Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. NO POKU, NO PARTY
Kwadwo Poku is making it incredibly hard for manager Jason Kreis to leave him out of the New York City FC lineup, as the 23-year-old scored another two goals on Wednesday to help his side to a 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew SC (watch highlights here). Crew SC scored the last goal to earn the point but, once again, were dismayed to have given up an early lead.
2. WONDOLOWSKI SETS MARK
On a night that saw Chris Wondolowskireach new landmarks with the San Jose Earthquakes, his side played some of their best soccer of the season, taking apart Sporting Kansas City 5-0 (HIGHLIGHTS) and leaving their opponents in stunned silence.
3. UNITED GRAB VITAL ROAD WIN
Rookie Miguel Aguilar scored the only goal of the game as D.C. United overcame Arabe Unido 1-0 in Panama. A mix of regular starters and reserves pulled off the victory to send United to the top of Group H and the MLS side credited their “fight” in securing the away win.
4. SOUNDERS SECURE THE POINTS
It took two stoppage time goals, including a very late Brad Evans penalty, but the Seattle Sounders got their first win of the new CCL campaign, beating CD Olimpia 2-1.
5. PAPPA CLEARED TO PLAY
With their first CCL win in the bag, the Seattle Sounders received another boost ahead of their weekend matchup against Real Salt Lake, with the news that Marco Pappa has been cleared to return to action. Speaking ahead of the game against his former team, Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey offered his thoughts on his team's recent moves and the current form of his ex-team RSL.
6. DROGBA DRAWS A CROWD
The Didier Drogba effect is real as the Montreal Impact announced that the striker’s debut game against the Philadelphia Union has already sold out. The Impact will be looking to Drogba to help give them a boost on the field as well and, if you want to see him in action, here are the places to do so.
7. RAMOS RARING TO GO
After missing time with a thigh strain, right back Rafael Ramos is fit and raring to go again with Orlando City. His first challenge? Trying to stop Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco, something which the young Portuguese fullback is very much looking forward to.
8. TORRES COMPARES & CONTRASTS
As Erick Torres continues to settle in with new club the Houston Dynamo, the Mexican international has spoken about some of the differences between MLS and Liga MX. In fact he suggested that his previous home could learn a thing or two from the way things are done in the USA and Canada.
9. TFC PLAYERS OUT ON LOAN
Toronto FC’s Chris Konopka and Nick Hagglund were sent on a short-term loan to USL side Toronto FC II as they look to get some extra playing time under their belts ahead of the weekend. But if the plan was to impress, the two found themselves on the wrong side of a 2-0 loss to the Harrisburg City Islanders.
10. BACK TO BETHLEHEM
The Philadelphia Union announced plans to own and operate their own USL side on Wednesday. The team will play in Lehigh Valley, formerly home of the historic Bethlehem Steel side, but they will train with the MLS side in Chester. A fan vote will help decide the name of the new team.
11. LOUISVILLE EYEING EXPANSION
Louisville City have made a great start to life in the USL, currently sitting second in the Eastern Conference and with the second-highest attendance in the league. Yet with one eye to the future, Wayne Estopinal, the team’s operating manager, and city Mayor Greg Fisher are already talking about potential MLS expansion.
12. SACRAMENTO MAKING MOVES
As the Sacramento Republic announce a stadium architect and the city works to address transit issues surrounding the potential downtown hub, the club has not given up on its quest to become the latest MLS expansion team.
13. INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION?
The CONCACAF Champions League represents the holy grail for MLS clubs competing on the international scene. And now there's news of another international competition that is currently in the concept phase.
14. COSTA RICA’S NEW COACH
The US women’s national team continue to steamroll their way through their World Cup victory tour, this time defeating Costa Rica 7-2. There was more promising news for the Costa Rican men’s side, though, as they announced Oscar Ramirez as their new national team manager to replace the departed Paulo Wanchope.
15. STATE OF COLLEGE UNION
Bobby Clark has been coaching college soccer for the better part of 30 years now and in that time the Scotsman has seen it all. Yet, with players like Jordan Morris and Cyle Larin making their breakthroughs, the soon-to-be-70-year-old is excited about the current state of the game.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Will Trapp on his long road back from concussion symptoms
With another bye week to rest, Jermaine Jones gears up for USMNT friendlies
Running list of MLS international call-ups this September
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