Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. FEELING EMOTIONAL
Kaká has scored a lot of important goals in his career, but according to the Brazilian superstar, few were as emotional as the one he scored on Sunday. Orlando City SC certainly gave it their all against New York City FC, and when you hear Kaká’s pre-game speech, it’s easy to understand why.
2. OPENING UP
Following their participation in Orlando City’s impressive debut, New York City FC look set for a big home opener of their own this Sunday. The club announced on Monday that they've surpassed 15,000 season ticket holders and that the entirety of the 50,000-plus seat Yankee Stadium will be open for this Sunday's game against the New England Revolution (5 pm ET; ESPN 2).
3. LET'S GO TO THE VIDEO TAPE
The topic of simulations in the Orlando City vs. New York City FC match got plenty of coverage on the first episode of Instant Replay in 2015. OCSC head coach Adrian Heath had a strong opinion on the subject, stating that referees need to be careful with their simulation calls,
4. FROM ZERO TO HERO
Cameron Porter’s goal in the Montreal Impact’s CONCACAF Champions League success made the rookie an instant hero in Quebec, but if not for a late phone call ahead of January's MLS Player Combine, the 45th pick in this year’s SuperDraft could have missed out on being selected altogether.
5. WHERE’S PEGUY?
As the New York Red Bulls begin to find their feet under new head coach Jesse Marsch, perhaps one of the biggest unanswered questions regarding the squad is what’s going on with Peguy Luyindula. Marsch spoke about the Frenchman on Monday, addressing reports that the veteran is pondering retirement.
6. WEAVER BOWS OUT
Cam Weaver, who had spells with the Seattle Sounders, San Jose Earthquakes and, most successfully, the Houston Dynamo, announced his retirement on Sunday via Instagram. The striker had been without a club since the Sounders declined his option at the end of 2014.
7. WHAT’S NEXT?
The race for the next round of MLS expansion appears to be entering its final stages, with Commissioner Don Garber stating on Sunday that an announcement on the next round of expansion will be made in 45-60 days. Now that opening weekend is done and dusted, find out what the commissioner made of the start of the season and what he's thinking about for the future.
8. GOALS WILL COME FOR THE UNION
While they couldn’t break through against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, the Philadelphia Union’s new Designated Player Fernando Aristeguieta insists that the goals will come for the club. Meanwhile, former Union goalkeeper Brian Holt has found a new team.
9. BREAKING IN
He didn't make the squad for the LA Galaxy's opener against the Chicago Fire, but newly signed Finnish midfielder Mika Vayrynen is already drawing praise from his teammates and looks ready to compete for a starting role. The Galaxy have also explained why regular 'keeper Jaime Penedo didn’t start on Friday.
10. GOING THE NINETY
With the Sounders' 3-0 destruction of the New England Revolution rightfully claiming the headlines, one thing that may have gotten overlooked in Seattle this weekend was the opening of “The Ninety,” the club's new central hub in Pioneer Place which forms a big part of their vision for the future.
11. BOCANEGRA SET TO SUCCEED
Carlos Bocanegra was recently hired as the first technical director of Atlanta’s incoming MLS franchise, but he doesn't exactly have a ton of experience. How will he do? A number of former US internationals are certain that he will succeed.
12. U-23S HEADING TO UTAH?
U.S. Soccer has announced friendlies in Europe against Bosnia and Denmark as the Under-23 team’s first games under Andi Herzog, and it seems their path to the Olympics will also take them to Real Salt Lake’s Rio Tinto Stadium.
13. MEXICO GOES EURO HEAVY
With Mexico heading to the US for friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay this month, El Tri manager Miguel Herrera has called up 12 players based in Europe for his latest squad. Domestic call-ups are set to be announced soon.
14. SETTING UP SHOWDOWNS
On Monday, the US women’s national team earned a spot in Wednesday's Algarve Cup final against France, playing Iceland to a scoreless draw to win Group B. Meanwhile, Canada earned a place in a final of their own, beating Italy 1-0 to set up a showdown with England in the Cyprus Cup final.
15. ON YOUR BIKE
You might want to remember this name: Aaron Herrera. Herrera, a member of the Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy, forced his way on to SportsCenter’s Top 10 with this stunning bicycle kick against Arsenal FC (no, not that one). Ride that bike, youngin'.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Vote now for 2015’s first Goal of the Week!
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