Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Into The Lions' Den
Orlando City have hired former Real Salt Lake and New York City FC coach Jason Kreis to take the team reins, and our Sam Stejskal says it was the right move.
Chance For Revenge
When FC Dallas visit Texas derby foe Houston for a place in the US Open Cup final four on Wednesday night (8:30 pm ET on YouTube), the Supporters' Shield leaders will still be aiming to get some payback for the early-season 5-0 league drubbing at the hands of their Texas rivals.
Split Squad
With MLS standings points being the priority, Seattle boss Sigi Schmid will not field his full team when the Sounders welcome the LA Galaxy for a US Open Cup quarterfinal showdown on Wednesday night (10:30 pm ET on YouTube).
Punching Up
As the lone lower-league underdog in the bunch, the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers are bracing for a stern test in their Open Cup quarterfinal debut against home side Chicago Fire (8:30 pm ET on YouTube).
Paid Union Dues
With Philadelphia set to invade New England to battle for an Open Cup semifinal slot (7:30 pm ET on YouTube), the role of rookie forward Fabian Herbers is expanding.
Palace Share
New Vancouver signing David Edgar hit the back of the net on his club debut to open the scoring, but the hosts eventually were forced to rally for a 2-2 draw with friendly visitors Crystal Palace on Tuesday night. In the other MLS international friendly of the night, Italian giants Inter needed a stoppage-time goal to down Real Salt Lake.
I Am Iron Man
As we get set for another epic New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC encounter on Sunday (1 pm ET on FOX), check out this MLS Insider feature on Red Bulls netminder Luis Robles, who holds the league record for consecutive starts after once wondering if his pro career was finished.
TFC Attack
While Toronto FC star Sebastian Giovinco deals with an eight-game goal drought, young teammate Jordan Hamilton is showing he's ready to help carry the club's offensive load.
Boca Market
While the Nicolas Lodeiro-to-Seattle saga drags on, his Boca Juniors teammate, goalkeeper Agustin Orion, is reportedly weighing an MLS offer.
Impact Return?
The Montreal Impact have admitted that they are in return talks with former midfielder Hernan Bernardello.
Da Man
On the heels of his Cascadia Cup heroics this past weekend, Portland Timbers ace Diego Valeri has been named MLS Player of the Week.
Power Play
The New York clubs were the biggest movers in this week's MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings, with NYCFC jumping into the top five for the first time all season.
Move Freely
The Telegraph reports that Aston Villa are trying to expedite the departure of Brad Guzan by offering him to EPL risers Middlesbrough on a free transfer.
Welcome To Atlanta
We didn't know he was a soccer fan, but local rap star Ludacris sent out a Twitter welcome to fresh Atlanta United recruit Kenwyne Jones.
The Office
Local station SportsRadio 610 has run a clever ad spot featuring three Houston Dynamo players along with USWNT and Houston Dash star Carli Lloyd as rather limited office workers.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Watch: Part 1 of the Defenders series with Matt Hedges
Watch: All the controversial calls on Instant Replay
Check out the top Audi Player Index performers from Week 19
