Kick Off: Soccer Sunday opens 2016 season with record-setting 36 goals

Greg Seltzer

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

Get This Piatti Started

Ignacio Piatti logged a pair of goals and an assist to lead Montreal to an impressive 3-2 victory at Vancouver on MLS Soccer Sunday. The Impact maestro opened the scoring with a slaloming run through the Whitecaps defense for an early Goal of the Year candidate.

Defenders Of The Crown

Portland got their title defense off to a good start by posting a 2-1 home win in an MLS Cup rematch with Columbus Crew SC. To do so, they had to survive a stunning bicycle kick by Federico Higuain.

Vieira Wins NYCFC Bow

New York City FC celebrated Patrick Vieira's first game in charge with a thrilling 4-3 triumph at Chicago. With this goalfest leading the way, MLS set a new opening-round offensive record.

Back To Business

Reigning Western Conference kings FC Dallas posted their fourth straight regular-season win (and sixth in a row at home) with a 2-0 decision over Philadelphia.

Magic Mike

The LA Galaxy trailed against opening-day guests D.C. United until Mike Magee entered for an injured Giovani dos Santos at the half. The sub then began his second LA stint in style, notching two goals and an assist to lead the hosts to a 4-1 victory.

Late Late Show

Though dominated for much of the first 80 minutes, Toronto FC bagged a late pair to earn a gutsy 2-0 road win over the New York Red Bulls.

Sounders Silenced

Reduced to 10 men shortly before the break, Seattle were unable to crack the Sporting KC code in a 1-0 opening-day loss. Sounders starlet Jordan Morris was among those who squandered big chances for the home side on his MLS debut.

Same Ol' Wondo

He may no longer be a Designated Player, but Chris Wondolowski hasn't really changed at all. The San Jose strike star netted the winner in a 1-0 home win over Colorado.

Revs, Dynamo Split 6-Pack

Led by Diego Fagundez's goal and two assists, New England pulled out a 3-3 share at Houston.

Lions' Share

Orlando City left it very late for a rally, scoring twice deep into stoppage time to salvage a 2-2 draw with visiting Real Salt Lake.

The Big Roundup

With all 10 opening-day games in the books, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle placed the results under his microscope.

Rocky Mountain Guy

Before the Colorado Rapids opened the season, they made a big late move by acquiring US national team star Jermaine Jones from New England.

Da Bruce

There's only one Bruce Arena. The LA boss shared his thoughts on the Galaxy's CONCACAF Champions League exit, their slew of offseason activity and his MLS longevity in a Washington Post interview ahead of Sunday's victory against former employers D.C. United .

Loan Denial

In Grant Wahl's latest bit, the Sports Illustrated scribe reveals that Portland came close to landing US international Miguel Ibarra on loan from Liga MX side Leon.

Wood Is Flammable

Bobby Wood is on fire. The Union Berlin forward bagged a brace in their 4-0 win on Saturday, giving him seven goals in his last six games. Meanwhile, over in Israel, former Columbus striker Aaron Schoenfeld hit for the third time in five games since joining Hapoel Tel Aviv.