Kick Off: Can Seattle and RSL keep MLS Champions League dreams alive?

Greg Seltzer

Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:

Wednesday's CCL Previews

Major League Soccer's hopes for a representative in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals are now down to two clubs. The Seattle Sounders are set to brave the Estadio Azteca with the aggregate tied at 2-2 heading into their second leg against Ventura Alvarado's Club America, and Real Salt Lake are in rally mode as former US international Jose Francisco Torres and Tigres come to town.

Galaxy Bounced From CCL

Following a 4-0 drubbing away to Santos Laguna that spelled their Champions League doom, LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena did not mince critical words.

United We Fall

D.C. United were left to rue conceding an early goal that sealed their ouster from the CONCACAF Champions League after a 1-1 draw with Queretaro on Tuesday night. The Mexican side claimed the 3-1 aggregate-goal triumph.

Jozy Goal

Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore has a clear aim in 2016: to help the Reds win MLS Cup.

Standing Pat

New NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira says he's dedicated to the club for the long haul. Said the boss: "Now all I have to do is win."

In It To Nguyen It

In our latest "10 Things with..." feature, New England ace Lee Nguyen discusses his rock-star status in Vietnam, keeping his hairstyle fresh and how he became a golf nut.

Science-Center

The reigning MLS MVP, Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco, has been given the Sport Science treatment by ESPN. The topic? His nasty free kicks.

Rogers, Over

Galaxy veteran Robbie Rogers is making the switch from left to right back, which he says is not as easy as one might think.

Speed Of Sounders

Seattle have added a pacy forward to their stable by signing Oalex Anderson, a St. Vincent & Grenadines international who played for their Sounders 2 USL side last season.

Darke Matter

ESPN's Ian Darke revealed that he has signed a deal to continue calling US national team games for the network.

Report: Kitchen Set For Hearts

The Scottish Sun claims ex-D.C. United midfielder Perry Kitchen is on the verge of joining Hearts, who look on their way to claiming a Europa League invite for the fall.

Yedlin's Helper

In Tuesday EPL action, Sunderland defender DeAndre Yedlin notched the last-minute, game-tying assist in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace that tentatively lifted the Black Cats out of the drop zone.