Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. NY RED BULLS HOST CHICAGO ON 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11
The New York Red Bulls and the Chicago Fire open the weekend MLS slate with a Friday-night encounter at Red Bull Arena (7 pm ET, UniMas in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada). Today is the 14th anniversary of 9/11, and several Red Bulls players recalled where they were that tragic day. New York captain Dax McCarty also recalled recalled Thierry Henry on the ExtraTime Radio podcast. Meanwhile, the Fire, who have just two wins in their last 10 games, are enthused by the new partnership between Gilberto & Kennedy Igboananike.
2. NAGBE GETS U.S. CITIZENSHIP
Portland Timbers attacker Darlington Nagbe is now eligible for the US national team following the news, broken by from Timbers owner Merritt Paulson, that he is now a U.S. citizen. American soccerati danced wildly all night, we assume, but what could it actually mean for the USMNT?
3. UNION TARGET TWO IN A ROW
The Philadelphia Union hope the ever dependable Steven Vitoria can help them make it two wins in a row when they host Columbus Crew SC on Saturday (7 pm ET, MLS LIVE). For Crew SC, defender Emanuel Pogatetz knows days in Columbus may be numbered, but striker Justin Meram is back from a successful spell with Iraq and keen to keep up his fine form.
4. ALLEN LOOKS TO IMPRESS FOR RSL VS. HOUSTON
The Houston Dynamo host Real Salt Lake on Saturday (8:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE), when they will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night. RSL have suffered a blow with the news that Chris Schuler is out 4-6 months, but young attacker Jordan Allen seems to be finding his feet once more.
5. NYCFC NOT GIVING UP ON THE PLAYOFFS
New York City FC are looking for their first win in four when they travel to FC Dallas on Saturday (8:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE), but they still believe they can reach the playoffs, They’ll have to make do without Androni Iraola, though. FCD, meanwhile, are chasing their their third win in a row. There are some interesting reports about their USL affiliation.
6. ESPINDOLA IS BACK FOR UNITED
The Colorado Rapids host D.C. United on Saturday (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE) with the Eastern Conference contenders set to welcome Fabian Espindola back from injury. The Rapids will continue to rely on Sean St. Ledger on the backline; the club is 3-1 since he arrived. Also, did you know that the Rapids use the video game "Football Manager" to help them scout talent?
7. GYASI ZARDES VS. DIDIER DROGBA
A lot has been made of Gyasi Zardes's development this season, but LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena is urging patience. The Galaxy face the Montreal Impact on Saturday (10:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE) with Galaxy keeper Donovan Ricketts keen to test himself against Didier Drogba.
8. SCHMID BACK WITH THE SOUNDERS
Seattle Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid has returned to training from his medical absence, and, while he doesn’t want to talk about his recent health issues, he won’t travel for Saturday's game at the San Jose Earthquakes (10:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE). The Quakes lost for the first time in five games last weekend, but will this weekend see a return to the starting lineup for Matias Perez Garcia?
9. INTERNATIONALS RETURN FOR REDS & REVS
Toronto FC take on the New England Revolution on Sunday (5 pm ET, ESPN2 in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada) with both sides set to welcome back important US internationals. The Revs' Jermaine Jones is buoyed by his recent USMNT outing, despite of the result, while TFC are relishing the contributions of young defender Eriq Zavaleta.
10. KAKÁ IN DOUBT FOR SPORTING MATCH
Orlando City could be without Kaká for Sunday's game against Sporting Kansas City (7 pm ET, FS1 in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada), and the Lions front office is impressed with international call-ups. Sunday's game will be a homecoming for SKC's Graham Zusi, a native of Central Florida. Speaking of games, check out how Sporting defender Matt Besler played with the media after their midweek game.
11. LAFC UPDATE
LAFC club president Tom Penn recently talked about why the club’s investors felt the opportunity to become the city of Angels’ second team was simply too good a chance to turn down and, as the incoming team continue to feel out their potential fans, there are rumors floating about the club's official name.
12. ROBINSON’S ROAD TO SUCCESS
With the Vancouver Whitecaps having already won the Amway Canadian Championship and currently leading the race for the Supporters’ Shield, it’s fair to say this could easily be their best season to date, a large part of which could be due to the steps taken by head coach Carl Robinson to help continue improving his team.
13. CANADA TO FACE THE BLACK STARS?
Looks like the Canadian national team has an opponent lined up for November’s international window: Ghana. And the match will supposedly take place at RFK stadium.
14. SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC BREAK THEIR OWN RECORD
Sacramento Republic FC have once again made the USL playoffs and, in doing so, broke their own regular-season attendance record.
15. CROPPER OUT AFTER SURGERY
U.S. U-23 manager Andi Herzog’s choice of goalkeeper for the upcoming Olympic Qualifying tournament just got a lot simpler: Cody Cropper has been ruled out for six weeks after undergoing knee surgery.
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ExtraTime Radio: Another USMNT bummer, plus Dax on the rampant Red Bulls
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