Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. GALAXY RAISE THE STANDARD
The LA Galaxy became the first team to score 1,000 MLS regular-season goals in Sunday's nationally-televised 5-1 rout of New York City FC (HIGHLIGHTS). The result may seem impressive, but according to the Galaxy, it’s simply the standard they’re aiming for. Robbie Keane led the show, once again stating his case to repeat as MVP, while his opposite number, David Villa, feels he needs more help around him.
2. DYNAMO DROP POINTS
Up two goals at halftime on Friday in Portland, the Houston Dynamo probably thought they were on course for a massive road win. But coach Owen Coyle was disappointed as Houston slipped to a 2-2 draw with the Timbers (HIGHLIGHTS). Meanwhile, the home team believes the comeback will serve as a valuable lesson.
3. TORONTO THRASH ORLANDO
Orlando City boss Adrian Heath was unhappy with more than a few things after his side crashed to a 5-0 defeat against Toronto FC (HIGHLIGHTS). TFC are crediting a tactical switch for their historic win, though they were also aided by two Orlando red cards.
- COMEBACK KINGS
Having given up a number of leads this season, Columbus Crew SC seem to have worked out how to come from behind, twice overturning a deficit to secure a 3-2 win over Sporting Kansas City (HIGHLIGHTS). It was a second straight tough loss for Sporting KC, but SKC head coach Peter Vermes was pleased with his team's effort.
5. QUAKES BACK IN THE HUNT
The San Jose Earthquakes won their third straight, this time beating D.C. United, 2-0 (HIGHLIGHTS), at RFK Stadium. The Quakes find themselves just outside the Western Conference's red line and are firmly back in the chase. For United, a second consecutive loss highlights ongoing issues that the slumping Eastern Conference leaders need to address.
6. DROGBA TARGETS A TROPHY
Didier Drogba’s MLS debut didn’t go the way he would have hoped, with the Montreal Impact losing 1-0 to the Philadelphia Union (HIGHLIGHTS). Yet the club’s new striker already has his eyes set on the Canadian Championship this Wednesday. The Union also have their own domestic cup final coming up in September and who knows if Andre Blake may turn out to be their new starter in goal by then after Saturday's showing.
7. RAPIDS RIDE IT OUT
The Colorado Rapids grabbed a “huge” result on Saturday, riding a 1st-minute goal from Dillon Serna to a 1-0 road victory over the Chicago Fire (HIGHLIGHTS). The result leaves the Fire rooted to the bottom of the overall table and – with other teams pulling away – they face an uphill battle to reach the playoffs.
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8. SOUNDERS FEELING THE PRESSURE
If the Seattle Sounders thought they’d turned a corner, they might need to reassess after this weekend. A 2-0 loss to Real Salt Lake (HIGHLIGHTS) continues their summer slump and adds a real sense of pressure to their playoff pursuit. For RSL, the performance was a flashback to better days, something they hope they can replicate moving forward.
- MANNEH MAKES HIS MARK
Kekuta Manneh made the difference for the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, setting up Cristian Techera’s solitary goal to help deliver an important 1-0 victory over FC Dallas (HIGHLIGHTS). The visiting team's normally-dynamic offense was unable to answer Techera's moment of magic.
10. ZUBAR REFLECTS
The 2015 season hasn’t been a great MLS debut campaign for Ronald Zubar, as the New York Red Bulls defender has often been sidelined due to injury. As the 29-year-old nears a return, he reflects on his year so far. It’s definitely been an enjoyable 2015 for club captain Dax McCarty, who had even more good news to celebrate over the weekend.
11. SAN ANTONIO'S EXPANSION PUSH
Don’t count out San Antonio from the MLS expansion race just yet, as the city’s mayor has once again reaffirmed her interest in bringing top level soccer to the city.
12. ZELALEM HEADS NORTH
The odds Rangers FC will finally earn promotion back to the top flight of Scottish football might have been boosted over the weekend, as
the club brought in
promising US men's national team prospect Gedion Zelalem on a season-long loan from Arsenal.
13. NEW NAMES IN NEW PLACES
MLS expansion side Atlanta United FC have secured naming rights for the new stadium which they'll be sharing with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons: It will be officially named Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the deal running through 2042.
14. MEXICO'S NEW TEMP
As the search continues for the right full-time candidate, the Mexican national team has named Tigres UANL coach Ricardo Ferretti as interim head coach, with the Brazilian set to take charge of El Tri for the side’s two September friendlies, as well as their crucial Confederations Cup playoff against the USA.
15. WAITING ON THE ROSTER
As we await the imminent release of the US national team's roster for their September friendlies, upcoming rivals Peru have announced their squad for the September 4 match at RFK Stadium in D.C.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Armchair Analyst: Puzzle Pieces, Quincy Time and more from Week 25
Toronto’s trouncing and Drogba’s debut | Plays of the Night
LA Galaxy vs New York City FC: The 8-bit version
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