Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
A Rough Night
The US national team's Copa America Centenario title drive came to a screeching halt in Tuesday night's 4-0 semifinal loss to Argentina. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann declared that his charges showed too much respect to Lionel Messi and the Albicelestes, but our Simon Borg (and US skipper Michael Bradley) refused to accept that excuse. While also dinging several player errors, both Armchair Anlayst Matt Doyle and our US Player Ratings opined that the manager's maneuvers did not put the team in a position to succeed.
One More Semi
We will learn both the second Copa America finalist and the USMNT's foe in Saturday's third-place game when holders Chile and Colombia lock horns on Wednesday night (8 pm ET on FS1, Univision, UDN).
A Leg Up
Toronto FC grabbed a slim lead in their Amway Canadian Championship final tie with Vancouver thanks to a Sebastian Giovinco strike. The Whitecaps, meanwhile, were left to rue what they considered to be a "lucky goal."
L.A. General
Galaxy boss Bruce Arena expects to have star men Giovani dos Santos and Steven Gerrard back in the fold for Wednesday night's home showdown with West leaders Colorado (10:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE). However, LA will be forced to make do without fullback Robbie Rogers, who will miss six weeks following ankle surgery.
Red Bulls Rising
Heading into Wednesday's visit to Real Salt Lake (10 pm ET on MLS LIVE), the New York Red Bulls jumped up to No. 2 in our MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings. What's more, attack ace Mike Grella was named Player of the Week.
Top Vs. Bottom
Philly Union winger Ronald Alberg is aiming to continue his form surge when the East leaders host last-place Chicago (7 pm ET on MLS LIVE) on Wednesday night.
New Deal
Ahead of Saturday's California Clasico showdown on Univision (10 pm ET), San Jose have inked winger Shea Salinas to a fresh multi-year deal.
A Perfect Fit
Local scribe Shawn Mitchell writes that Dilly Duka's versatility makes him a great pick-up for Columbus Crew SC.
Miller Time?
Various reports say Panama left back Roderick Miller is being courted by Chicago, Columbus and Philadelphia, as well as clubs in South America and Israel.
English Suitors
According to Grant Wahl, Hertha Berlin back line marshal John Brooks has interest from multiple English Premier League clubs.
Au Revoir, Alex?
Women's soccer power Lyon are trying their best to woo USWNT star Alex Morgan. They've reportedly even gone so far as to make an offer to her husband, Orlando City midfielder Servando Carrasco.
#OrlandoUnited
Michael Bradley is auctioning off his shirt and rainbow armband from the USMNT's semifinal win over Ecuador to benefit victims of the recent Orlando nightclub shooting. Meanwhile, Orlando City ace Kaka joined former Magic superstar Shaquille O'Neal to visit victims in the hospital.
Rubbing Elbows
Kansas City natives Paul Rudd (Ant-Man) and Rob Riggle (formerly of The Daily Show) visted Sporting KC's clubhouse after taking in their weekend win over FC Dallas.
Art Show
The latest work from Italian artist Fabrizio Birimbelli, who does 19th century-style paintings of soccer stars, features Galaxy star Robbie Keane as a military general. He also recently used Seattle and USMNT star Clint Dempsey as a subject.
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