MLS: Harrison Afful To Columbus" Rescue

Black Stars utility defender, Harrison Afful, pulled his MLS side away from the drop in a 2-0 win over Earthquakes.

The ambidextrous wingback extended his fine form for Columbus as they recorded their second win in 15 games.

The former Kumasi Asante Kotoko defender, remains one of the brightest spots for a troubled Columbus Crew, who are languishing at the bottom of the table.

The Major League Soccer outfit, has managed 5 wins out of the opening 25 fixtures recording 9 defeats in the process.

Goals from Ethan Fenley and Justin Meram pulled Columbus out of the bottom with 9 more fixtures to honour.

MLS: Harrison Afful To Columbus" Rescue

MLS: Harrison Afful"s Red Card Rescinded

The Independent Review Panel of America’s Major League Soccer has rescinded the fine and one-game suspension for the red card issued to Columbus Crew’s Ghanaian defender Harrison Afful for a 74th minute foul in their match against D.C. United on July 16.

As a result, the former Esperance man will be eligible to play in Crew SC’s next match against Orlando City SC on Saturday.

Crew SC’s appeal for review of the play was unanimously upheld by the 3-member Panel, which consists of one representative from the U.S. Soccer Federation, one representative from the Canadian Soccer Association and one representative from the Professional Referees Organization (PRO).

The appeal was the third filed by the Ohio based Franchise in this year’s League, all of which have been upheld.

Meanwhile, Afful was named to the MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week  bench for Week 19 after scoring his first career MLS goal last Wednesday in Crew SC’s 1-1 draw with Toronto FC.

MLS: Harrison Afful"s Red Card Rescinded

MLS: Lloyd Sam "Amazed" After DC United Switch

Ex-Ghana Star, Lloyd Sam, has revealed his surprise after his cross town switch from New York to DC United.

The lanky former New York striker openly expressed his amazement after joining DC due to their long rivalry and has pledged to power United to the play-offs in the MLS.

New York sanctioned a move for their celebrated attacker to cross town rivals, DC United, on Tuesday after a four-year association.

The US-born ex-Black Stars forward, registered an impressive 14 goals and 16 assists across the 2014/15 MLS but has since fluffed his lines in the ongoing season.

Speaking to reporters on his arrival at DC United, the former Black Stars striker pledged to pay back his former side with a play-off spot.

“I was surprised(the trade) was done to a rival, if we are being honest. Maybe a little chip on the shoulder but we are not going to be playing them every week.

“I just want to get into the play-offs and get success with this team”, Sam told reporters in Washington.

Lloyd Sam also revealed his long term relationship with his new coach, Ben Olsen, on his arrival at the club.

“He was just saying how well I have done against this team over the years , he has admired what I have done and thinks I am a good player.

“I am really excited to meet my new colleagues and a fresh start”, Sam rounded.

Lloyd Sam registered 20 goals in his 106 appearances in the colours of New York Red Bulls. He will now join compatriot Patrick Nyarko at DC United after his official outdooring on Tuesday.

MLS: Lloyd Sam "Amazed" After DC United Switch

MLS: Excited Afful Credits Team Mates For Debut Goal

MLS-based Ghana defender, Harrison Afful, has credited his teammates for his opening goal for the club following his strike at home to Toronto FC.

The former Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Esperance energetic wing-back latched onto a dropping ball from a goal mouth melee to put Columbus Crew 1-0 up but was quick to credit his team mates for the opener.

The Black Stars versatile defender landed himself the club’s defender of the year award in his maiden season and has since built on it with impeccable displays in the MLS.

Afful continues to shine for his side which has registered just three wins in 18 matches.

Speaking on his opening goal in the colours of Columbus Crew, the Ghanaian import thanked his team mates for the confidence reposed in him.

“It is always good to be on the score sheet but disappointed we could not get the maximum points.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t get the 3 points but congratulations to my team mates for the encouragement and also believing in me”, Afful told reporters.

Columbus however failed to hold on to that lead in an eventual 1-1 drawn game for the basement side.

