Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
And Then There Were Eight
The US national team will square off against Ecuador to kick off the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals (9:30 pm ET on FS1, UniMás, UDN), and Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle is here to break down how La Tri play. Over at Top Drawer Soccer, Will Parchman explains that the USMNT is in this enviable position because manager Jurgen Klinsmann has dropped the wild experiments.
Back Liners
With regular right back starter DeAndre Yedlin out serving a ban, Michael Orozco says he's ready to step in against Ecuador. Meanwhile, former US Under-20 boss Thomas Rongen recalls how he brought group phase star John Brooks into the program.
Wednesday Cup Action
A total of 12 MLS teams took the field for US Open Cup play on Wednesday, and 10 survived underdog challenges to reach the Sweet 16.
Making A Case
Roland Alberg's MLS playing time has been in short supply lately, but he made a compelling argument for more with a decisive brace in Philadelphia's Open Cup victory. Could he break into the lineup that travels to face NYCFC on Saturday afternoon (1 pm ET on MLS LIVE)?
A Fresh Idea
Did Columbus Crew SC discover a potential new tactical wrinkle in Wednesday's Open Cup win? Thanks to their midweek success, boss Gregg Berhalter is now willing to work on a "false 9" set. They host the Montreal Impact on Saturday night (7:30 pm ET onMLS LIVE).
Crossover Goals
After ringing the bell four times in their Open Cup defeat of state rivals San Antonio, the Houston Dynamo are aiming to continue the goal parade when MLS play restarts this Saturday against D.C. United (9 pm ET onMLS LIVE).
Cup Spill
New York City FC head coach Patrick Vieira is rather bummed out over his team's US Open Cup ouster at the hands of the local rival Cosmos.
Ready To Clock Back In
Table-toppers Colorado are eager to end the international break and get back to MLS work. The Rapids resume league play when the Chicago Fire visit on Saturday evening (9 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Loan Home Away From Home
Homegrown Sporting KC forward Daniel Salloi has been loaned to Vasas SC, a top-flight club in his native Hungary, until the end of the year.
Civil War?
South American reports claim that a pair of Uruguayan powers are tussling over Vancouver forward Octavio Rivero.
Trial Period
Haiti Under-23 midfielder Christiano Francois is on trial with the Red Bulls.
Closing In?
Atlanta United are reportedly getting closer to the capture of PSV Eindhoven's Mexico skipper Andres Guardado.
Same Song, Different Verse
Certainly not for the first time, but veteran striker Diego Forlan is being linked with an MLS move; this time, various reports have the Red Bulls interested.
Hearts Transplants
United States midfielder Perry Kitchen now has some CONCACAF company at Hearts, as a pair of Canada youth internationals have joined the SPL club.
Game Time
Who's ready to kill their work productivity? The Portland Timbers have offered up a themed Tetris game to whittle away office hours.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
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