Here are the stories we're talking about this morning:
1. KREIS OUT AT NYCFC
New York City FC parted ways with head coach Jason Kreis on Monday, citing the club's failure to reach the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs, a low win rate, and "not enough evidence of the dynamics required to improve the performance of the team for the next season and beyond."
2. ALL ABOARD IN ORLANDO
Speaking of expansion clubs, Orlando City head coach Adrian Heath remains bullish on the club's prospects heading into 2016.
3. GERRARD SWAN SONG?
Could 2016 be the last chance to see Steven Gerrard play competitive soccer? The LA Galaxy midfielder is apparently giving thought to hanging up his boots after the next campaign.
4. WHITECAPS MANAGE THE MOMENT
The Vancouver Whitecaps enter Sunday’s Western Conference Semifinal 2nd leg vs. the Portland Timbers with a few decisions to make, but they hope the biggest home crowd in the Caps' MLS history will push them on.
5. IMPACT DIG DEEP
The Montreal Impact have the aggregate lead on Columbus Crew SC, and they have their grit to thank for it after winning three games in eight days. "Maybe we didn’t play pretty but, yet again, we showed that we can find ways to win games," Patrice Bernier said.
6. ZUBAR CLEAR, PERRINELLE OUT
The New York Red Bulls will be without center back Damien Parrinelle on Sunday vs. D.C. United due to a season-ending knee injury, but Ronald Zubar will not receive additional discipline and will be available. Regardless, the Red Bulls are focused on keeping "an even keel."
7. NO BIG DEAL FOR D.C. UNITED
D.C. may be trailing by a goal following the first leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Red Bulls but forward Chris Rolfe doesn't seem too worried: “Down one goal, no big deal, you know?”
8. REVOLUTION SEEK CONSISTENCY
If the New England Revolution are taking one thing away from their 2015 season, it's the need to be more consistent. That’s especially true for defender Andrew Farrell: "I think I had some really good performances, and some I’d love to forget.”
9. CAN UNION LEARN FROM RIVALS?
As the Philadelphia Union look to improve, one commentator believes they could learn from one of their rival clubs: the Red Bulls.
10. PENEDO, PART II?
Former LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo has previously regretted his departure from the club, but this LA Times report suggests he could be on his way back.
11. TOUGH TEST FOR USMNT
Given recent results and some scheduling conflicts, the US national team faces a tricky preparation for their November World Cup qualifiers against St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago. Jurgen Klinsmann is reportedly set to announce his squad on Sunday. Who might be in line for a call?
12. LARIN SWITCHES FOCUS
Cyle Larin’s amazing rookie season with Orlando City ended sooner than he would have liked, but now the 17-goal scorer is focused on helping Canada in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
13. MEXICO KEEP GOING
Mexico continued their march through the FIFA U-17 World Cup on Monday with a 2-0 win over Ecuador, setting up a semifinal encounter with current world champions Nigeria.
14. IN SEARCH OF A STADIUM?
USL club FC Cincinnati have made some big leaps since first announcing their existence just a few months ago. The club continues to trumpet their MLS ambitions, though a lack of a soccer-specific stadium is a potential stumbling block.
15. MOVE OVER, #HENRYING
Although it seems Didier Drogba won’t face any further action following his antics during Sunday’s match against Crew SC, the moment has captured the internet's imagination.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
ExtraTime Radio: Dempsey comes up trumps, Drogba human after all
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Exports: Bob Bradley reflects on Stabaek’s “incredible” achievement