MLS: Excited Afful Credits Team Mates For Debut Goal

MLS: Afful Nets Screamer For Columbus Crew

Black Stars full-back, Harrison Afful, opened his Columbus Crew scoring account with an absolute beauty in a 1-1 drawn game at home to Toronto FC.

The versatile defender latched onto a pearling from the right flank to register his first goal for the Yellow and Black as they continue to struggle in the division.

The Ghanaian import duly earned himself a MOTM award for his explosive performance on the night despite his side dropping points.

Afful joined the Yellows from Tunisian side, Esperance and, has since made himself a fundamental feature for the MLS side with 30 appearances to his name already.

The former Kumasi Asante Kotoko energetic full-back was named the best full back by fans of the MLS side and looks set to defend his title per his current form.

MLS: Afful Nets Screamer For Columbus Crew

Gyasi Zardes Powers Galaxy To Three Crucial Points.

Gyasi Zardes extended his impressive form in the MLS with another winning performances away to Seattle Sounders.

The Ghanaian born US international marked his return to the much fancied LA Galaxy team with a crucial assist in a thrilling 0-1 away win for the title chasing Galaxy.

The free scoring centre forward played a crucial for the USMNT at the just ended Copa America and has extended his impeccable form into the MLS.

Gyasi sumptuously teed up republic of Ireland legendary forward Robbie keane for the only goal of the night after an early onslaught of his own.

The imposing center half registered 4 goals in his opening 13 league fixtures in the MLS.

LA Galaxy moved into the third slot on the log with two games in hand over leaders FC Dallas.

 

Gyasi Zardes Powers Galaxy To Three Crucial Points.

Kofi Opare’s Sending Off Costly For DC United.

Major League Soccer based Ghanaian forward Kofi Opare was sent for his DC United side in a 3-0 defeat at Philadelphia Union.

The Ghanaian born American international accumulated two yellow cards to hands his opponent numerical advantage and the three contested points at stake in a 3-0 win for Philadelphia.

Opare followed up his first half caution with another booking on the 65^th minute to mark his return to the domestic championship.

The 26 year old enjoyed a near perfect start to the game but his mistimed tackle on Roland Alberg inside the box cost him a penalty and his first yellow card.

The center back then saw his game worsened midway through the second half of the game with another caution.

Compatriot Charles Sarpong however extended his explosive form in the MLS with another cheeky assist to Ilsinho for the second goal of the night.

Philadelphia returned to the second slot in the division and trails NYCFC by a solitary point after 19 rounds of fixtures each.

Kofi Opare’s Sending Off Costly For DC United.

Dominic Oduro Earns Praise Of Team-mates, Coaches

Montreal Impact’s Ghanaian forward, Dominic Oduro has earned the praise of his team-mates and coaches for his excellent display for the Major League Soccer (MLS) side.

Oduro, an MLS veteran who’s played with seven different clubs over the last 10 seasons, has always been known primarily for his superlative quickness and great speed.

And, the 30 year old has displayed that to great effect this season as the Canadian side makes wakes in the competition and, this has not gone unnoticed by those around him.

“He’s one of our key players,” said defender Maxim Tissot. He added: There’s a lot of competition too at his position and he’s been doing great. He’s been making Coach Mauro Biello’s choice very difficult and he’s been helping us a lot on the counter and he’s been defending well too”.

Similar views about the Ghanaian player have been said by other players in the team including Ivorian legend, Didier Drogba who Oduro looks up to for inspiration.

Coach Biello said of his striker; “Dominic is always a big threat, I he’s been able to understand how he can be effective with his qualities. He understands his limits – he works extremely hard, he knows how to use his speed, the timing of his movement, his runs, and how he’s putting himself in situations where he becomes decisive, whether it’s with a pass or with a goal”.

Oduro himself believes this has been one of the strongest seasons yet, and, says he is grateful for the recognition he is getting.

“I can’t say this is my best season, because every season is different; when I was in Columbus I thought I had a great season. When I was in Chicago I thought I had a great season. Every year brings its challenges, but I will say this has been one of my best seasons because it’s been a good start and it’s a blessing to hear my team-mates associate me as one of the key players.”

