Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. US GO TWO FOR TWO
The US national team produced one of their most impressive performances in recent memory on Wednesday, coming from a goal down to beat Germany 2-1. Even better, they may have found an identity in the process. The introduction of several second-half substitutes helped change the game, with Hawaiian hero Bobby Wood once again scoring the game-winning goal.
2. POWER OUTAGE
So, where did things go wrong for Germany? While Jurgen Klinsmann praised his own US side’s confidence in helping them secure the win, according to Die Mannschaft boss Joachim Low, the Germans suffered from a loss of power in the second half.
3. NAME DROPPING
The preliminary rosters for this summer's Gold Cup were announced just prior to the USMNT's game against Germany, with 19 of the 35 players named to the US roster currently playing in MLS. Canada’s list is also MLS-heavy, with 14 of the players named coming from the league.
4. BEASLEY'S BACK
One of the big surprises on the US roster on Wednesday was DaMarcus Beasley, as the Houston Dynamo defender had announced his international retirement in December 2014. Yet it seems that, having been approached by Klinsmann, Beasley was more than willing to end his self-imposed exile.
5. MLS PLAYERS GET THE CALL
There were 63 MLS players named to the various Gold Cup preliminary rosters, with FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo and Toronto FC each seeing six players on these lists. Check out the full breakdown of all the names right here.
6. FOCUS ON QUALIFYING
A day after releasing their provisional roster, Canada have a crucial World Cup qualifier against Dominica to focus on first. The first leg takes place tonight (7 pm ET) and veteran midfielder Julian de Guzman is refusing to take the opposition lightly. Meanwhile, one of the newcomers to the side, Edmonton defender Mallan Roberts, is just grateful to be involved.
7. KEANE TO STAY IN LA
There was good news for both Robbie Keane and the LA Galaxy on Wednesday, as the 34-year-old reigning MVP has signed a contract extension with the defending MLS Cup champions. However, in slightly more troubling news, all eyes are on Bradford Jameson IV after the forward picked up an injury in the US U20s' World Cup win on Wednesday.
8. BACK IN BLOOM
Mark Bloom is finally fit and ready to go again for Toronto FC, there’s just one small problem: The team's current performances mean that he might not be able to push his way back in so easily. So, how does the American defender hope to earn his spot back?
9. DON’T SING THAT SONG
In just a few games, Orlando City supporters have quickly developed a reputation for being among the most fervent in the league. But apparently there were some who didn't appreciate one of their chants and so the supporters have taken a positive step and retired the offending song.
10. YELLOW GOING OUT OF STYLE?
Could you imagine Columbus Crew SC without their iconic gold jerseys? That possibility may be closer to fruition than you think, as a report on Wednesday suggests that the team may not have a gold jersey for the first time since 1999.
11. BIDS DELAYED
It looks like we may have to wait a little longer to find out who’ll get to host the 2026 World Cup, as the bidding process has been delayed amid investigations into corruption claims surrounding the 2018 and 2022 votes.
12. CUP DREAMS
Although most eyes in North America will be focused on the international action on this side of the world, a pair of familiar faces were involved in some historic wins as the Second Round of World Cup qualifying kicked off in Asia. Most notably, LA Galaxy defender A.J. DeLaGarza helped lead tiny Guam (population: 180,000) to a 1-0 win over Turkmenistan (population: 5.1 million), in their first qualifier since losing 35-0 on aggregate to Iran in 2002 qualifying:
Meanwhile, 1,600 miles to the west, former US international Thomas Dooley etched a new chapter in his successful run as coach of the Phillipines, as his side scored a 2-1 win over Bahrain for the country's second-ever win in World Cup qualifying.
13. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE COPA AMÉRICA
This year’s Copa América gets underway in Chile today and with that in mind, here’s everything you need to know ahead of the South American tournament. Mexico and Jamaica will also be competing in the prestigious competition in 2015, and while El Tri's first game isn’t until tomorrow, their journey began on Tuesday.
14. MEXICAN MERRY-GO-ROUND
There’s plenty to keep an eye on involving US internationals in Liga MX at the moment. Joe Corona was one of several Americans switching teams on Liga MX’s Draft day, while Miguel Ibarra has reportedly completed a switch from Minnesota United to Club Leon. Meanwhile, Luis Gil is apparently drawing interest from south of the border.
15. BIG DAY IN CANADIAN SOCCER
While the Canadian men have said they’ll look to draw inspiration from the performance of the women’s national team, the Women's World Cup hosts have a game of their own kicking off right after the men’s World Cup qualifier when they take on New Zealand (9 pm ET on CTV and TSN2 in Canada; FOX Sports 1 in USA).
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