Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. WELCOME TO MLS, MINNESOTA
Minnesota United FC were officially introduced as MLS's next expansion club on Wednesday. The club is the latest in MLS's history of expansion, and MLS Commissioner Don Garber explained why Minneapolis is such a good fit for the league.
2. US LOSE LATE TO DENMARK
The US national team took on Denmark on Wednesday in the first of their international friendlies this month and, despite twice taking the lead, two late goals from hat-trick hero Niklas Bendtner and some poor defensive play saw the Yanks fall to a 3-2 defeat. Many players struggled to impress in this one, but there were some clear messages to take away.
3. KLINSI LOOKS FOR POSITIVES
Jurgen Klinsmann was obviously unhappy with the familiar manner of the US defeat, but Toronto FC’s American DPs came away looking good: Jozy Altidore's partnership with Aron Johannson looks promising, and Michael Bradley looked back to his old box-to-box self while serving as the team's captain for the first time.
4. WHITECAPS ADD EARNSHAW
The Vancouver Whitecaps look to have found themselves a gem in Octavio Rivero, but the club bolstered their attacking ranks anyway on Wednesday, signing Welsh striker Robert Earnshaw following a lengthy trial. Are the Canadian side also closing in on a Uruguayan winger?
5. MORROW APPEAL DENIED
Justin Morrow is unavailable for Toronto FC’s game against Real Salt Lake on Saturday after an independent review panel rejected the club's appeal of his red card. The Disciplinary Committee also ruled on a few incidents from last weekend, adding an extra game onto Philadelphia midfielder Zach Pfeffer’s suspension and handing Vancouver's Kekuta Manneh a one-game ban for a reckless challenge against Orlando City.
6. LAMPARD SET TO VISIT NYC
With Frank Lampard already dreaming of an MLS showdown with Steven Gerrard, the New York City FC star is set to visit his team during this international break. Head coach Jason Kreis confirmed he’s looking forward to speaking with his midfielder, while also saying he’s unsure on whether or not he wants to sign Xavi.
7. KLUTE’S FIRST START FOR CREW SC?
With Waylon Francis away on international duty with Costa Rica, the Columbus Crew SC's match Saturday against the New York Red Bulls could see Chris Klute get his first start for the side? In off the field news, Crew SC are open to the possibility of a shared facility with the NFL's Cleveland Browns.
8. QUAKES ADD DEPTH
David Bingham has established himself as the San Jose Earthquakes' first-choice goalkeeper this season, but the club are looking to add some depth at the position, reportedly closing in on former Georgetown keeper Tomas Gomez.
9. TIMBERS 2 KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
While Caleb Porter vows the Portland Timbers won’t continue their slow start, the Portland Timbers 2 get their USL season underway this Sunday when they take on Real Monarchs. One of T2’s most intriguing players is Santiago Biglieri, an Argentine striker who happens to be the godfather of Diego Valeri’s daughter. Here he explains his reasons for joining the new team.
10. SAN ANTONIO RUNNING EXPANSION MARATHON
Following the Minnesota United news, the NASL's San Antonio Scorpions continue to be interested in a future jump up to MLS. Club owner Gordon Hartman says pursuing that objective is “a marathon, not a sprint.”
11. MAGEE IGNITES A MIDWEST RIVALRY
While the injured Mike Magee is still not ready to suit up for the Chicago Fire just yet, he’s certainly doing his part to stoke a future rivalry with Minnesota United.
12. HONDURAS IN DANGER OF MISSING GOLD CUP
Many may have assumed that Honduras’s place in this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup was a given, even with a playoff series with French Guiana to navigate. But stop the presses! They are in serious jeopardy of missing out now, after losing the away leg of their two-game series, 3-1, on Wednesday.
13. CONCACAF’S ROAD TO RUSSIA HAS BEGUN
While the biggest nations are busy playing international friendlies this week, for some of CONCACAF’s smaller teams, this international window marks the start of World Cup Qualifying. Bermuda and St Kitts & Nevis are the big winners so far. The US Virgin Islands also earned their first-ever win over an opponent other than rival British Virgin Islands, topping Barbados.
14. YEDLIN'S LEARNING EXPERIENCE
While DeAndre Yedlin does not sound overly confident that he’s going to break into the Tottenham Hotspur team this season, the US defender is apparently enjoying himself and learning a lot with his new EPL side. There’s also, as Seattle Sounders boss Garth Lagerwey made clear, absolutely no truth to rumors of Yedlin's returning to Seattle.
15. OBAFEMI MARTINS: COOL DAD
Obafemi Martins wasn't called up for international duty this week, but the Seattle Sounders forward found an equally valuable way to spend his time when not training.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Philadelphia goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi scales back international commitments
With Cameron Porter out, Montreal Impact turn to Jack McInerney
Full effect of RSL formation changes won’t be realised until Joao Plata returns
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