Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
The Day After Tomorrow
It was the biggest story emerging from Heineken Rivalry Week: Fans around New York are still buzzing about the Red Bulls' 7-0 demolition of city rivals NYCFC on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle explains what makes it such a historic rout.
Champs Wake Up
In other Heineken Rivalry Week action, MLS Cup holders Portland Timbers snapped a three-game losing streak by topping rivals Vancouver 4-2 on Sunday afternoon. The Timbers were left glowing by their fine team-wide efforts, while the visitors went home bitter about their mistakes. Here's what both coaches had to say after the match.
Fit To Be Tied
The Earthquakes were quite pleased with the way they fought back for a 1-1 Cali Clasico draw in Los Angeles on Sunday. Quakes manager Dominic Kinnear was full of praise for his squad in his postgame press conference.
Rapids Win Again
The Colorado Rapids are still the No. 1 team in MLS after stretching their unbeaten run to eight matches with a 1-0 blanking of the Sounders in Seattle on Saturday. Be warned; Rapids boss Pablo Mastroeni says his team fears no one.
Best Laid Plans
FC Dallas stayed on the heels of league leaders in the Western Conference by doubling up New England on the road. The result was keyed by a pre-planned tactical maneuver.
Tune-Up No. 1
The USMNT kicked off their summer with a 3-1 friendly win over Puerto Rico on Sunday. The easy victory, featuring several players who will not be part of the final Copa America squad, did not impress everyone and that sentiment was also reflected in our US player ratings.
Team Building
On Saturday, US national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann named the 23-man roster for Copa America, which our Armchair Analyst then went over with his red pen. Klinsmann also offered explanations for why he has tabbed Brad Guzan as his No. 1 netminder for the tournament and why Jordan Morris missed the cut.
Answer The Call
In other international news, Montreal's Laurent Ciman has been named to Belgium's Euro 2016 squad. Meanwhile, L.A. midfielder Baggio Husidic has received his first Bosnia call-up.
Lion's Roar
Kaka showed Brazil what they'll be missing by not calling him up for the Copa America, putting in a star performance to lead Orlando City to a key home win over the Montreal Impact.
The Punishers
Real Salt Lake snapped a two-game slide with a 3-1 defeat of Sporting KC on Saturday – their second win in Kansas City this year. If you ask SKC manager Peter Vermes, the visitors won this time by making his team pay for mistakes.
My Bad
Houston left back DaMarcus Beasley is accepting full responsibility after being beaten for the lone goal in a 1-0 defeat against his former employers Chicago. Maybe one reason he was beat: the nifty no-look pass from Chicago's Gilberto.
My Bad, Part 2
Toronto FC ace Sebastian Giovinco has blamed himself in the aftermath of a scoreless home draw against Trillium Cup rivals Columbus.
Market Talk
A UK tabloid claims Celtic are vying to to lure Galaxy star Steven Gerrard this summer. Elsewhere, Honduras forward Alberth Elis says that, among other places, he has offers from MLS.
American To Win Mexican Title
Former LA Galaxy star Omar Gonzalez and Pachuca edged out William Yarbrough's Leon in the second leg of their Liga MX Clausura semifinal, booking their place in the final against USMNT left back Edgar Castillo and comeback kids Monterrey.
Movie Time
"Sons Of Ben: The Movie" is set to be released on all your favorite streaming and pay-per-view platforms on July 22.
And The Winner Is...
Alan Gaytan, a 15-year-old from Oregon, is the Sueno MLS winner for 2016. Get to know more about him here.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
AT&T Goal of the Week polls are open
Armchair Analyst: Why Nagbe should start for USMNT
Plays of the Night: Week 12's top goals, saves and skills
