New York City sack coach Kreis

New York City have sacked coach Jason Kreis after their star-studded squad failed to make the MLS play-offs.

Kreis’ side finished eighth in the Eastern Conference, 12 points outside the play-off spots despite having David Villa for all of the campaign and the likes of Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo for parts of it.

The club said the decision came after a review of a “disappointing campaign”, having set the target of making the play-offs in their maiden season.

In a statement, New York City president Tom Glick said: “The decision to part company with Jason and his team after two years of working together has not been taken lightly and this is a difficult announcement for all involved.

MLS Review: Impact, Sounders earn first-leg wins

Johan Venegas broke a second-half deadlock as Montreal Impact rallied to beat Columbus Crew 2-1 in the first leg of the MLS conference semi-finals on Sunday.

Venegas dispossessed Crew defender Michael Parkhurst and ran through on goal before curling the ball beyond Steve Clark with 13 minutes remaining in the Eastern Conference semi at Stade Saputo in Montreal.

Scores were level at half-time in the play-off clash after Impact midfielder Patrice Bernier cancelled out Federico Higuain’s 33rd-minute opener within four minutes.

Didier Drogba was unable to add to his 12 goals this season, despite finding the back of the net in the first half.

The former Chelsea striker’s 15th-minute goal was ruled out for handball just as he turned away to celebrate.

Drogba and Co. will travel to Columbus for the return leg next Sunday.

Gerrard hints at retirement plans

Steven Gerrard has revealed he is considering retiring from football at the end of the 2016 season following the LA Galaxy’s play-off elimination.

The Liverpool great, 35, joined the Galaxy in July 2015 on an 18-month Designated Player contract, scoring two goals and providing three assists in 14 league appearances in his first season in MLS.

Galaxy were knocked out of the MLS Cup by the Seattle Sounders following a 3-2 defeat at CenturyLink Field on Wednesday and Gerrard is determined to make amends next year after missing out on another domestic title.

“It could be my last season as a footballer. I certainly don’t want to feel like I’m feeling right now come next year,” he said.

“I’d love to go out on a high. It’s a long season and I only came here for the last four months, but I’ll certainly be better for the experience next year.”

Reflecting on his first season in United States, Gerrard admitted he was caught out by a number of different league aspects.

What’s next for Steven Gerrard and the LA Galaxy?

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard has revealed he could retire at the end of the 2016 MLS season.

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard has revealed he could retire at the end of the 2016 MLS season.

The former England international, 35, joined the Galaxy on an 18-month Designated Player deal in the summer, but tallied just two goals and three assists in 14 league appearances in his debut season in America.

And on Wednesday, the Galaxy were knocked out of the MLS Cup after suffering a 3-2 away defeat to the Seattle Sounders and Gerrard is already looking forward to making amends next year.