Watch the best of US-U-20 boss Tab Ramos in the video above then check out the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. SOUNDERS TAKE CONTROL
The Seattle Sounders moved to the top of the Western Conference with a 1-0 win against the Colorado Rapids (HIGHLIGHTS). The Rapids conceded that their first-half performance left them in trouble while, despite the narrow margin of victory, the Sounders felt they were in full control throughout the game.
2. JOHNSON SETS THE STANDARD
Will Johnson made his presence felt on his return to the Portland Timbers' starting lineup, helping to drive his side to a 1-0 victory vs. D.C. United (HIGHLIGHTS). Yet with a much-changed lineup for the midweek encounter, United took plenty of positives from the performance.
3. GALAXY FIND THEIR WAY
The LA Galaxy feel they’re starting to find their feet again as a 1-0 win against Real Salt Lake (HIGHLIGHTS) saw them move clear of their Western Conference foes in the standings. RSL were left chasing the game from the sixth minute after Jameson Olave gave away a penalty on what later became an even worse night for the defender.
4. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
MLS is set to make a special announcement live from Avaya Stadium today. The event begins at 2pm ET and will be streamed live on MLSsoccer.com.
5. HAVE YOU VOTED YET?
Fan voting is now open for this year’s AT&T MLS All-Star Game, and you can cast your vote either through the traditional online method, by using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or by playing FIFA 15 and scoring goals with your favorite forwards.
6. USL WINS THE NIGHT
The Seattle Sounders 2 came out on top in the first of two Cascadia clashes in this year’s US Open Cup, beating the Portland Timbers 2 by a 2-1 score in extra time. It marked the start of a great night for the USL and a poor one for the NASL. Of the nine NASL teams entering the tournament at this stage, only two progressed, with the other seven falling to USL sides. The matchups are now set for MLS teams to enter the tournament in the Fourth Round on June 16-17.
7. TORONTO SUFFER NARROW DEFEAT
With neither team committed to a full-strength lineup, Toronto FC certainly held their own against visiting English Premier League side Manchester City, only falling to a 1-0 defeat via a late goal from George Evans. City now head south to face the Houston Dynamo, with today’s game still set to go ahead as planned.
8. STUVER SHINES IN CREW SC LOSS
Columbus Crew SC also welcomed European opposition on Wednesday in the form of Spanish La Liga side Valencia. Much like Toronto FC, they lost 1-0. However, if not for reserve goalkeeper Brad Stuver, that scoreline could have been a lot worse.
9. MARIN DEPARTS, KEMPIN RETURNS
Sporting Kansas City have parted ways with 32-year-old Chilean goalkeeper Luis Marín, recalling Jon Kempin from his loan with the San Antonio Scorpions to fill his spot in the gameday roster. Marín joined Kansas City in December, and the team insist it was his decision to initiate the departure.
10. NEMETH GETS NOTICED
Krisztian Németh has really started to find his form for Sporting Kansas City recently. It hasn't gone unnoticed, as the KC striker has been called up to the Hungarian national team for two Euro 2016 qualifiers in June.
11. SOONER RATHER THAN LATER
With Steven Gerrard not eligible to play in MLS until July, the English midfielder and his Liverpool teammates took a trip to Dubai to give their long-serving player a proper send-off. However, Galaxy coach Bruce Arena still expects Gerrard to show up well before July 8.
12. TORRES HEADS TO TEXAS
Erick 'Cubo' Torres is another player who cannot make an MLS appearance until July 8 – that date could be pushed back if he’s named to Mexico’s Gold Cup squad – but the Mexican striker is set to join his Houston Dynamo teammates in the coming days. Meanwhile, it seems Javier Hernandez’s time at Real Madrid will not be extended.
13. ATLANTA FILLS A ROLE, CLOCK TICKING IN MIAMI?
MLS Atlanta has made another new hire, bringing on Ann Rodriguez as their new Vice President of Business Operations. Down in Miami, one political leader suggests time is running out on one of David Beckham’s stadium options.
14. OLYMPIC HOPEFULS FALL FLAT
The US U-23 natonal team did not get their Toulon Tournament off to the best start, as they fell to a 3-1 defeat against hosts France. The brightest spot for the US occurred when Jordan Morris found the back of the net once again, yet there were still some positives to take away.
15. IT'S ABOUT TIME
With the FIFA Women's World Cup set to kick off in Canada in a matter of days, EA Sports has revealed that, for the first time, users of the popular FIFA video game franchise will be able to compete with the top women's national teams in the upcoming edition. Several US women's national team stars have already served as prototypes.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Are the Vancouver Whitecaps slumping? Carl Robinson says no
Jack McInerney explains recent goal celebration
Montreal Impact’s Eric Miller laments Hamstring injury keeping him out of Toulon Tournament
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