Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Four In A Row
New York City FC topped hosts New England 1-0 on Wednesday night for the club's first-ever four-game winning streak thanks to another Frank Lampard goal. Needless to say, after extending their lead atop the East, Patrick Vieira's bunch were all smiles.
More NYCFC Scores
Not lost in Wednesday's win is the fact that NYCFC midfield phenom Jack Harrison was named MLS Player of the Week for Week 17. Also, the Bronx crew jumped five spots in the fresh edition of our MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings.
Lions Leap
Orlando City have let go of longtime manager Adrian Heath, a move that sparked an open letter of thanks from club owner Phil Rawlins.
Semester Honors
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle has dropped his top midseason contenders for some MLS awards (real and imagined) and the Best XI.
Red Bulletins
Also on Wednesday night, the New York Red Bulls scored a 2-0 friendly win over Club America. Meanwhile, the 2015 Supporters' Shield winners are reportedly shopping ace winger Lloyd Sam around the league to free resources for their striker search.
Getting Defensive
ESPN's Jeff Carlisle takes a look at Colorado's defense, which is highly affordable, tight-knit and working toward an MLS record for stinginess.
Back To The Grind
Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore has returned to training with the hope that a new treatment can end a string of hamstring woes that date back to World Cup 2014.
To The Hoops?
Longtime Serie B forward Giulio Ebagua is reportedly being chased by FC Dallas.
No, Thanks
A local scribe reports that the Montreal Impact turned down the chance to sign veteran free agent striker Diego Forlan.
Breaking Away
Via ESPN's Tom Marshall, Chivas manager Matias Almeyda says that Alex Zendejaswithdrew from the US youth national team when he joined the Liga MX club from FC Dallas.
Staffing Solutions
Atlanta United have continued building their squad with the free-agent signing of erstwhile Wigan midfielder Chris McCann.
Not Yet
Club America defender Ventura Alvarado says he's not coming to MLS this summer, contrary to recent rumors.
Speech!
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber, Seattle owner Adrian Hanauer and Sounders broadcaster Kasey Keller are among the featured speakers at next week's 2016 GeekWire Sports Tech Summit, to be held at Safeco Field.
Dialing Looooong Distance
We saw an unusual goal scored in Wednesday night NPSL action, with Wichita FC netminder Mark Weir scoring from his area to ice a playoff win over Shreveport.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
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Watch: Instant Replay, Week 17 edition
Audi Player Index top performers from Week 17
