Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. MLS PRESEASON
There was a full slate of reseason games over the weekend. FC Dallas took down D.C. United 3-1 on Friday, and Saturday featured a battle of global superstars: New York City FC's David Villa vs. Orlando City's Kaká. No one won, but both players shined in a 1-1 draw between the 2015 expansion sides at the Carolina Challenge Cup. On Sunday, the Simple Invitational got underway, and the hosts Portland Timbers lost in more ways than one.
2. NYCFC STANDING ON THEIR OWN
NYCFC had to fight their way back against Orlando City in their first game against MLS opposition, and they showed plenty of different options up front in doing so. The side obviously benefitted from its time in Manchester, and as the new season approaches, they say they’re ready to stand on their own.
- A NEW DP IN DENVER
On Friday, the Colorado Rapids officially announced the signing of Juan Ramirez, a 21-year-old attack-minded winger from Argentinos Juniors. He is just the second Designated Player in club history. Ramirez might not be the only new thing for the Rapids this season.
4. ARISTEGUIETA IMPRESSES FOR UNION
The Philadelphia Union confirmed on Friday the signing of 22-year-old Venezuelan striker Fernando Aristeguieta on a year-long loan from French side Nantes. The acquisition has head coach Jim Curtin "thrilled," and understandably so, based on his first performance in a Union kit.
5. THE GALAXY GO TO IRELAND
While the LA Galaxy took down Shamrock Rovers in Irish international Robbie Keane’s homecoming match, the league MVP was again full of praise for teammate Gyasi Zardes following the win.
6. ALTIDORE’S NEW MISSION
New Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore apparently turned down several other offers in order to join the Reds. While the club looks to use Toronto FC II to help build its future talents, SuperDraft goalkeeper Alex Bono is quietly confident about breaking into the first team. Meanwhile, will Gilberto ever return to TFC?
7. CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE KICKS OFF
For the Montreal Impact and D.C. United, there are no more friendlies: It's all about the real thing this week as the CONCACAF Champions League kicks off. Montreal face Liga MX side Pachuca on Tuesday, and United take on Costa Rican side Alajuelense. MLSsoccer.com will have complete coverage.
8. PACHUCA IN FORM
The Impact have been in Mexico preparing for the past two weeks, but will it be enough in the first leg against Pachuca. Unfortunately, Los Tuzosare in good form right now. But the Impact believe they have put last year's difficult year behind them and this year is "a new chapter."
9. UNITED ROSTER MOVES
As D.C. United continue to prep for Thursday's CONCACAF Champions League encounter at Alajuelense, their roster continues to take shape. Striker David Estrada was let go and former New York Red Bull midfielder Ian Christianson is in on trial.
10. HAS RICHARDS DONE ENOUGH?
Speaking before Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Danish side HB Koge, Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch said he was still evaluating his options, including returning fan favorite Dane Richards. The Jamaican speedster went 30 minutes in that result.
11. MWANGA KEEPS THINGS IN CHECK
While Kaka already seems to be in fine form, scoring another goal on Saturday, it may take a little bit longer for teammate Danny Mwanga to rebuild his confidence after a difficult couple of seasons. However, the well-traveled striker believes his past helps him keep things in perspective.
- TRAPP’S BIG YEAR
Last season, Wil Trapp emerged as one of the most promising young players in MLS, culminating in a call up to the US national team in January. Is Trapp now set to establish himself as one of MLS’s best players?
13. LOOKING FOR MINUTES
Adam Jahn didn’t score in the San Jose Earthquakes' 1-0 win over the Sacramento Republic on Saturday. But with a new head coach to impress, the third-year striker is hoping he can translate good preseason performances into first-team minutes.
14. LAFC LOCATION?
The LA Timesclaims that future MLS franchise LAFC is in "advanced" negotiations regarding a downtown site for their stadium project. But club president Tom Penn stated that a final location for the team’s new home has not been chosen yet. Meanwhile, there's at least one American abroad who’d be interested in playing for the new side.
15. FINAL FANTASY
How’s that MLS Fantasy team coming on? If you’re struggling, here are some tips on how to assemble a competitive team as well as how to join or establish your own leagues. You can also join the Kick Off’s very own league using the code 5235-1226.
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Ex-FC Dallas goalkeeper Josh Lambo gunning for NFL career
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