Kick Off: Six USOC matches tonight | Tim Howard officially introduced

Greg Seltzer

Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:

Accam's Bracer

David Accam scored twice to lead the Chicago Fire to a 2-1 victory over US Open Cup visitors Columbus Crew SC on Tuesday night that extended the Fire's perfect record in tournament play against their rivals. And it also won them a place in the quarterfinals.

Miller Time

Thanks to a monster display in goal from Tyler Miller, the Seattle Sounders reached the Open Cup elite eight by defeating hosts Real Salt Lake on penalties.

Rapid Reward

The most talked about goalkeeper on Tuesday, however, was Tim Howard. The new Rapids' No. 1 goalkeeper was unveiled in a press conference at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Tuesday ahead of his expected debut on July 4 vs. Portland. Rapids VP and technical director Paul Bravo called Howard "the best player in his position in this league."

Player Prizes

Philadelphia Union hot hand Roland Alberg is not only the MLS Player of the Week, but he's among five nominees for June's Etihad Airways Player of the Month award.

More Injury Woes

Already hit with the news that starting netminder Clint Irwin will miss six weeks as they get prepared to defend a slim 1-0 aggregate lead in the Amway Canadian Championship final decider at Vancouver, Toronto FC are now worried over the potential loss of midfield general Michael Bradley to a knee setback.

Kamara Angle

With the New England Revolution set to visit the New York Cosmos to battle for a place in the US Open Cup quarters on Wednesday night (7:30 pm ET on YouTube), our Krystian Witkowski takes a look at how both Kei Kamara and the Revs have fared since his trade from Columbus.

L.A. Story

As the LA Galaxy try to figure out how to avoid late goal leaks, they will invade Portland for a US Open Cup Round-of-16 tilt on Wednesday night (10:30 pm ET on YouTube). The winner gets the Seattle Sounders.

Cold Water Pours

D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen has cooled the transfer talk surrounding defender Steve Birnbaum. Likewise, NYCFC boss Patrick Vieira says reports that the club will soon sell Mix Diskerud are off-base.

The Full Nelson

After some tweeted criticisms leveled by former Seattle strike ace Eddie Johnson, Sounders forward Herculez Gomez has rushed to the defense of his teammate Nelson Valdez.

Gonzo Journalism

Veteran River Plate midfielder Lucho Gonzalez reportedly has serious MLS interest.

Spasiba, But No Spasiba

A Russian outlet is reporting that veteran Dinamo Kyiv flank ace Oleg Gusev has been approached by both the Montreal Impact and Toronto FC.

Brad Taste

An English report claims promoted Middlesbrough have US national team No. 1 goalkeeper Brad Guzan on their shopping list.

Cherries Blossom

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has backed fresh recruit Emerson Hyndman to successfully make the jump to the English Premier League.

Gooch Sighting

He's been out of the game for over a year now, but former US defender Oguchi Onyewu has turned up. The 35-year-old is now training with Scottish giants Rangers at their American preseason camp.

Brentrance?

Several English voices are advocating for their struggling, coach-less national team to recruit current US boss Jurgen Klinsmann. The latest? ESPN FC analyst and former Three Lions defender Jamie Carragher.

Iceland, Florida

A small community of Icelandic folks down in Ft. Lauderdale are celebrating the national team's success at Euro 2016 from afar.

Home Away From Home Away From Home

Buba Jobe, a childhood friend of Vancouver ace Kekuta Manneh, traveled from Gambia to the United States to live out his soccer dreams. Visa troubles have forced him away from his adopted American family and north of the border, where Toronto FC II are trying to keep his dreams alive.