Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. A POSITIVE PERFORMANCE?
Though they gave up yet another late goal, the general consensus is that Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Switzerland was the US national team's best performance in some time. Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann isn’t concerned about the Tuesday's late game defensive woes, especially since his side had been reduced to 10-men at that point following Jozy Altidore’s dismissal.
2. BEDOYA’S ILL PERFORMANCE
The standout player for the US against Switzerland might have been Alejandro Bedoya, who put in a strong performance in the midfield despite feeling ill.
3. ALTIDORE APOLOGIZES
Jozy Altidore’s dismissal in the 68th minute really turned the tide against the US national team, just as Switzerland were turning up the pressure. The Toronto FC Designated Player clearly knows he was in the wrong, issuing a full apology shortly after the match.
4. HEART OF A LION
Orlando City SC's Brek Shea invoked memories of Eric Wynalda when he curled home a free kick to give the US the lead against Switzerland. The goal marks the latest step in Shea’s renaissance, one he'll look to continue at OCSC, which saw some of their other international players return to training on Tuesday.
5. BIRNBAUM SIDELINED
After going down early in D.C. United’s 1-0 win over the LA Galaxy last weekend, center back Steve Birnbaum is set to miss 4-6 weeks due to a sprained left ankle. United are also down another man after young Jamaican forward Michael Seaton was loaned to Swedish side Orebro SK on Tuesday.
6. ZUSI FEELS THE STRAIN
After just about overcoming the stress fracture in his foot, influential Designated Player Graham Zusi is set to miss Sporting Kansas City’s next two games with a mild hamstring strain. Taking a longer view, the club is looking for the new Zusi, casting its eyes to the west as they look to capture a whole new market.
7. NEW ADDITIONS ARRIVE IN PORTLAND
Although they probably won’t start this weekend, Jack Jewsbury has made a partial return to training with the Portland Timbers and Ishmael Yartey is expected to join his new team today. Meanwhile, as the Timbers look to their new USL side for potential future players, they already have one notable former MLSer in Blair Gavin.
8. NYCFC’S NEW SIGNING STANDS TALL
New York City FC added even more depth to the goalkeeper position on Tuesday after they completed a move for ex-Manchester City ‘keeper Eirik Johansen. He'll certainly stand out in a crowd; the Norwegian youth international is 6-foot-7.
9. TORONTO’S BACK LINE STILL IN DOUBT
Although Toronto FC will welcome outside back Justin Morrow back from suspension this weekend, they could still be without first-choice center backs Stephen Caldwell and Damien Perquis, who are both questionable for this weekend's match at Chicago due to injury.
10. SERVING SUSPENSIONS
TFC will already be without forward Luke Moore this weekend. Moore was one of two players punished by the MLS Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday, with the English striker earning a one-game ban and Philadelphia Union midfielder Fred getting an extra match tacked on to his suspension.
11. FC DALLAS TAKING THEIR TIME
FC Dallas is planning on filling their final DP slot, but, with the club undefeated on the season and playing some nice soccer to boot, technical director Fernando Clavijo isn't planning to rush the selection process.
12. WEEKLY ACCOLADES
Having helped the New England Revolution to their first goals and first win of 2015, Kelyn Rowe was named MLS Player of the Week on Tuesday. Meanwhile, following a hat-trick in his team's 4-0 win against Vancouver Whitecaps 2, Seattle Sounders 2 star Darwin Jones has been named the USL Player of the Week.
13. OLYMPIC HOPEFULS COME UP SHORT
The US Under-23s couldn't avenge the US senior team's recent loss to Denmark in Tuesday's game, with head coach Andi Herzog’s side falling 1-0 to Denmark to end his first U-23 camp on something of a sour note.
14. MEXICO KEEP WINNING
Mexico’s own international window ended on a high note following another 1-0 victory, this time against Paraguay. Debutant Eduarado Herrera scored the only goal of the game, finding the back of the net just two minutes in at Arrowhead Stadium.
15. DELAGARZA’S DELIGHT
A nice story to finish with: After the heartbreaking loss of their infant son Luca last year, LA Galaxy defender AJ DeLaGarza and his wife, Megan, are expecting another baby.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
90+| The best highlights from Week 4
AT&T MLS Goal of the Week and Save of the Week: Vote now!
MLS Fantasy Doctor: Planning ahead is vital
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:
SELECT YOUR FAVORITE CLUB
Atlanta
Chicago Fire
Colorado Rapids
Columbus Crew SC
D.C. United
FC Dallas
Houston Dynamo
LAFC
LA Galaxy
Montreal Impact
New England Revolution
New York City FC
New York Red Bulls
Orlando City SC
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
