Kick Off: NYCFC surge into 1st | Altidore hurt in TFC loss | Wood moves on

Greg Seltzer

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

Who's In First?

Early strugglers New York City FC are suddenly tied atop the Eastern Conference standings after defeating the defending champions in Portland on Sunday. Unlike before, the Bronx crew are doing it with defense.

Back On Track

Sporting KC topped Orlando on Sunday to halt a seven-game winless slide. Does that mean the Missouri Azzurri are back to their best? Not so fast, says Armchair Anlayst Matt Doyle.

Home Cookin'

Houston boss Owen Coyle hailed his side's "complete performance" after they blanked Real Salt Lake on Sunday to post consecutive home wins for the first time since last September.

Back On Track, Pt. 2

After a rough couple of games, FC Dallas feel they fully deserved the points as they got back to winning ways with a victory over Seattle.

You Gotta Believe

Though their roll was slowed slightly by a draw with Columbus, league leaders Colorado still believe they're for real.

'Capped Off

Thanks to a Kekuta Manneh star show, Vancouver scored a wild 4-3 win at Toronto FC. Adding injury to the home side's insult, Jozy Altidore suffered another hamstring setback in the contest.

New Kei In Town

Though he didn't score, new Revolution forward Kei Kamara enjoyed a solid debut in their 2-0 win over Chicago.

Keep Calm And Fight Back

After a rally draw against East rivals Montreal, one Philadelphia Union observer couldn't help but notice how the poise of skipper Tranquillo Barnetta has positively affected the team.

Analysts's Office

As usual, Matt Doyle wrapped up the round with his weekend review. He also took a look at a burgeoning defensive monster, Philly rookie Keegan Rosenberry.

Ireland Calling

Colorado's Kevin Doyle and LA Galaxy star Robbie Keane were named to Ireland's provisional squad for Euro 2016.

Star War?

After being linked with the Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain strike star Zlatan Ibrahimovic was outed as a member of a recent Philly Union discovery list. However, Philadelphia boss Jim Curtin downplayed the revelation. Then on Saturday night, Atlanta United GM Carlos Bocanegra was in attendance as the Sweden superstar played his final game for PSG.

The Lion Wing

A Dutch report says that Groningen attacker Michael de Leeuw is a medical exam away from signing with Chicago.

Call Report

According to the club, St. Pauli striker Fafa Picault is being called up by the US national team for next Sunday's pre-Copa America friendly with Puerto Rico.

No Time Wasted

With the ink barely dry on their season, Hamburg sprang into transfer action to capture a Union Berlin ace – and rising USMNT star – in Bobby Wood.

Tim & the Toffees

With his summer transfer to Colorado nearing, Tim Howard received a warm farewell from the Everton faithful before posting a 3-0 victory in his final game for the club. Before the match, the USMNT star penned a heartfelt letter to Toffees fans.

Export Exploits

On Sunday, Bob Bradley's Le Havre struck the woodwork four times to miss out on promotion to Ligue 1 by the tiniest margin. Meanwhile, The Mirror claims Sunderland want to make DeAndre Yedlin's loan from Tottenham a permanent transfer.

We Love Ya, Tomori

After being named the Chelsea Academy Player of the Year on Friday, Canada Under-20 defender Fikayo Tomori enjoyed his Premier League debut in Sunday's home draw with champs Leicester City.

One Fine Assist

NYCFC's David Villa is used to scoring the goals, but he was caught providing a nice helper off the field. Before his team's big win in Portland, the star forward was photographed buying a meal for a homeless family on the street.