 

 

 

Dominic Oduro Earns Praise Of Team-mates, Coaches

Kwadwo Poku Rescues NYCFC From Defeat

Major League Soccer based Ghanaian attacker Kwadwo Poku opened his season’s scoring account to rescue a point for NYCFC away to Toronto FC.

Kwadwo Poku shot NYCFC into an early lead before their hosts levelled the scoring just before recess.

The former Atlanta and Wellington forward has been restricted to just five appearances under French trainer Patrick Vieira for the league leaders.

The 24 year old striker however capitalised on the rare start handed him by his trainer with a sizzling performance good enough to earn him much more playing time in the coming days.

Spanish forward David Villa replaced the Ghanaian with 15 minutes left on the clock ahead of the New York derby over the weekend.

Kwadwo Poku Rescues NYCFC From Defeat

Kwarasey Out For Months

Portland Timbers and Ghana Black Stars goalkeeper, Adam Kwarasey has been ruled out for five weeks after he tore ligament in the finger during a league game.

The former Stromsgodset safest pair of hands was initially expected to miss only four weeks when he got injured in April, but club officials have confirmed the Timbers shot-stopper could be out until early July.

Adam Kwarasey in action for Portland Timbers in the Major League Soccer (MLS)

Kwarasey’s absence adds to Avram Grant’s headache as captain, Asamoah Gyan is also nursing injury as he readies to name his squad for an upcoming international friendly against Guinea on May 28 in France.

The Ghana shot-stopper will be out much longer as he is expected to be available for Ghana’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritius in September.

Kwarasey Out For Months

Rampant Charles Sarpong Rescues Philadelphia From Defeat

Free scoring Charles Sarpong continued his fine scoring form in the Major League Soccer with another strike in 1-1 drawn game at Montreal Impact.

The Philadelphia Union Ghanaian import cancelled out an opening goal from Didier Drogba to rescue his side from under the cusp of defeat.

Charles Sarpong took his season tally to 5 goals in the opening 10 matches after a dream start to the season by the 28 year old.

The rampant Ghanaian registered 10 goals in 30 appearances on his maiden season with Union since switching camp from rivals Sporting Kansas.

Montreal Impact took the lead through former Chelsea and Ivorian talisman Didier Drogba in the opening three minutes of the game only for Charles Sarpong to draw parity mid way through the first half.

Dominic Oduro lasted the full duration of the game for the host as they dropped valuable points at home.

Impact maintained their place at the top of the log whiles Philadelphia Union moved into the second slot with a game in hand

Rampant Charles Sarpong Rescues Philadelphia From Defeat

Charles Sarpong Steers Philadelphia Into Second Place In MLS

Major League Soccer (MLS) based Ghanaian forward Charles Sarpong powered Philadelphia Union to within one point of the summit of the table in a four goal thriller at home to the Los Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday.

The in form striker could not add to his four impressive goals in the opening eight matches of the season, but, proved crucial in a 2-2 stalemate at home to the expensively assembled Galaxy side.

Sarpong played in Keegan Rosenberry for Unions second strike in the blockbuster clash with a Stephen Gerrard inspired Galaxy side.

The former Sporting Kansas explosive forward registered 10 goals in 30 appearances last season but has already found the back of the net on four different occasions in the opening nine fixtures.

Philadelphia Union now trail Montreal Impact by just one point but could go top if they get the maximum points in their outstanding game.

Compatriot Emmanuel Boateng failed to come off the bench for LA Galaxy whiles Gyasi Zhardes lasted the full throttle for the visitors.

Charles Sarpong Steers Philadelphia Into Second Place In MLS

Harrison Afful Powers Columbus To Victory In MLS

Ghanaian defender Harrison Afful steered Columbus Crew to three crucial points at home to Houston Dynamos.

The ambidextrous forward maintained his impeccable form in the MLS to earn all points on board.

