"Macho" Ramírez se alista para su primera "final" del semestre Alajuelense afina detalles para el decisivo partido de este martes ante Los Angeles FC por la Copa de Campeones de la Concacaf. La serie está igualada 1-1, por lo que el compromiso en el estadio Alejandro Morera Soto promete ser intenso. Un empate sin goles clasificaría a los rojinegros, aunque el técnico Óscar Ramírez aseguró que su equipo buscará más que solo especular con el resultado. "Ya estudiamos el partido que hicimos allá, pero esto es una final. El 0-0 nos da el pase, pero creemos que podemos buscar más cosas. Trataremos de tener el balón, aunque enfrentamos a un equipo diseñado para ser campeón de la MLS, con grandes figuras", comentó el entrenador en conferencia de prensa. Ramírez también advirtió sobre el peligro del rival, especialmente en las transiciones rápidas. "Queremos tener más posesión, pero eso nos puede traicionar por las transiciones que tienen ellos. Debemos hacer un partido muy pensante, saberlo llevar, no regalar nada y aprovechar cualquier oportunidad que se presente", explicó. El estratega manudo destacó además el papel de la afición para este compromiso. "La afición ha sido un pilar importante. Será una noche bonita de fútbol y el equipo pondrá todo su empeño y concentración. Los muchachos darán lo mejor de sí", afirmó. Sobre el análisis del rival, Ramírez indicó que el cuerpo técnico ha estudiado las características de sus principales figuras para intentar neutralizarlas. "Son jugadores con características diferentes. Hacemos un escaneo y analizamos cómo minimizarlas. La experiencia del primer partido ayuda mucho para este segundo". El técnico también enfatizó la importancia de manejar la presión durante el encuentro. "Hay que saber salir de la presión que ellos ejercen.#los_angeles_fc #alajuelense #estadio_alejandro_morera_soto #oscar_ramirez #copa_de_campeones_concacaf
James Rodriguez Makes Striking Debut in MLS, Two Teams Remain Unbeaten Minnesota United’s 34-year-old Colombian playmaker, James Rodriguez, made his MLS debut on Sunday but faced an uphill battle as his team fell to Vancouver Whitecaps 6-0. Despite entering the match in the 64th minute, Rodriguez managed 41 touches, showing promise in his first appearance. However, the one-sided scoreline left little room for impact, though Minnesota hopes his ability to control the ball and create opportunities will help turn their season around. Vancouver Whitecaps secured their fourth consecutive win, climbing to the top of the Western Conference with a dominant 6-0 victory. The result made them the league’s top scorers with 14 goals, while also keeping their clean sheet count at one. Their performance was backed by strong xG (expected goals) metrics, highlighting their efficiency in attack and defensive solidity. Los Angeles FC (LAFC), the 2022 MLS Cup champions, maintained their perfect start to 2026 with a 2-0 win over St Louis City. The team has yet to concede a goal this season, continuing their streak of solid results. Their early-season success includes a 3-0 victory over Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, and a balanced mix of domestic and Champions Cup fixtures. While Vancouver leads the conference in xG and lowest xG conceded, LAFC’s consistency remains a key factor in their title aspirations. FC Dallas’ Petar Musa emerged as the standout performer of the week, scoring a hat-trick against San Diego FC in a 3-3 draw. The 6-foot-3 striker, signed for $13 million in 2024, averages a goal every other game and has already contributed significantly to Croatia’s World Cup preparations.#los_angeles_fc #james_rodriguez #minnesota_united #vancouver_whitecaps #petar_musa
Former Crew players Yaw Yeboah, Derrick Jones given lifetime MLS bans for sports gambling Former Columbus Crew players Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah have been banned for life from Major League Soccer (MLS) for engaging in sports betting, the league announced. The decision followed an investigation that found both players had placed "extensive" bets on soccer matches, including wagers on their own teams, during 2024 and 2025. The players were placed on administrative leave by MLS in October for potential rule violations, though the specifics of the allegations were not disclosed at the time. The league stated that one of the key incidents involved Jones and Yeboah betting on Jones receiving a yellow card during the Crew’s game against the New York Red Bulls on October 19, 2024. Jones was indeed shown a yellow card in the 34th minute for a foul on Daniel Edelman of New York. The investigation revealed that the players had placed multiple bets on games, including matches involving their own club, which violates MLS policies on sports gambling. A statement from the Columbus Crew emphasized its commitment to upholding integrity and respect in the sport. The club condemned the actions of the players, calling them a violation of the values that define the organization and the league. "We fully condemn all actions and notions that aren’t aligned with these critical values," the statement said. The Crew also noted that they had cooperated fully with the league’s investigation but deferred all comments on the findings and disciplinary actions to MLS. Jones, who played for the Crew from 2022 to 2024, became a free agent after his contract expired and later joined Los Angeles FC. During the 2023 MLS Cup final, Yeboah scored the decisive goal in the 37th minute of the Crew’s 2-1 victory over LAFC.#major_league_soccer #derrick_jones #yaw_yeboah #columbus_crew #los_angeles_fc
