Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
The Hottest
Led by two goals from a lucky charm named Mike Grella, the New York Red Bulls pulled to within a point of the top spot in the East with a 2-0 defeat of Seattle (their fourth shutout triumph in a row) on Sunday. Despite the loss, Sounders boss Sigi Schmid celebrated his 500th MLS match spent walking a sideline.
Sporting Gripe
Following Sporting KC's 2-0 win against FC Dallas, a major talking point after the match was the goal-line controversy that unfolded early in the match.
Home Settling
Orlando City left-sider Brek Shea felt that the home side let their fans down after blowing a lead twice in the final five minutes of a 2-2 draw with San Jose.
#OrlandoUnited
Of course, Orlando City's Saturday match was much more than your typical league contest. The crowd of over 37,000 fans emotionally rallied together in the wake of last week's tragic nightclub shooting, which took place only a short drive from Camping World Stadium. The players from both OCSC and San Jose donated and signed their game-worn jerseys to an open auction set up by the Lions to benefit the families of the victims.
Rapid Growth
League leaders Colorado showed that they've learned how to pull out victories, with Marco Pappa scoring late to earn them a 2-1 decision over visiting Chicago.
See-Saw Draw
Defending MLS Cup champs Portland and Real Salt Lake played out a back-and-forth 2-2 draw at Rio Tinto Stadium which busted up RSL's perfect home record. Still, the Timbers weren't exactly satisfied with the point.
Something Had To Give
Shorthanded Toronto FC got a late goal from Drew Moor to post its first MLS win in five games, 1-0 over guests LA. The result left the frustrated Galaxy winless in five.
Back In The New York Groove
All three of NYCFC's stars found the net in leading the hosts to a 3-2 victory over East leaders Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon. Frank Lampard, who was making his first start of the season, got the party started early and our Simon Borg says he can still be a success in MLS.
Drought Over
New England head coach Jay Heaps was proud of his squad after they posted their first road win of the term at Vancouver.
And Finally...
Rounding out weekend MLS play were scoreless draws between Columbus and Montreal, and D.C. United and Houston. Per usual, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle reviewed the round.
On The Docket
In weekend Copa America action, Argentina brushed aside Venezuela to set up a semifinal date with the USMNT. That may sound scary, but US boss Jurgen Klinsmann says his team is unafraid to face Lionel Messi and the rest of the Albiceleste.
El Tripped Up
On Saturday, Mexico were ousted from Copa America in a stunning manner, falling 7-0 to champs Chile. The Armchair Analyst picks apart the wreckage of El Tri's embarrasing exit.
Parla Italia
Italian transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio claims former suitor Sampdoria are again interested in Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley. Meanwhile, his former AS Roma teammate Daniele De Rossi is stoking talk of a move to New York for the umpteenth time.
Trial Defenders?
ESPN ace Jeff Carlisle reports that Viking defender and impending free agent A.J. Soares is training with Orlando City. Elsewhere, out-of-contract Swiss defender Adriano De Pierro is reportedly set to kick off a trio of MLS trials with Sporting KC.
Pumas Prey
The president of Liga MX side Pumas says the club is trying to snare a Mexican MLS player, but isn't naming names.
Game Name
A couple in Columbus has taken their MLS fandom to a new level by naming their son "Crew."
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
AT&T Goal of the Week voting is underway
Watch: What can US expect from Messi, Argentina?
Video: What happened to Mexico vs. Chile?
