Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Back In The Game
Following an extremely cathartic rout of Costa Rica, US manager Jurgen Klinsmann says his team holds all the cards heading into their group finale. Veteran star Jermaine Jones rallied strong from a poor game one showing to be named Man of the Match by Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle and in our USMNT player ratings.
Rolling Along
In the late game, Colombia star James Rodriguez shook off a knock to lead the Group A leaders past Paraguay, who say they're ready to "pressure" the US on Saturday in Philly.
On To Group B
Brazil are experiencing some strife in goal ahead of Wednesday's tilt with Haiti in Orlando (7:30 pm ET on FS1, UDN, UniMás). Also, early Group B leaders Peru will face Ecuador in the nightcap (10 pm ET on FS1, UDN, UniMás).
Wade-ing In
The biggest MLS story from Tuesday involves the Houston Dynamo. Wade Barrett was named the club's interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
North Of The Border War
Ottawa Fury players know several factors are working against their hopes of completing an Amway Canadian Championship semifinal upset at Vancouver on Wednesday night (10 pm ET on TSN2). Earlier in the night, Toronto FC will try to book their final place by protecting a 4-2 first leg lead at Montreal (7:30 pm ET on TSN2).
Canada Can
Canada boss Benito Flores says his team is headed in the right direction after posting a friendly win over Uzbekistan in Austria. Our Daniel Squizzato filed his Canada player ratings, with Scott Arfield earning the Man of the Match nod.
Looking South
After scoring while sporting the armband on Tuesday, free agent Canada handyman David Edgar revealed he is very open to playing in MLS.
Bravo Encore?
Edgar isn't the only border neighbor being linked with an MLS move. Several Mexican outlets are reporting that all-time leading Chivas scorer Omar Bravo is leaving the Liga MX giants, possibly to make a shock Sporting KC return.
Injury Ward
Red Bulls defender Kemar Lawrence will miss the rest of Copa America due to a groin setback suffered in their group stage opening loss. Back in MLS, Colorado center back Bobby Burling is set for five weeks on the shelf following knee surgery.
Lit Fire
Orlando City's Brek Shea has declared himself extremely motivated for MLS play after missing out on a US roster spot for Copa America.
Principal's Office
It was a busy week for the MLS Disciplinary Committee, who rescinded Conor Casey's red card while suspending two players.
Learning On The Job
Briefly back in America before heading to Porto preseason camp, Sporting KC loan-out Erik Palmer-Brown says he's become more of a pro during his time in Portugal.
Political Games
US Soccer chief Sunil Gulati admitted that the outcome of America's forthcoming presidential election could have bearing on their chances of hosting World Cup 2026. Meanwhile, his Uruguay counterpart has come up with a conspiracy theory, saying that Copa America is being held in the States in order to help Mexico succeed.
So They Tell Me
While bagging the winner in a scrimmage with Argentina should make for quite the memorable chapter in a player's life, Burlingame Dragons forward Jamael Cox may have trouble remembering as the years roll by. "I kind of blacked out when I scored on them," admitted the Sounders academy product.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Calen Carr and Jay DeMerit break down the US rout of Costa Rica
Watch: The latest episode of This Week In MLS
Our best XI from the first round of Copa America group games
