Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. TORONTO FINALLY MAKE IT
It was an emotional night at BMO Field as Toronto FC secured their first appearance in the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls (HIGHLIGHTS). Italian international Sebastian Giovinco landed in Toronto at 4 p.m. ET, yet still came on as a sub to score one of the goals of the year in Toronto's win. The Red Bulls could have pulled away in the race for the Supporters' Shield, and head coach Jesse Marsch was disappointed his side were not up for the moment.
2. DALLAS DRAW LEVEL AT THE TOP
With the Red Bulls stumbling, FC Dallas were able to tie them in the race for the Supporters' Shield and move clear atop the Western Conference after they blanked the Vancouver Whitecaps in a 2-0 win (HIGHLIGHTS). The Whitecaps will be glad they have already secured their place in the playoffs as their scoring problems continue – just two goals in their last five games.
3. TIMBERS CLIMB BACK ABOVE RED LINE
It may not have been the most convincing win, but with so much on the line, the Portland Timbers were more than happy with a 1-0 decision over Real Salt Lake (HIGHLIGHTS). The Timbers credit a tactical change for making the result possible, one which leaves RSL’s playoff hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads.
4. DALLAS UNVEIL NEW US SOCCER HALL OF FAME
Wednesday marked a big day for FC Dallas off the field, as the club and US Soccer officially unveiled their plans to house the new National Soccer Hall of Fame in a redeveloped Toyota Stadium.
5. IMPACT’S LATEST INJURY BLOW
The Montreal Impact’s hopes of an extended postseason run suffered a blow with the news that Andrés Romero is out for the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL in Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rapids.
6. FIRE FIND A NEW SPONSOR
Starting in 2016, the Chicago Fire will have a new jersey sponsor, with the club announcing a new multi-year partnership with Valspar Corporation.
7. VILLA STAYING PUT THIS WINTER
A number of clubs would no doubt be interested in acquiring David Villa on a short-term loan during the MLS offseason, with rumors already starting to do the rounds, but the former Spanish international said such a move “isn’t a real possibility.”
8. RETURNING PLAYERS BOOST SPORTING KC
With the playoffs just around the corner, there seems to be some good news for Sporting Kansas City, as the club released a video showing that both Ike Opara and Roger Espinoza have returned to training with the Western Conference side.
9. IS BLAKE THE SOLUTION TO UNION WOES?
Is Andre Blake, the No. 1 choice in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, the answerto the Philadelphia Union’s inconsistent goalkeeping problem? The club certainly hope so as they start making preparations for next season, something Jim Curtin addressed in his weekly press conference.
10. THE BACKGROUND BATTLE
Gaston Sauro is finally ready to take to the field again, and the Columbus Crew SC defender is hoping to help his team out as they approach the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs. Columbus' game against Toronto FC on Saturday could have a big say in not only the final standings, but also the race for the MLS MVP and Audi Golden Boot.
11. STADIUM SITES MAKING PROGRESS
While Minnesota United’s new stadium in St. Paul moves another step closer to reality, today could also mark a big dayfor MLS’s potential Miami club and their hopes of finally finding a home. In another expansion update: just how many season ticket deposits have Atlanta United accepted now?
12. JOHNSON VS KLINSMANN, STANDOFF CONTINUES
Jurgen Klinsmann has offered his own thoughts on Borussia Mönchengladbach’s stance regarding Fabian Johnson, suggesting we merely need to wait and see if the US international plays at the weekend to find out who was right. The club is standing by their injury claim though, with Johnson training by himself on Wednesday.
13. TIME TO GO BACK TO BASICS?
With just 28 days until the US national team begin World Cup qualifying, does the USMNT need to go back to basics in order to ensure they have a successful campaign? One good thing for the side could be the fact that, despite a growing sound of discontent outside the team, active US players all seem to support head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Though it seems there won’t be just one first-choice goalkeeper for a while.
14. OSORIO DIDN’T THINK TWICE
Juan Carlos Osorio has taken over as Mexico manager, and the new boss revealed in his first press conference that it was an opportunity about which he didn’t have to think twice. Indeed, based on the team’s 1-0 win against Panama on Tuesday, there was plenty for the new manager to be excited over.
15. TWO GAMES TO GO TO RIO
The US Under-23 national team's quest for Olympic qualification is expected to face a two-legged affair against Colombia in their playoff for the final spot. Still, while beating Colombia may be a tough task, at least the US still have one final chance at making it to Rio.
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