Sierra Leone attacker Kei Kamara scored the only goal of the night to down the spirited Dynamos and move into sixth slot on the log.

Afful enjoyed a stellar 2015 MLS season with Columbus Crew and has extended his impressive form onto the new campaign in the Major League Soccer.

The marauding wingback again hijacked the media traffic with his commanding performances to extend their mini resurgence after a torrid start to the season by Crew.

Columbus went five matches without a win in the opening matches of the MLS but has since won back to back matches for the first time this season.

Harrison Afful, who was inches close to joining the Turkish Super League in the winter transfer market, has since played all 7 matches for the struggling Columbus.

Harrison Afful Powers Columbus To Victory In MLS

Charles Sarpong"s Wonder Strike Downs NYCFC In MLS

Major league Soccer based Ghanaian forward Charles Sarpong extended his impressive scoring run in the league to earn three crucial points for Philadelphia Union.

The in form center forward took his season tally to four goals in six Matches as Philadelphia spanked New York City FC 2-0 to continue their fine form in the MLS.

The rampant attacker stole the headlines with yet another stunning strike to add to his gallery if goals in a hugely productive season.

Charles Sarpong does his trademark acrobatic move to celebrate scoring for Philadelphia Union

Charles Sarpong followed up an opening strike from Chris Pontius to double the lead for Philadelphia Union with five minutes to recess.

The 26 year had earlier on registered 3 other impressive strikes against New England Revolution and Orlando City.

Compatriot Kojo Poku led the line for NYCFC in that surprised 2-0 setback for the hugely expensive City side.

Charles Sarpong"s Wonder Strike Downs NYCFC In MLS

Ghana Goalkeeper Kwarasey Injured In MLS Game

Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey has suffered an injury playing for his Portland Timbers side in a Major League Soccer (MLS) game on Saturday.

The extent of the injury will be made known after club doctors assess the damage done to the 28-year old Ghana international.

Kwarasey is largely considered to be Ghana’s safest pair of hands and recently ended his self-imposed international strike after settling an impasse with goalkeeper’s trainer Nasamu Yakubu.

He was called-up for Ghana’s 2017 double-headed AFCON qualifiers against Mozambique but was an unused substitute in both games.

 

Ghana Goalkeeper Kwarasey Injured In MLS Game

Oduro Doubles His Tally For Montreal

Ghanaian striker Dominic Oduro has extended his fine scoring in the season for Montreal with a cracking finish in a 3-0 thumping of New York in the MLS.

The speedy attacker capped an involving night with the opening goal of the game for Montreal before further strikes from Piati and Jackson –Hamel finished off the scoring.

The former Chicago Fire and Columbus media glued forward lasted 80 minutes on the night before leaving to the field to a standing ovation.

The 29 year old Ghanaian ushered in the 2016 MLS season with his season debut goal on the opening matches of the campaign for Montreal Impact away to Vancouver White Caps.

The stout and ambidextrous centre forward endured and indifferent 2015 MLS campaign but has hinted at a record performance in the ongoing edition with two goals in the opening two matches.

Oduro joins compatriot David Accam as the only Ghanaians to have scored twice in the opening two matches of the season so.

The free scoring versatile forward, who can also play on either flanks, made a name for himself whiles with Chicago Fire in the 2012 MLS season.

Montreal next head to FC Dallas for match day three where Oduro stands the chance of setting a club record if he scores for the third game in a row.

Oduro Doubles His Tally For Montreal

Accam Maintains Scoring Form As He Strikes Again in The MLS

Black Stars forward David Accam has extended his fine scoring form in the MLS with another strike for earn Chicago a vital point at Orlando City.

The 26 year old former Helsingborg attacker leveled the scores for Chicago to cancel out Cyle larin’s early minute opener for the host.

The red hot striker opened his scoring account in the season openers at home to NYCFC in a seven goal thriller but only needed 15 minutes into the second game to take his tally to two in two matches.

Accam enjoyed a spectacular 2015 MLS season that saw him rack in an incredible 10 odd strikes in the 26 fixtures honoured.

