Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. RED BULLS MAKE WINNING START
Mike Petke had made it clear he wanted the New York Red Bulls to win their first CONCACAF Champions League match, and win it they did, with a strong lineup helping the side to a 2-0 victory over Salvadoran club FAS (watch highlights here), the first CCL victory in the club’s history.
2. THE RETURN OF EJ?
The LA Galaxy host D.C. United tonight (10:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE) with the visitors the latest to have prepared a parting gift for the retiring Landon Donovan. The game also sees Eddie Johnson return from suspension, and after a 3-0 win over Kansas City without Johnson, head coach Ben Olsen offered some thoughts on whether or not EJ will be back in the team.
3. DONOVAN’S (ALMOST) TESTIMONIAL
With Landon Donovan set to retire at the end of the season, on 10/10 US soccer fans will get one last chance to see the nation's famous #10 in action, as US Soccer has confirmed that the friendly against Ecuador will serve as a farewell game for the all-time US leader in goals and assists.
4. JONES ARRIVES
Jermaine Jones was officially unveiled as a New England Revolution player on Tuesday, with the US international declaring that, “I will try everything so that maybe we get some wins.” New club teammate Charlie Davies may deserve an assist for assuaging Jones' fears about playing on artificial turf, and Jones already seems to be settling in well.
5. REVS SETTING SITES ON STADIUM
With Jermaine Jones in the fold, what's next on the hit list for the New England Revolution? Well, according to Revs president Brian Bilello, “Our goal is to have our own stadium, to have a stadium up in or around Boston, and we’re confident we can do that.”
6. VIVA LAS VEGAS
Speaking of stadiums, Las Vegas’ hopes of someday landing an MLS franchise may have taken a big step forward on Tuesday after the city and developers reached terms on a plan for a downtown stadium. However, the plan will not move forward unless the city is awarded an MLS team.
7. LAMPARD RETIRES … FROM ENGLAND
Frank Lampard, New York City FC’s newest Designated Player, has chosen to retire from international soccer, stating that “due to my club career now going in a different direction, it is of the utmost importance for me to consider my family first.” Lampard is currently on loan with Manchester City but is yet to feature in a matchday squad.
8. MORE MILLER TIME FOR RED BULLS
Roy Miller may have made the final roster for Costa Rica’s Copa Centroamericana squad, but with the tournament being held in the US, it seems the New York Red Bulls have managed to come to an agreement with the national team which allows the Red Bulls to retain Miller for the majority of the tournament.
9. GONZALEZ DEPARTS, WHO WILL ARRIVE?
Giancarlo Gonzalez has officially joined Palermo from the Columbus Crew, and as Gregg Berhalter looks over at recent acquisitions within the Eastern Conference, the Columbus boss has talked more about potential additions to his own side.
10. TROUBLE AT THE BACK
Toronto’s injury woes continued at the weekend, with Justin Morrow and Steven Caldwell joining the infirmary list after last weekend's 2-2 tie against Chicago. It seems the club will have to make do without the pair for a while, with Ryan Nelsen suggesting both players will miss a few weeks of action.
11. BOLANOS FINALLY ON HIS WAY?
Earlier this month Chivas USA announced the loan signing of Luis Bolaños from Ecuadorian side LDU Quinto. Bolaños has yet to make an appearance for his new side after issues securing a visa, but that could all be set to change very soon.
12. TRAIN TO THE TOP
Orlando City continue to make all the right moves both on and off the pitch, following news that MLS’ 21st team has reached an agreement over a new training facility in Seminole County.
13. WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT?
Reports early on Tuesday had 1860 Munich midfielder Bobby Wood being called into the US squad for their upcoming friendly against the Czech Republic. However, it seems those stories might have been a little bit premature.
14. THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
With men's college soccer set to get underway this weekend, one collegiate underclassman will not be back to play Ivy League soccer in 2014. Canadian Daniel Haber explains how he went from Cornell to Israel to Cyprus in search of professional minutes.
15. TOO MUCH GOLD CUP?
With Tim Howard currently on an international sabbatical until next September, he’ll miss the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Of course, the Everton ‘keeper has been there and done that before. With the tournament held every two years, might other players follow his lead and opt for a summer of rest next year?
MLSsoccer.com Musts
MLS Fantasy: Preparing for Week 25 and the double game weeks ahead
Canadian Exports good news for the Canadian national team
Revolution players on Jones: “He’s going to be the best player on the field”
Get the Kick-Off delivered to you!
Enter your email address and favorite team below to sign up for The Kick-Off mailing list and get it delivered to your inbox every morning.
Email:
Favorite Team:
Chicago Fire
Chivas USA
Colorado Rapids
Columbus Crew
D.C. United
FC Dallas
Houston Dynamo
LA Galaxy
Montreal Impact
New England Revolution
NY Red Bulls
Philadelphia Union
Portland Timbers
Real Salt Lake
San Jose Earthquakes
Seattle Sounders FC
Sporting KC
Toronto FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
I don't have a favorite team
