Kick Off: Union get set to face "Patriots of MLS" | Mexico call up Torres

Greg Seltzer

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

Honor Rolls

The MLS Team of the Week features a player from a Canadian club on every line and five US internationals among the front seven. Meanwhile, Columbus and Montreal dominated the MLS Fantasy best XI following their wild 4-4 draw.

Public Speakers

Philly Union are aiming to make a big statement when they host the red-hot Galaxy on Wednesday night (7 pm ET, MLS LIVE).

Coming Home

Though it's still early to say whether he'll be ready when MLS Cup holders Portland visit on Wednesday (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE), FC Dallas netminder Jesse Gonzalez has been cleared to fly back to Texas for further examination on his injured neck.

Making The Donuts

Colorado netminder Zac MacMath happily got a measure of redemption for an early season gaffe by shutting out rivals Real Salt Lake on Saturday. MacMath and the league-leading Rapids next host Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE).

Do The Hustle

With his side mired in a slump, Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes held a team meeting to call for greater effort in matches.

In The Spot-Light

Columbus head coach Gregg Berhalter discussed this weekend's penalty kick kerfuffle between Kei Kamara and Federico Higuain with local scribe Shawn Mitchell.

Coming Attractions

Though Jozy Altidore has yet to hit this season, Toronto FC boss Greg Vanney says his goals will come. TFC host Canadian rivals Vancouver Whitecaps this Saturday on national TV in Canada (TSN4 and RDS) and on MLS LIVE in the USA.

Moonlighting

The BBC will be looking to the USA for some help with their Euro 2016 coverage. New York City FC midfielder Frank Lampard and US national team boss Jurgen Klinsmann are set to contribute remotely to the network's Euro 2016 analysis team.

Para-Trooper

Seattle's Nelson Valdez has made the final Paraguay squad for Copa America. He will be far from the only non-American MLS player involved, leading Fox Sports to consider how the league's growth has paid off for national teams across the hemisphere.

Taking Calls

Houston's Erick "Cubo" Torres has been named to Mexico's Under-23 squad for the Toulon Tournament, which begins a week from Wednesday. In addition, eight MLS players were called into the Canada U-23 team for their upcoming friendlies.

The Road To June

Soccer Insider Steven Goff of the Washington Post explains how the USMNT roster will come together for Copa America.

The Outlet Way

Players and coaches aren't the only ones getting prepared for Copa America. The American Outlaws supporters group held a gathering this past weekend that included plans for US Soccer's upcoming tournaments, panels and special guests.

Kitchen Heat

Even though Europa League entrants Hearts are ending the season in a funk, midfielder Perry Kitchen is being singled out for his fine play by the locals.

More Export Exploits

Everton fans hosted a dinner in the suburbs to celebrate Tim Howard's Everton tenure. Over in Portugal, Sporting KC loan item Erik Palmer-Brown helped Porto B win their league crown.

Covering The Base

The Seattle Sounders used their off day to visit soldiers and their families at the nearby Lewis-McChord army base.

Throne (Viewing) Room

San Jose's Jordan Stewart and the Red Bulls’ Bradley Wright-Phillips start a new series, as MLS players review the latest episode of Game Of Thrones.