Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. THE FRIENDLIEST OF FRIENDLIES
The US national team take on Germany in a friendly in Cologne today (2:45 pm ET on FOX Sports 1, UniMás, UDN), just days after beating the Netherlands in a friendly in Amsterdam. In fact, looking at the two national team coaches’ joint press conference yesterday, this could be a friendly encounter in the truest sense of the word.
2. POINTS OF VIEW
While Jurgen Klinsmann insists his US side will take it to Germany, goalkeeper Brad Guzan believes the team should use the friendly to help them jell ahead of the Gold Cup. John Anthony Brooks scored against the Netherlands and, according to Klinsmann, is close to becoming a permanent starter, while fellow goalscorer Bobby Wood is now looking to sort out his club career.
3. U-20S ADVANCE
The US U-20s' World Cup adventure is set to continue after a Rubio Rubin goal gave Tab Ramos' side a 1-0 win against Colombia in the Round of 16 early on Wednesday morning. The US did have a slight scare late on when FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta gave away a penalty and got himself sent off for a second yellow card, but thankfully goalkeeper Zach Steffen was able to save the day, stopping Colombia's PK to preserve the win. Having now reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 2007, the US U-20s will face Serbia on Sunday morning (12:30 am ET, FOX Sports 1).
4. O’NEILL IMPRESSES, GREEN DOES NOT
The US U-23s came in third at the Toulon tournament and although Julian Green featured in France, he won't be joining the USMNT for the Gold Cup after Klinsmann confirmed the young forward won’t be part of his Gold Cup squad. One US player who did make a big impression? The Colorado Rapids' Shane O’Neill, who was named the third-best player at the tournament.
5. EVEN MORE CALL-UPS
There are yet more MLS players heading off for international duty, as A.J. DeLaGarza has been called up to Guam’s squad for their World Cup qualifier against Turkmenistan and India, while two more FC Dallas players have also been selected to represent their countries. You can keep track of all the players away on international duty right here.
6. WAITING FOR MABWATI
Columbus Crew SC fans wondering when new signing Cedrick Mabwati might be joining the team won't have to wait long. The Congolese midfielder just finished up the Spanish season with Osasuna and will be eligible for Crew SC starting on July 6.
7. ORLANDO HOPING FOR DWYER?
Dom Dwyer and Orlando City have quite the history, with the Sporting KC forward scoring 19 goals during 14 games while on loan to the Lions in 2013. Orlando haven't been able to pry the striker away from SKC since moving to MLS, but, according to head coach Adrian Heath, it’s not for lack of trying.
8. GIOVINCO MAKING HIS MARK
Sebastian Giovinco is on an absolute tear, racking up three goals and two assists in his last three games and winning MLS Player of the Week honors for two weeks running. There's no denying that the Italian has gotten off to a great start in Toronto, but is it the best start in MLS history? His teammates would probably say so, with Jozy Altidore suggesting that Juventus might have benefitted from Giovinco's presence in the Champions League final.
9. CHICHARITO STILL OPEN TO MLS?
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez's agent has made it pretty clear that staying in Europe remains the striker's preferred option for next season, but, since it's also looking like his time at Manchester United is coming to an end, the Mexican international is apparently open to offers from MLS sides.
10. REAL SALT LAKE RELISHING THEIR BREAK
One of many teams not in action this weekend, Real Salt Lake's bye has come at just the right time, with the ailing side hoping some time off will help right the ship out in Utah.
11. THE RETURN OF STEPHEN KEEL?
With two games in the next seven days, FC Dallas fans could see the long-awaited return of defender Stephen Keel. The defender hasn’t played since injuring his foot last August, but insists he’s fit and ready to go if needed.
12. CANADA LOSE ATIBA
Canada get their own World Cup qualifying campaign underway on Thursday, when they take on Dominica (7 pm ET) in the first leg of their second-round CONCACAF series against the Caribbean nation. Manager Benito Floro has assembled a strong squad, but the team is absorbing a small blow with the news that Atiba Hutchinson is ruled out of both games.
13. FIRE LOAN FERNANDEZ
The Chicago Fire loaned out one of their youngsters on Tuesday, sending Homegrown midfielder Collin Fernandez to USL side Louisville City FC.
14. CATCHING UP WITH NOWAK
A number of CONCACAF nations are getting ready for the second round of World Cup qualifying this week. Amongst those teams looking to advance? Antigua and Barbuda, now coached by Peter Nowak, the fiery former coach of MLS sides D.C. United and the Philadelphia Union.
15. LANDON DONOVAN: TEAM OWNER?
Following his recent comments about his longevity in US soccer, it seems Landon Donovan has set another post-retirement goal: Becoming an MLS team owner.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Goal of the Week & Save of the Week: Vote now!
MLS Power Rankings: Giovinco pushes Toronto FC into the top three
US national team target another Top 10 takedown | MLS Now
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
Minnesota United FC
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
