Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. IMPACT WIN ON LAMPARD DEBUT
Although Frank Lampard was finally able to make his New York City FC debut on Saturday, the Englishman probably would've rather it came under better circumstances, as NYCFC couldn't overcome a slow start in a 3-2 loss against the Montreal Impact (HIGHLIGHTS), with the Canadian side finally able to earn some revenge.
2. UNITED WIN IN 10-GOAL THRILLER
For the second week in a row, D.C. United came back from a 2-0 deficit to win a game -- the first team in MLS history ever to do so -- this time recording a wild 6-4 victory over Real Salt Lake (HIGHLIGHTS). After finding the back of the net four times and not earning at least a point, RSL know something has to change.
3. SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS MAKES HIS MARK
It was a tale of two debutants on Saturday as the Philadelphia Union fell to a 3-1 loss against the New York Red Bulls (HIGHLIGHTS). Tranquillo Barnetta made a less than ideal start for the Union after conceding a penalty within a minute of entering the game, while Shaun Wright-Phillips wasted no time imposing his will on the opposition.
4. A TALE OF TWO STRIKERS
Charlie Davis impressed on Saturday, as the New England Revolution forward ended a seven-game scoreless streak to help his side record a 3-1 victory over Toronto FC (HIGHLIGHTS), a task that was made slightly easier following Jozy Altidore’s red card.
5. LARIN TIES A RECORD
A record-tying brace from Cyle Larin helped Orlando City SC secure the biggest win of their brief MLS existence with a 5-2 victory over Columbus Crew SC on Saturday (HIGHLIGHTS). It was obviously a disappointing result for Crew SC and one which left boss Gregg Berhalter with nothing to say to his own team.
6. SPORTING KC UNHAPPY WITH NO-CALL
The Houston Dynamo are trying to look at the positives following a 1-1 road draw against Sporting Kansas City (HIGHLIGHTS), as well they might, because SKC believe they deserved a penalty at the end of the game, with the players and the coach left unimpressed by the referee's performance.
7. GALAXY WIN ON THE ROAD
Despite taking a lead against the defending champion LA Galaxy, Colorado Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni believes his side failed to perform, as they eventually fell to a 3-1 loss at home (HIGHLIGHTS). For the Galaxy though, the victory marked the end of an unwanted MLS road streak.
8. SOUNDERS' STRUGGLES CONTINUE
The Seattle Sounders have now lost four in a row, as the return of Clint Dempsey failed to prevent a 3-0 home loss to Cascadia rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps (HIGHLIGHTS). ‘Caps coach Carl Robinson was thrilled with the win, which marked a great start to the team’s incredibly busy August schedule.
9. TIMBERS WANT MORE, QUAKES FEELING FRUSTRATED
Although the Portland Timbers were pleased enough to come away from Avaya stadium with a point, they also felt they probably should have won their game against the San Jose Earthquakes, which finished 0-0 (HIGHLIGHTS). The Quakes' winless run has now hit five games, with frustration starting to build in the squad.
10. FIRE END DALLAS WIN STREAK
The return of team captain Jeff Larentowicz helped drive the Chicago Fire to a 2-0 win over FC Dallas (HIGHLIGHTS), their first win in four MLS matches. The result prevented FCD from extending their winning streak to six games, but the team is taking the defeat as an important lesson.
11. TFC PICK UP WILLIAMS
On Friday, Toronto FC picked up former New York City FC defender Josh Williams off waivers to help fill a gap in their backline, with Williams himself hoping he can play his part in guiding TFC to their first playoff appearance.
12. ST. LEDGER WAIVED
Orlando City may have picked up a big win on Saturday, but one player who wasn’t a part of it was Sean St. Ledger, as the club placed the defender on waivers following a “serious breach of club policy.” Apart from that though, things continue to go well for Orlando off the field.
13. JOHANNSSON TO MLS?
Is Aron Johannsson looking to join MLS? According to a report on Friday the US international is interested in exploring options with the league. However, Bundesliga side Werder Bremen are also interested in the striker.
14. KNOW YOUR HISTORY
As MLS continues its 20th anniversary celebrations, be sure to check out this roundtable with Landon Donovan, Jeff Agoos and Joe Cannon, hosted by FOX Sports host Rob Stone, as they reflect on the league's history. There's also this cool animated history.
15. AIRPORT ARRIVALS
First it was Didier Drogba, whose exceptional fan greeting was perhaps best captured by Ivory Coast teammate Salomon Kalou. Now it’s Giovani Dos Santos, who was mobbed by fans and press upon his arrival at LAX on Sunday.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Armchair Analyst, Week 22: Panic on the streets of Seattle
MLS clubs honor fans by printing their pictures on jersey numbers
Johan Venegas signed by Montreal Impact
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