Week 10 Roundup – Transfers, Trades, Firings – New IFAB Rules

Hello again, soccer fans! Welcome back to the Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast. This week, we review the latest slate of Major League Soccer (MLS) games and talk about a surprising team on top of the Eastern Conference - Philadelphia Union, and a surprising team near the bottom of the Western Conference - Sporting KC.

The hosts also discuss the latest moves from around the league:

Chicago Fire acquire Francisco Calvo from Minnesota United
Portland Timbers sign Brian Fernandez from Necaxa
FC Cincinnati fire coach Alan Koch
Justin Meram traded from Columbus Crew to Atlanta United

Finally, Nick and Mike review new IFAB rules that are forthcoming. While not a major impact in any one area of the game, they will make a noticeable difference. The rules are:

Any goal scored by the hand/arm is disallowed (even if accidental)
Attacking players can't be within 1 meter of the wall
Ball need not exit the goal box on a goal kick before being touched
Substituting player must exit at the nearest touchline
Goalkeeper need only keep one foot on the goal line before a penalty kick

Thanks for listening, and be sure to follow along on twitter @SOPSoccer, on facebook, or join the conversation in the comments below.

Hello again, soccer fans! Welcome back to the Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast. This week, we review the latest slate of Major League Soccer (MLS) games and talk about a surprising team on top of the Eastern Conference – Philadelphia Union, and a surprising team near the bottom of the Western Conference – Sporting KC.

The hosts also discuss the latest moves from around the league:

Chicago Fire acquire Francisco Calvo from Minnesota United
Portland Timbers sign Brian Fernandez from Necaxa
FC Cincinnati fire coach Alan Koch
Justin Meram traded from Columbus Crew to Atlanta United

Finally, Nick and Mike review new IFAB rules that are forthcoming. While not a major impact in any one area of the game, they will make a noticeable difference. The rules are:

Any goal scored by the hand/arm is disallowed (even if accidental)
Attacking players can’t be within 1 meter of the wall
Ball need not exit the goal box on a goal kick before being touched
Substituting player must exit at the nearest touchline
Goalkeeper need only keep one foot on the goal line before a penalty kick

Thanks for listening, and be sure to follow along on twitter @SOPSoccer, on facebook, or join the conversation in the comments below.