Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. KAKA LEADS THE WAY
The MLS All-Stars notched a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur thanks in large part to team captain Kaká who, after getting both a goal and an assist, was named the game’s MVP. The Brazilian superstar was the main topic of conversation postgame, but praise is also due to goalkeeper Nick Rimando, who played through an injury to help preserve the All-Stars' lead.
2. THOUGHTS FOR THE FUTURE
MLS Commissioner Don Garber stopped by FOX Sports at halftime of the All-Star Game for a quick interview in which he discussed the use of instant replay and a potential change to the All-Star format, as well as providing updates on the expansion scene. Halftime also saw the naming of this year's MLS Community MVP, while there was special recognition for one of the league’s founders, Alan Rothenberg, prior to kickoff.
3. DROGBA-MANIA IN MONTREAL
How big a deal is the Montreal Impact’s signing of Didier Drogba? Well, as the striker landed in Quebec, after seemingly flying himself there, the scenes that greeted him should tell you all you need to know.
4. UNION’S SWISS SIGNING
The Philadelphia Union have added a new midfielder to their squad, bringing in Swiss international Tranquillo Barnetta, a veteran of Germany’s Bundesliga. The signing comes not a moment too soon either, as Vincent Nogueira looks set to miss some time through injury.
5. ORLANDO’S NEWEST ADDITIONS
Orlando City have added two further reinforcements to their squad, securing both Real Madrid academy product David Mateos and Swiss midfielder Adrian Winter as they continue to build for a playoff push.
6. HAVE THE RED BULLS FOUND THEIR NEW DP?
It looks like the New York Red Bulls might be close to signing their next Designated Player, with sources suggesting the MLS side have agreed to terms with San Lorenzo striker Gonzalo Veron.
7. PENEDO PARTS WAYS WITH GALAXY
Perhaps the most surprising news on Wednesday may have been that the LA Galaxy have parted ways with starting goalkeeper Jaime Penedo, with the 'keeper giving his own reasons for leaving via Instagram. Fear not though Galaxy fans, Bruce Arena is already working on bringing back a familiar face as a replacement.
8. INJURY UPDATES FOR LA
While three LA Galaxy players saw minutes during the MLS All-Star Game, fans may be more concerned that both Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard pulled out of the game due to injury. However, Arena seems confident the pair should be fit again in time for Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rapids.
9. COACH DONOVAN SINGS NAGBE’S PRAISES
After a relatively successful coaching debut on Tuesday, it seems Landon Donovan is open to the idea of more coaching in the future. The former MLS superstar also had kind words to say about the Portland Timbers' Darlington Nagbe, who could potentially soon be eligible for a US national team call-up.
10. MEARS AT HOME IN SEATTLE
After numerous clubs over the past 15 years, Tyrone Mears looks to have finally found the perfect home for himself with the Seattle Sounders, something the Englishman himself acknowledges. Yet, having only signed a one-year contract, will he still be there next season?
11. CAN THE ‘CAPS COPE?
With eight games, including the Amway Canadian Championship final, the start of the CONCACAF Champions League and all-important league matchups, August is going to be a busy and incredibly significant month for the Vancouver Whitecaps. So how confident is head coach Carl Robinson about successfully navigating this tough stretch?
12. YEDLIN STAYS PATIENT
While DeAndre Yedlin played less than 30 minutes in the AT&T MLS All-Star Game this year, the former Seattle Sounders star is remaining patient with his progress at Tottenham Hotspur and, despite all the talk in recent days, Yedlin himself is unfazed by a potential loan move, stating: “Wherever I go, I’ll give it my best effort.”
13. DYNAMO LOAN OUT TWO
As Leonel Miranda finally starts to settle into life with the Houston Dynamo, a couple of his teammates are on the move, with Zach Steinberger heading on loan to Indy Eleven and Chandler Hoffman being loaned out to Colorado Springs.
14. RED BULLS II ADD A SUPERDRAFT SELECTION
Stefano Bonomo, a second round SuperDraft selection for the New York Red Bulls, has finally done enough to impress the club, earning a contract with the USL New York Red Bulls II after rejoining the club on trial this month. Bonomo could make his debut tonight when the Red Bulls II play in a Newtown fundraiser.
15. WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
As MLS celebrates its 20th season, now is as good a time as any to look back at the history of the league and, most importantly of all, how it came to be. There’s no better way to do it than with this oral history of MLS’ first year and, even more amusingly, these outtakes that didn’t make the main feature.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
What’s it like to support both an EPL and an MLS club?
David Beckham surprises cancer patient with hospital visit
The strange but true story of the old Caribous of Colorado
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