The prolific attacker came close to joining Premiership Stoke City before pulling the trigger at the latter stages of negotiations.

Canadian striker Cyle Larin shot Orlando City into a fourth minute lead at home to Chicago but David Accra soon drew parity just eleven minutes after going behind.

The Ghanaian however nearly got himself into trouble with a late booking in the thrilling 1-1 drawn game.

Accam stormed Swedish football with 43 goals in 79 appearances for Helsingborg to earn a big money move to Chicago in the MLS for the start of the 2015 season.

Chicago remains 6th place on the log but could drop into button three if other results go against them.

Accam Maintains Scoring Form As He Strikes Again in The MLS

MLS: Afful Harrison Star In Defeat To Phil

Ghana International Harrison Afful’s club Columbus Crew lost 1-2 to visitors Philadephia in match week two of the Major League Soccer (MLS) 2016 season.



The home side missed many chances initially to  take the lead and then to equalize but failed as the game ended on a disappointing note for the Crew.



The Ghanaian right back, Afful was however adjudged one of the top 4 best players of the match.

Columbus Crew is yet to win a game this season after ending last season on a disappointing note as losing finalists in the play-off final.

 

 

 

Photos credit: Senyuiedzorm Awusi Adadevoh

MLS: Afful Harrison Star In Defeat To Phil

LA Galaxy lands Emmanuel Boateng

LA Galaxy has announced the arrival of Ghanaian forward Emmanuel Boateng ahead of the 2016 Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

The former Helsinborg forward look set to join the Ghanaian contingent in the American top flight pending the arrival of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

LA Gallaxy missed out on the MLS play offs and has spotted the Ghanaian attacker worthy of firing them to the podium when the MLS kicks in March 2016.

The MLS side announced the arrival of the talented forward on their official website on Thursday evening awaiting the necessary paperwork.

Former head coach of the US national team Bruce Arena,who now heads the coaching department of LA Galaxy hailed the arrival of the former Right To Dream attacker.

“Emmanuel is a talented , young, attacking player who will add valuable depth to our offences. He will continue to develop as a player and we are excited to add him to our roster”, Bruce Arena told the club official website.

Boateng, a graduate from the renowned RTD Academy has since won several individual accolades including the MVP at the Prestigious Milk Cup tournament featuring the world’s brightest young talent.

LA Galaxy lands Emmanuel Boateng

Statement: "Accam Is Going Nowhere" - Chicago Fire

David Accam Is Not For Sale –  Chicago Fire Admin

Chicago fire and Ghanaian international, David Accam has been linked with a January transfer to English premier league side, Stoke city.

 

Accam, 25, has been training with the English side to keep up in shape as the MLS 2014/15 season ended in November. The 5 ft 8″ versatile forward who can play as a winger as well has scored 10 – goals in 24 – appearances and it’s this form that has made him a hot prospect for Mark Hughes to try snatch him away from the Major League Soccer side.

 

Chicago fire General manager, Nelson Rodriguez told Comcast Sportsnet in an interview has rubbished reports linking the Ghanaian forward with a move to the Stoke city.

He said, “David is a key part of our team and a key part of our plans for 2016 and beyond. I don’t really understand where the rumours have originated from and why they even exist. We have had no discussions at all with Stoke or any other team for his transfer or service.”

Chicago Fire forward David Accam (11) passes the ball during an MLS game

He answered when asked about Accam training at Stoke, he said, “to David’s credit, he wants to have a bigger and better season than he did last year. He thought that getting a head start on training would put him in a better position to achieve that goal of an improved season in 2016 and we were pleased to accommodate his request.

 

Though Roudriguez is sure Chicago fire will retain David’s services, he was open to future opportunities for the young Ghanaian forward. “I’ve learnt never to say, or rarely to say ‘never’, but it would be extremely difficult,” the administrator said.

 

The former Right To Dream Academy forward is concentrating on his play and not allowing the rumours to distort his plans for the upcoming MLS season.

Statement: "Accam Is Going Nowhere" - Chicago Fire