Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. BEST NEW RIVALRY?
The weekend’s action begins tonight with the burgeoning rivalry between Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City (11 pm ET, UniMás in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada). While Kansas City travel with newly acquired Amobi Okugo, who’s ready to jump in at several positions, RSL have 18-year-old Justen Glad, who continues to make the most of his opportunities.
2. WHAT’S NEXT FOR USMNT?
It may not be the final, but the USMNT have one last Gold Cup game to play – the third-place game against Panama (Saturday, 4 pm ET, FOX Sports 1) – as they look to save some face. However, Panama are still fuming over the manner of their semifinal defeat. The US will also be looking to the future as, not only has US Soccer confirmed that the national team will play Brazil at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 8, but they'll find out the draw for World Cup qualifying that takes place this Saturday (11 am ET, FOX Sports 1, Telemundo).
3. CAN DELGADO DAZZLE AGAIN?
Columbus Crew SC are set to welcome back returning Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Kevan George for their game against Toronto FC on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE) to help give their side some depth in the middle. TFC will still be missing Michael Bradley, although that just gives Marky Delgado another chance to impress. Meanwhile, is a former Toronto DP looking to move back to North America?
4. CAN THE IMPACT TURN A CORNER?
The Montreal Impact may have only won one of their last five games, but maybe they can take a page from the book of their USL side, FC Montreal, who look to be turning a corner in their own season. The Impact host the Sounders this Saturday (8 pm ET, MLS LIVE), with the already depleted visitors undertaking their least favorite journey of the season.
5. IS JERMAINE JONES SET TO RETURN?
The Chicago Fire will be riding high following their 3-1 midweek US Open Cup quarterfinal victory but, as they wait for an answer as to whether or not Didier Drogba will be their newest DP, they have to face the New England Revolution (Saturday, 8.30 pm ET, MLS LIVE), who could be set to welcome back their own star player.
6. GALAXY TAKING KIDS TO SCHOOL
The Houston Dynamo acquired Sheanon Williams from the Philadelphia Union on Thursday and could be set to boost their team even further as they’re still waiting for word on James McGinn. The Dynamo host the LA Galaxy this Saturday (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE), with the visiting team fresh from launching their very own high school program.
7. CASTILLO GETS A GREEN CARD
As Fabián Castillo continues to grow into more of a leadership role, the Colombian midfielder has also received his green card, meaning he no longer counts as an international player for FC Dallas. Will he be able to celebrate by scoring against the Portland Timbers this Saturday (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE) or will Lucas Melano introduce himself to MLS with a bang?
8. PRESENTING PIRLO
Andrea Pirlo was introduced to the media on Thursday as New York City FC’s latest Designated Player, but whether or not he makes his debut on Sunday against Orlando City (2:30 pm ET, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes in the US, TSN2 in Canada) remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Orlando have called off their pursuit of Paulo Henrique Ganso.
9. CAN UNION STOP SABO?
The Philadelphia Union take on rivals D.C. United this Sunday (5 pm ET, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada) and, after the Williams trade, will this give Steven Vitória a chance to shine? Whoever starts, they’ll have to try and contain new United signing Alvaro Saborío, who’s keen to help D.C. stay on top.
10. TIRED QUAKES FACE FOCUSED CAPS
The tired and weary San Jose Earthquakes head to play the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday (7 pm ET, TSN in Canada, MLS LIVE in the US) on the back of three straight defeats in league play and, although the Whitecaps have the top of the league in sight, they’re not looking beyond this game.
11. MEXICO NEED MORE THAN LUCK
Mexico take on Jamaica in Sunday's Gold Cup final (7:30 pm ET, FOX Sports 1 and Univision in US, Sportsnet in Canada) and, with the Reggae Boyz becoming the first Caribbean team to reach the final, they’ll want to be the first team to win one as well. Mexico are undoubtedly the favorites, but they will need to play better, as Andrés Guardado knows their luck won’t last forever.
12. NO REST FOR THE RED BULLS
Fresh from their midweek win over Chelsea, the New York Red Bulls take on Benfica this Sunday in the International Champions Cup and, looking at his Chelsea postgame talk, it’s easy to understand how head coach Jesse Marsch gets the best from his players.
13. ATLANTA RIDING THE WAVE
Wednesday’s Gold Cup games at the Georgia Dome set a new attendance record for soccer in Atlanta and, following the success of the event, Atlanta United FC have plans to take advantage.
14. MIAMI MOVING FORWARD
Things are starting to progress on a potential MLS club in Miami after the city’s commissioners voted on Thursday to approve talks between Miami officials and David Beckham’s group over their planned stadium near Marlins Park.
15. GROWTH CONTINUES FOR USL
The USL shot up from 14 to 24 teams this year, and that number will grow again in 2016, with USL president Jake Edwards declaring that deals with several new teams have already been finalized for next season.
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