Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. GALAXY HIT FIVE FOR SECOND STRAIGHT GAME
The Portland Timbers' five-game winning streak in all competitions came to an end in remarkable style late Wednesday night, as Portland suffered a 5-0 defeat at the hands of the LA Galaxy (HIGHLIGHTS), with the Timbers admitting they were second best in the match. It was also Pride Night at StubHub Center and, with that in mind, Robbie Rogers picked the perfect time to score his first Galaxy goal.
2. LA ONLY GETTING STRONGER
With eight different goalscorers in their last two games, the LA Galaxy look to be hitting their stride right on cue. However, with Bradford Jameson IV back in training after his concussion and the arrival of Steven Gerrard on the horizon, the high-flying Galaxy could soon be getting another boost.
3. ONE GOAL IS ALL IT TAKES FOR D.C. UNITED
A lone spectacular strike from Conor Doyle (WATCH the goal here) handed D.C. United a 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire (HIGHLIGHTS), and that was more than enough for head coach Ben Olsen, who switched up his lineup for the first of a five-game road swing. The result condemned the Fire to a fourth consecutive loss, but Frank Yallop still sees reason to be optimistic.
4. REJUVENATED ROLFE
Chris Rolfe did not feature against his former side on Wednesday night, but the winger admits that he feels rejuvenated since being traded from the Chicago Fire to D.C. United, claiming a change of scenery was just what he needed to help him rediscover his form.
5. SPEND BIG, PLAY BIG IN TORONTO
All three of Toronto FC’s Designated Players were on top form in their 3-1 win over Canadian rivals Montreal Impact on Wednesday (HIGHLIGHTS), so much so that even the Impact held their hands up and admitted that the better side won. For more on the scene in Toronto, check out MLS Now.
6. SAPONG KEEPS SCORING
The Seattle Sounders may not have been at full strength, but that hardly mattered to the Philadelphia Union, who pulled out a much-needed 1-0 win on Wednesday (HIGHLIGHTS), thanks to the continued fine form of C.J. Sapong. Seattle, missing or resting a number of their star players, chose to look at the positives from the performance.
7. RED BULLS EDGE NINE-MAN RSL
Real Salt Lake may have slipped to a 1-0 loss against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena (HIGHLIGHTS) but, having had two players sent off, Jeff Cassar’s side was happy with the character they showed. Jesse Marsch, on the other hand, was thrilled to see his young players win their first league game in six attempts.
8. TURNING LEADS INTO LOSSES
For the second game in a row, the New England Revolution saw a 1-0 lead turn into a 2-1 defeat, this time against Columbus Crew SC (HIGHLIGHTS). The continued offensive output of Kei Kamara and Ethan Finlay led Columbus to their first MLS win in seven games.
9. THE BEST IS YET TO COME
Orlando City successfully bounced back from a weekend loss by posting a 2-0 win over the Colorado Rapids (HIGHLIGHTS) Wednesday, prompting Adrian Heath to declare his side will be even better as they enter the second half of their season. It was only the fourth time this season the Rapids have given up two goals in a game, but they admitted afterward that they just couldn’t keep up with Kaká.
10. MOLINO ON THE MEND
Orlando City’s Kevin Molino is still recovering following his ACL injury and subsequent surgery, but as the Trinidadian midfielder continues his rehab, he’s finally starting to feel like himself again.
11. PIRLO WOULD BE POPULAR
There's been nothing official confirming the Andrea Pirlo-to-New York City FC rumors, but if he were to join, one of the team's current DPs, David Villa, has no doubt that Pirlo would be a popular addition to the squad.
12. A FAMILIAR FIELD
ESPN has announced the nominees for this year’s ESPYs, and the Best MLS Player category looks to be a repeat of the 2014 MLS MVP award, with Bradley Wright-Phillips also in the mix. Speaking of Wright-Phillips, while his brother Shawn might not be signing with the New York Red Bulls, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t impressed during his training stint.
13. PELOSI TO SAN JOSE?
Having been released by Liverpool, US Under-23 midfielder Marc Pelosi is now training with the San Jose Earthquakes. Prior to moving to England, Pelosi played for Californian side De Anza Force and is rumored to be looking for a move back to the West coast.
14. OPTIONS IN MINNESOTA
With Minnesota United’s stadium deadline fast approaching, could the club look to build their new home elsewhere if a deal in Minneapolis doesn’t materialize? City officials from St. Paul have met with the club over just such a possibility, and it seems they’re not the only ones interested.
15. GET ONE OVER ON YOUR RIVALS
It’s MLS Heineken Rivalry Week, and there’s still time for New York fans to get in on the action and help light the Empire State building in their team’s colors. On the field, Toronto took the first Rivalry Week match on Wednesday, with Texas foes FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo up next, squaring off Friday in Frisco, Texas (9 pm ET, UniMás, UDN, match preview)
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Family First: Montreal's Laurent Ciman guided by love for his daughter
At just 17, Alex Zendejas proving worthy of minutes with FC Dallas
Bau Daigh Warrior: From unknown to infamy – Wondolowski’s USMNT journey
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