Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. SOLID START FOR USMNT
Despite a late scare, the US national team got their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign off to the best possible start with a 2-1 win over Honduras in Frisco, Texas, thanks to two goals from Texas native Clint Dempsey. There were plenty of areas for improvement, but the US got the job done and lead the group after Panama and Haiti split the points in the other Group A encounter.
2. CANADA HOPING FOR PROGRESS
Canada take on El Salvador in their opening game tonight (10:30 pm ET, FOX Sports 2, UniMás, UDN in US, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet World in Canada) and, while Canada may still be trying to learn how best to utilize some of the newest additions to their roster, El Salvador will be anything but easy to beat.
3. JAMAICA ON STRIKE?
Jamaica take on Costa Rica in the other game in Canada’s Group B today (8 pm ET, FOX Sports 2, UniMás, UDN), and while the Jamaican team was at practice on Tuesday, that was news by itself, because the squad boycotted training on Monday as they continue discussions with their federation over payment issues.
4. MEX-PECTATIONS
Despite the recent injuries, there remains a certain expectation on the Mexican national team to not only reach the Gold Cup final, but also to win it. It’s a pressure the players feel equal to, but based on recent performances, it looks far from a sure thing.
5. BLACK, RED & GOLD
As promised, Atlanta United FC unveiled their official logo and team colors at an event in downtown Atlanta on Tuesday evening, with the expansion team opting to go with black, red and gold for their new identity (check out the introduction video here). MLS Now was on the scene for the full reaction.
6. LAMPARD’S READY TO GO
As Frank Lampard was unveiled in New York City, the English midfielder emphasized that, despite his delayed arrival, he’s keen to make things right on the field (VIDEO). He wasn’t the only one introduced to the media either, with both Angelino and Andoni Iraola talking about what they hope to achieve in their time with the MLS club. We also learned this much: new DP Andrea Pirlo will not be joining Manchester City on loan.
7. GERRARD’S NEW ADVENTURE
While Lampard was being unveiled in New York, on the other side of the country Steven Gerrard was having his own introductory press conference at roughly the same time (VIDEO). The former Liverpool midfielder reaffirmed that he isn’t moving to LA just for a holiday, although the new Galaxy DP will certainly be living in some luxury.
8. HERNANDEZ TRANSFER TALK
While Mexican striker Giovani Dos Santos has confirmed his interest in joining the LA Galaxy, it looks like we may not see his international teammate Javier Hernandez join the league any time soon, with the latest reports suggesting the asking price might be prohibitive.
9. ORLANDO WILL BE ACTIVE
However, Orlando City expect to be active in the transfer window, which opens today, with the club apparently looking to bring in up to three new players. All of which could continue to help the club turn casual fans into fanatics.
10. HERE FOR THE YEAR
While C.J. Sapong may be scoring freely for the Philadelphia Union at the moment, there was more good news for the team from Pennsylvania on Tuesday, as it was confirmed that Venezuelan striker Fernando Aristeguieta’s loan deal has been extended until the end of the season.
11. RED BULLS YOUNG GUNS
As rumors of a transfer swap involving Matt Miazga and Swansea City’s Leon Britton continue to swirl, New York Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch talked about the club's transfer policy and the plans for some of their younger players. Also, the team's USL club the Red Bulls II will be leaving Columbia University and moving back to Red Bull Arena for the remainder of the season.
12. GALL HEADS TO THE AZTEX
As Columbus Crew SC continue their revival under the ownership of Anthony Precourt, one Crew SC player will be furthering his own development away from Ohio for the foreseeable future, as US youth international Romain Gall has been loaned to the club’s USL affiliate, the Austin Aztex.
13. ANOTHER ISSUE FOR FIRE
While the Chicago Fire are rumored to be in talks with Polish striker Lukasz Gikiewicz, the club suffered another big injury blow, with Jeff Larentowicz set for an extended absence with a herniated disc in his neck. It’s just one more problem for head coach Frank Yallop to deal with as speculation grows about potential change at the club.
14. IS ADU COMING HOME?
On Tuesday, Freddy Adu confirmed that his contract with Finnish side KuPs has been cancelled by mutual consent, with reports now suggesting that Adu may finally be heading back to the US amid interest from both MLS and NASL.
15. CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE FOR USWNT
As the US women’s national team celebrated in LA, it was officially announced that the Women's World Cup champions will also get a parade in New York City and an invite to the White House. The continued celebration did have a tinge of sadness, however, as Lauren Holiday confirmed her impending retirement from the national team at just 27 years old.
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