Kick Off: Seattle Sounders bust out of slump | Must-see goal in Vancouver

Greg Seltzer

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

Kings Of The Hill

Previous strugglers Seattle Sounders got well in a hurry by humbling league leaders FC Dallas 5-0 on Wednesday night. Clint Dempsey started off the rout from the spot and ended up with a rare hat trick comprised of a goal, an assist and a red card.

Connor Artist

The Red Bulls moved to within striking distance of the Eastern lead with a 2-0 victory over Orlando City on Wednesday night. After the game, RBNY boss Jesse Marsch was full of praise for Connor Lade, whose first MLS goal stood up as the winner.

Lion's Roar

The Chicago Fire continued their solid home run by blanking Sporting KC 1-0 on a goal from new striker Michael de Leeuw. The Dutchman would later declare that the Fire should expect such heroics from him as long as he gets chances.

On The Rise

In part thanks to a form-reviving strike from Cristian Techera, Vancouver climbed into the playoff zone by downing Real Salt Lake 2-0 on Wednesday night.

It's My Piatti

Impact ace Ignacio Piatti came up big again, bailing out Montreal in Wednesday night's 1-1 draw at Portland. However, last night's ref would later admit that Piatti should have been shown red well before bagging the game-tying goal.

Sharing The Spoils

Columbus Crew SC were left feeling unlucky after dominating Toronto FC on Wednesday, only to settle for a 1-1 share. TFC youngster Jordan Hamilton bagged another goal as he continues to fill in ably for Jozy Altidore.

Lost In L.A.

LA Galaxy defender Ashley Cole will miss out again when they host the Houston Dynamo on Friday night (11 pm ET on UniMás, MLS LIVE in Canada). LA will also be without midfielder Nigel de Jong, who had a game tacked onto his ban by the MLS Disciplinary Committee.

Out Back

In other injury news, the San Jose Earthquakes will unfortunately need to make do for the rest of the season without defender Clarence Goodson, who will go under the knife for back surgery.

First Impressions

Following their scoreless friendly draw with Philadelphia, English Premier League side Crystal Palace came away impressed with Union back-up 'keepers John McCarthy and Matt Jones.

Attack Builds

Several MLS clubs are reportedly working to augment their offensive firepower this week. D.C. United supposedly have an offer in for Peru winger Andy Polo, while FutbolMLS.com reports Montreal have snared Rosario Central striker Marcelo Larrondo to replace Didier Drogba next season. And while Sporting KC remain on the hunt for a couple of new attackers, expansion side Atlanta United appear close to adding both veteran Trinidad & Tobago striker Kenwyne Jones and San Lorenzo youngster Hector Villalba.

Award Winning

Among the ESPY winners from Wednesday night were Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco (Best MLS Player) and Abby Wambach (Icon Award).

Liga Their Own?

Several Americans with Mexican heritage playing in Liga MX will have their status as domestic players stripped by a new rule that forces them to count against the foreign player limit.

All In The Family

Teal Bunbury's sister Kylie is set to join him as a TV regular as the star of the new Fox series Pitch, a fictional drama about the first female Major League Baseball player.