		5	5	5	17	19
Colorado	29	10	9	10	40	42	35	7		8	2	5	25	10		2	7	5	17	25
Toronto FC	29	10	10	9	39	37	41	-4		8	3	4	20	14		2	7	5	17	27
New England	29	10	10	9	39	32	37	-5		7	4	4	22	16		3	6	5	10	21
D.C. United	29	9	8	12	39	41	42	-1		7	3	5	19	14		2	5	7	22	28
FC Dallas	29	11	12	6	39	49	45	4		8	3	4	28	19		3	9	2	21	26
Real Salt Lake	29	10	12	7	37	40	35	5		8	1	5	31	11		2	11	2	9	24
Kansas City	29	8	13	8	32	31	40	-9		4	6	4	16	18		4	7	4	15	22
San Jose	29	7	13	9	30	36	48	-12		6	5	4	22	21		1	8	5	14	27
New York	29	4	19	6	18	22	47	-25		4	6	4	19	20		0	13	2	3	27

Major League Soccer Recap and Video Highlights – Saturday, October 17, 2009 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog