Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Friday Night Lights
Fresh Orlando City recruit Julio Baptista could make his MLS debut when the warming Lions invade Philadelphia on Friday night (7 pm ET; UniMás). The Union will feature his compatriot Ilsinho, who is already dazzling with his skills.
Showtime
The Houston Dynamo are ready to show off their attack during Sunday's nationally-televised showdown with Seattle (4 pm ET; ESPN).
No Worries
As they get set to visit their Western Conference rivals in Los Angeles on national TV (9:30 pm ET; FS1), Portland boss Caleb Porter is not overly concerned about the defending champs' slow start.
More Mauro
After returning to training in midweek, FC Dallas ace Mauro Diaz is set for a return when San Jose visits on Saturday (9 pm ET; watch on MLS LIVE).
Lampard Close
New York City FC star Frank Lampard is nearing full fitness, but his season debut won't happen this weekend when his team welcomes the Chicago Fire in front of a national TV audience (7 pm ET on FS1). Although Lampard won't be on the field, this Broadway star will.
First Days At Work
The All-Access cameras followed a pair of new head coaches, Chicago's Veljko Paunovic and NYCFC's Patrick Vieira, in their first game on the MLS sidelines.
Reunited
Reigning MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco is relishing the prospect of having Jozy Altidore by his side again as the US national team forward is expected to be back for Saturday's tilt against New England (4 pm ET; TSN4 and MLS LIVE).
Going Dutch
Meanwhile, with the Fire rounding into defensive shape, Paunovic has praised newcomer Johan Kappelhof for his quick impact.
Over/Under
Matt Doyle, Sam Stejskal and Andrew Wiebe kick off a new series on MLSsoccer.com by discussing who is the most underrated player in MLS. At the same time, NYCFC midfielder Mix Diskerud has shrugged off the overrated tag hung on him in a recent MLS player survey.
Time Of The Season
While D.C. United youngster Luciano Acosta has struggled early in his rookie season, veteran midfielder Marcelo Sarvas explained that playmakers need time to adapt to MLS. The club will be relying on Chris Rolfe and Fabian Espindola when they host the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday (5:30 pm ET on TSN and MLS LIVE).
Real Rumor
Word out of Spain has Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa primed to make a summer MLS move.
U. Of Sunderland
Sunderland loan item and Seattle Sounders academy product DeAndre Yedlin says he's improving defensively under Sam Allardyce as he gets set to face league leaders Leicester City in EPL action this weekend.
Watchful Eye
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp is reportedly monitoring a former Borussia Dortmund pupil, US international Christian Pulisic.
Le Bob
Le Havre boss Bob Bradley, the former MLS and US national team coach, discussed their Ligue 1 promotion chase in an ESPN FC interview.
Get Involved
The University of North Carolina is holding an online auction featuring several pieces of signed MLS memorabilia, with the proceeds going to the Kirk Urso Memorial Fund for youth heart health research. Also, the Red Bulls are hosting Autism Awareness Night when they welcome Sporting KC on Saturday (7 pm ET; watch on MLS LIVE).
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