MLS Playoff news roundup

We start with a big home win for Columbus Crew Tuesday nght against NYCFC, winning 4-1. Striker Ola Kamara of Columbus scored early in the 6th minute and the Crew never looked back. The second leg will take place Sunday afternoon November 5 back in New York City.

Elsewhere, Houston Dynamo keeper Tyler Deric has been suspended by MLS after a recent arrest. Deric was arrested Tuesday, October 31, and charged with misdemeanor assault of a family member. Deric is currently not allowed to participate in any team activities and may likely miss this Sunday’s playoff match in Portland. Both the Houston Police Department and MLS are investigating the incident.

NASL Division II fate decided later this week

Judge Margo K. Brodie of the U.S. District Court system for the Eastern District of New York anticipates she will reach her decision by this week’s end on whether to grant an injunction for NASL to retain its status as a Division II league. Earlier this fall NASL was denied their Division II status for next year by USSF and filed an anti-trust lawsuit in response.

Loons in brief

Minnesota United’s own Abu Danladi has been announced as a finalist for 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year.  Abu is up against Philadelphia Union’s Jack Elliott and Atlanta United’s Julian Gressel. The winner will be announced next week on November 8.

Minnesota United may have their first offseason roster move to announce. Reports are surfacing that the Loons are in talks to sign Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Abbey.

News bits

• USSF Vice President Carlos Cordeiro has announced his intentions to run for President of USSF this election cycle.
• Minneapolis City SC’s new logo has been revealed after a vote. 2018 members can now vote on a new member scarf design.
• Costas Takkas, a former accountant for CONCACAF, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to charges of money laundering.
• Former Minnesota United defender Jeb Brovsky pens his opinion on how the American soccer youth can help the sport grow.

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