Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
The Long And Winding Road
Before Real Salt Lake host D.C. United in the second match of a UniMás Friday night doubleheader (10:30 pm ET on UniMás in USA, MLS LIVE in Canada), you can check out the first part of our story detailing RSL strike star Yura Movsisyan's winding journey from young refugee to MLS scoring sensation.
Back To The Old Home
Earlier on Friday night, San Jose Earthquakes forward Quincy Amarikwa will face a former employer for the first time when the Quakes visit Chicago on Friday night (8 pm ET on UniMás in USA, MLS LIVE in Canada).
TimTV
No matter where Independence Day may take you, you can watch the Rapids debut of US goalkeeping legend Tim Howard anywhere: MLSsoccer.com will have the free livestream of the Rapids' July 4 home game against defending champs Portland on Monday (9 pm ET). Will Howard's arrival be enough to take the Rapids to MLS Cup? Our own Sam Stejskal entertains the notion.
Two Of A Kind
With another #NYderby set for Sunday afternoon (noon ET on ESPN, TSN4 in Canada), New York City FC manager Patrick Vieira discussed how their showdowns with the Red Bulls are like the heated Manchester derbies in England.
My Bad
Vancouver netminder David Ousted is taking the blame for the late goal conceded by his team on Wednesday night which cost them the Amway Canadian Championship. He'll get his next chance for redemption when the Whitecaps visit the LA Galaxy on Monday (10:30 pm ET on TSN1 and RDS2 in Canada, MLS LIVE in USA).
Longer Loan
Sporting KC has extended the loan of striker Diego Rubio through the end of the season. He'll try to help Missouri Azzurri get July started with a bang when Columbus Crew SC come to town on Sunday (7 pm ET on FS1 in USA; MLS LIVE in Canada).
Crew Battle
Speaking of the Crew, a battle over left back is on in Columbus, with Corey Ashe and Waylon Francis competing for starts.
Spiritual Leader
Kaka has not only had an impact on the field since arriving at Orlando City, but he's also touching lives off it as detailed in this Orlando Sentinel story. Orlando City SC will be on the road this Independence Day weekend, making the trip to face Supporters' Shield contenders FC Dallas on Monday (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE).
Saturday's Slate
The full slate of 10 MLS matches this weekend are conveniently spaced out for your holiday weekend viewing pleasure, including a three-match lineup on Saturday that kicks off with Montreal hosting New England (5:30 pm ET on RDS and TSN2 in Canada; MLS LIVE in USA), Toronto FC welcoming a desperate Seattle team (7:30 pm ET, TSN2 in Canada; MLS LIVE in USA) and Houston welcoming East leaders Philadelphia Union (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE).
Guarding Gareth?
An injury could see Montreal defender Laurent Ciman get the start for Belgium in Friday's Euro 2016 quarterfinal tilt against Wales, which would put him up against Real Madrid speedster Gareth Bale.
Impact Rumor
Reports out of Italy claim the Montreal Impact are in talks over Bologna striker Matteo Mancuso.
It's Been A While
For the first time in nearly 70 years, the USMNT will play a friendly against Cuba on October 7 in Havana.
Copa Browsing
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle has come up with a list of five Copa America participants that could make for a cozy fit as MLS acquisitions.
Klinsmann Talk
United States national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann spoke out about his team's semifinal run at Copa America on Thursday. Meanwhile, the USSF has reportedly had no contact from England's FA about their coach, despite a growing media buzz about hiring the USMNT boss for their vacant top job.
Stealth Mode
Even though there hasn't been much news out of St. Louis regarding MLS expansion efforts of late, the local group says they've quietly been making progress in identifying a potential owner.
Europa League Kicks Off
Four Americans took part in Europa League first qualifying round opening legs on Thursday, with Will John working 70 minutes as Finnish outfit RoPS scored a strong 2-0 win at Shamrock Rovers. Perry Kitchen came on for the final 12 minutes to help Hearts close out a 2-1 home victory over Estonian side Infonet Talinn. Also, Cole Grossman went the distance in midfield as Stabaek posted a scoreless draw against mites Connah's Quay in Wales and IFK Mariehamn winger Brian Span worked all 90 in a hard-fought 2-0 defeat away to Norway's Odds BK.
Dynamic Move
United States youth international Mario Rodriguez got a new employer on Thursday, moving from Borussia Moenchengladbach II to 2.Bundesliga side Dynamo Dresden, who quickly loaned him out to 3.Liga outfit Chemnitzer for the upcoming season.
Hey, I Know You!
The kids at San Diego Football Academy's Celtic FC team got a big thrill on Wednesday, when former USMNT star Landon Donovan dropped by to train with the players.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
The ExtraTime Radio crew talks dream MLS transfers
Armchair Analyst: Could Jack Harrison have his breakout on Sunday?
WATCH: All the best MLS goals from June
