Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Road Warriors
East leaders New York City FC moved three points clear of the pack with a 3-1 victory at Montreal on Sunday that enhanced their league-best road record. After witnessing another great goal from rookie sensation Jack Harrison, Frank Lampard (who capped the scoring with his fifth goal in six games) had high praise for his fellow Englishman.
Good Timing
Following Portland's 3-1 derby defeat of Seattle on Sunday, Timbers boss Caleb Porter called it their best display of the season. Diego Valeri wowed, but the Armchair Analyst says Lucas Melano's development was a hidden key.
Philly Spirit
The Philadelphia Union's confidence continued to grow with Sunday's 2-2 rally draw against their I-95 rivals the New York Red Bulls. At the same time, Matt Doyle says that RBNY are in the midst of an identity crisis.
The Stars Are Out...
The full AT&T MLS All-Star Game squad was revealed on Saturday. Meanwhile, it seems All-Star Game opponent Arsenal may be missing some familiar names for the July 28 contest.
Best On Show
Supporters' Shield pacesetters FC Dallas topped Chicago 3-1, in part thanks to a spectacular Fabian Castillo assist that nearly broke the MLS Twitter feed on Saturday.
Humming Along
Courtesy of a late Marlon Hairston strike, Colorado kept their bulletproof run going and stayed on the heels of FC Dallas with a 1-0 win over Sporting KC on Saturday night.
Bah! Who Needs 11?
San Jose won their first MLS match since mid-May in incredible fashion by posting a 2-1 rally victory over Toronto FC while down to nine men.
Welcome To MLS
Vancouver handed 15-year-old hotshot Alphonso Davies his league debut in Saturday's 2-2 share with Orlando City.
New Lion King?
While we're on the topic of Orlando City, reports have the Lions in advanced discussions with Jason Kreis over their head coaching vacancy.
Win Drought
Yet another goal from Ola Kamara was not enough to lift win-shy Columbus, who settled for a 1-1 home draw with D.C. United on Saturday.
Coming Up Empty
Real Salt Lake's scoring woes continued in Saturday's 0-0 home draw with New England.
Champs & Champs
On Saturday night, the FC Dallas Academy swept the US Soccer Development Academy Championship finals, winning both the U-16 and U-18 national championships.
Audition Calls
Atlanta United are going on a regional search for talent, with tryouts set for four southern cities in the coming weeks. Charlotte, you're up first. Oh, and ICYMI the club signed Kenwyne Jones last week.
Meet Me In St. Louis?
Local scribe Bernie Miklasz gives a rundown of the steps currently being taken to bring MLS to St. Louis, including the emergence of a potential ownership group.
The Good And Bad News
ESPN FC spoke with 10 coaches with experience in the American game about the state of US youth development, covering both the progress and the missteps made to date.
Comeback Kid
US international Terrence Boyd made his first RB Leipzig appearance since Dec. 2014 in Sunday's 10-0 preseason friendly rout of FC Frankfurt. To complete his comeback joy, the halftime sub scored the visitors' eighth goal and assisted on the ninth. You can watch those highlights here.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
The early round Goal of the Week polls are open
Watch: The best goals, saves and skills from Week 19
Armchair Analyst: Lucas Melano sparks Timbers' derby win
