Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Comeback Kids
The Vancouver Whitecaps completed the comeback and flipped their Amway Canadian Championship semifinal tie on its head, blanking underdogs Ottawa Fury 3-0 at home to rally their way to the final. The Whitecaps fightback was led by forward Octavio Rivero, who coach Carl Robinson says is rounding back into form.
Young Bloods
Once again, Toronto FC's young players did the job as the Reds brushed aside rivals Montreal with a 2nd leg scoreless draw to reach the Amway Canadian Championship final, where they will take on reigning champs Vancouver.
Adding Up The Aftermath
Following the USMNT's big win over Costa Rica, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle noted how easy it can be to overlook the little things done by midfielder Alejandro Bedoya. Though the team is riding high now, our Sam Stejskal warns everyone not to get too wrapped up in the moment. Former MLS and US youth manager Thomas Rongen surely isn't. He opines that Jurgen Klinsmann should be replaced if the USA lose to Paraguay on Saturday (7 pm ET on FS1, UDN, UniMás).
Getting Well
Brazil ace Phillipe Coutinho grabbed the Seleção spotlight in leading Brazil to a 7-1 demolition of Haiti in Wednesday night's top Copa America tilt in Group B. Meanwhile, Peru squandered an early two-goal advantage to settle for a 2-2 draw with Ecuador that knocked them out of the Group B penthouse on goal differential.
CONCACAF Battle
Look for a raucous crowd when Mexico clash with regional rival Jamaica at the Rose Bowl tonight (10 pm ET on FS1, UDN, UniMás). El Tri boss Juan Carlos Osorio is not tipping his hand as to who will spell suspended skipper Andres Guardado against the Reggae Boyz.
Rally Time
In Thursday's other Copa America match, Uruguay will be hoping to climb out of the Group C basement when they face Venezuela (7:30 pm ET on FS1, UDN, UniMás) in Philadelphia.
D Wish List
Local blog Big D Soccer has suggested five defenders participating in Copa America that they believe FC Dallas should be scouting for a potential capture.
Wanted Men
Speaking of FC Dallas, a Spanish outlet is reporting that Hoops forward Fabian Castillo has interest from Europa League three-peat artists Sevilla, among other La Liga sides.
Benvenuto!
Real Salt Lake have announced that they will be welcoming Serie A giants Inter Milan for a July friendly.
Dynamic Hope
After naming Wade Barrett as caretaker boss on Wednesday, Houston exec Matt Jordan says he would love to remove that interim tag if the Dynamo can find success the rest of the season.
New Adventures
With Albania's first European Championship adventure set to kick off on Saturday, Rapids ace Shkelzen Gashi gave an interview to discuss such topics as facing former international side Switzerland in their Euro 2016 opener and how his European friends are asking how they can join him in MLS.
Another First For Atlanta
Atlanta United FC continue making moves and on Thursday it was their first Homegrown player signing: Get familiar with the name Andrew Carleton. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution continues its series of identifying possible star targets for the club by weighing the pros and cons of signing Arsenal freebie Tomas Rosicky.
Export Market
For the second time in as many months, a UK tabloid is claiming that promoted EPL club Burnley want DeAndre Yedlin. One flight down in the Championship, Rotherham are reportedly chasing US youth international Gboly Ariyibi, a free agent currently in extension talks with League One side Chesterfield.
Ball Two
Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Piazza announced that he's is set to become majority owner of Italian third flight side Reggiana.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Here's the Group B team the US want to avoid
Watch: Can Jamaica slow down El Tri?
Meet Whitecaps teen prodigy Alphonso Davies
