Kick Off: Stunning goals by Dos Santos, Villa and Drogba highlight Week 9

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


Birthday Gift


The defending champion Portland Timbers flipped the result late to slow Toronto's roll on Sunday, thanks to a stunning winner from birthday boy Diego Valeri.


Escape From LA


Recent strugglers Sporting KC were pleased to pocket a point after trading golazos with the Galaxy on Sunday. If you thought there was no way anyone was going to top the curler by Brad Davis, LA's Giovani Dos Santos proved you wrong.


Best Of The West


Sparked by a goal from youngster Jordan Allen, Real Salt Lake clawed back late to score a 2-1 victory over Houston that gave them the best record in MLS (based on points per game).


Best Of The West, Part 2


A fightback draw with Montreal lifted the rising Rapids into a three-way tie atop the Western Conference standings. Colorado's double-rally also left the Impact concerned over a fresh habit of blowing leads. Didier Drogba was at it again, providing the fireworks via a free-kick goal.


Sweet Relief


New York City FC star forward David Villa was left physically and emotionally exhausted after striking twice to help the team snap its home slump with a 3-2 win over Vancouver.


Jordan-Esque


After hitting the lone goal winner to beat Columbus, Seattle star rookie Jordan Morris has now scored in three straight.


Reluctant Share


The Philadelphia Union were left quite perturbed by the late equalizer leaked in Saturday's 1-1 home draw with San Jose. Had they held on for the win, Jim Curtin's men would be sitting atop the Eastern Conference.


May Flowers


After they capped a rough April by rallying twice for an entertaining draw in New England, Orlando City are eager to enjoy the sunnier times of May. The Lions' Carlos Rivas netted the dramatic 90th minute 2-2 equalizer at Gillette Stadium, only for the Revs to nearly snatch a game-winner in stoppage time when Juan Agudelo's header struck the crossbar.


Week 9 Roundup


Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle does his usual review of all the weekend action.


Adi Suitors


Portland strike ace Fanendo Adi reportedly has transfer interest from England and France.


Capital Gain?


Panama forward Gabriel Torres is being linked with a D.C. United move back in his homeland.


Picks Of The Bunch


US national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann named his 40-man provisional squad for Copa America. Our Armchair Analyst says there aren't any real surprises.


Call Lists


Other MLS players are to be found on the provisional Copa America rosters of Brazil and Ecuador. Meanwhile, Mexico boss Juan Carlos Osorio has also named the now healthy Giovani dos Santos to Mexico's preliminary squad.


A New Man


Sunderland defender DeAndre Yedlin is not the same player he was when he arrived on loan from Tottenham last September. He explains in this article, as MLSsoccer.com caught up with the Seattle Sounders product.


Howard's Weekend


After posting the 227th victory of his European career against Bournemouth, Everton netminder Tim Howard leaped to the defense of under-fire manager Roberto Martinez.


MLSsoccer.com Musts:


MLS Homegrown players shine in Week 9
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Watch: Week 9 goals, skills and saves