Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. RED BULLS SECURE THEIR PLACE
The New York Red Bulls became the first team to qualify for the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs, following a 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers on Sunday (HIGHLIGHTS). The result leave the Timbers winless in four games, and head coach Caleb Porter was disappointed with his side's lack of energy.
2. ORLANDO CITY STILL IN THE HUNT
A second straight victory for Orlando City, 1-0 vs. the Chicago Fire, on Saturday (HIGHLIGHTS), boosted the Lions' playoff pursuit. The result also ended any realistic chance the Fire had of reaching the postseason, with striker David Accam admitting his side needs help.
3. FIRE PART WAYS WITH YALLOP
That help could be in the form of a new head coach as Frank Yallop was
relieved of his duties
on Sunday. Brian Bliss was named interim head coach, with former club captain Logan Pause joining his staff. Veteran MLS executive Nelson Rodriguez was named the club's new general manager.
4. CREW SC AIMING HIGH
Despite what they called their best performance in months, D.C. United are now 0-4-1 in their last five after a 2-1 home loss to Columbus Crew SC (HIGHLIGHTS). The result briefly moved Crew SC to 2nd place in the East, but they have their sights set on a bigger goal.
5. NYCFC IN THE CHASE
New York City FC kept their postseason dreams alive with another home win on Saturday, 3-2, over the San Jose Earthquakes (HIGHLIGHTS). Frank Lampard was full of praise for two-goal hero Ned Grabavoy. The Quakes are still outside the playoff spots in the West, but they refuse to give up hope.
6. GIOVINCO DAZZLES ONCE AGAIN FOR TFC
The Colorado Rapids had a plan to deal with Sebastian Giovinco. Unfortunately for them, that plan was quickly undone by reality, as the Italian scored two and grabbed an assist in Toronto FC’s 3-1 victory (HIGHLIGHTS) to help his side bounce back from their midweek defeat in style.
7. SPORTING KC’S TEAM PERFORMANCE
Benny Feilhaber struck twice, but it was really a team effort that saw Sporting Kansas City secure a 3-1 victory over FC Dallas on Friday (HIGHLIGHTS). Graham Zusi and Soni Mustivar drew special praise for their contributions, while Dallas acknowledged they were outplayed in the second half.
8. BARNETTA LIGHTS UP FOR PHILLY
Tranquillo Barnetta scored his first MLS goal
on Sunday, and notched an assist as well, to lead the Philadelphia Union over the Houston Dynamo, 2-0 (
HIGHLIGHTS
). The Dynamo were missing some key defensive players, but their strike force
failed to find a way back into the game
.
9. LESSONS LEARNED FOR WHITECAPS
The Seattle Sounders' dominating 3-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps (HIGHLIGHTS) not only got their playoff hopes back on track, but also secured them this year’s Cascadia Cup. That was no doubt disappointing for the ‘Caps, but with the Canadian side still top of the Western Conference, head coach Carl Robinson learned some valuable lessons from the defeat.
10. IMPACT CELEBRATE A SHUTOUT
The Montreal Impact thumped the New England Revolution 3-0 (HIGHLIGHTS), but star Didier Drogba was more imporessed with his side’s defensive work. The result comes as a blow to the Revolution’s Supporters’ Shield hopes, but head coach Jay Heaps feels it was more than fair.
11. DON’T RULE OUT RSL JUST YET
Real Salt Lake threw themselves back into the mix for a playoff place with an emphatic 3-0 win over the LA Galaxy (HIGHLIGHTS). RSL still have work to do, but they seem up to the challenge. LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena was understandably unhappy about his team following what he called a “comedy of errors.”
12. PLENTY OF MLS IN OLYMPIC QUALIFYING SQUADS
With CONCACAF Olympic qualifying fast approaching, Oct 1-13, the U.S. and Canada named their rosters. Eight MLS players are included in Andi Herzog’s US squad, while Canada's roster features 11 players from either MLS sides or their USL affiliates.
13. PLAYOFF FIELD SET IN THE USL
The USL playoff field is now set, with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and the Richmond Kickers securing the final two spots in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Jimmy Nielsen-led Oklahoma City Energy finished first in the Western Conference to earn a bye straight to the semifinals.
14. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CHANGES?
It seems that CONCACAF is indeed considering a calendar change for the Champions League, but this report from SI.com suggests that might not be the only change.
- TURN OF THE CENTURY
The US women’s national team continued their victory tour on Sunday with an 8-0 victory over Haiti, extending the squad's consecutive home undefeated streak to a whopping 100 games. Midfielder Tobin Heath was honored prior to the match for recently earning her 100th cap.
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