Kick Off: US Open Cup semifinals are set | Transfer window rumors heat up

Greg Seltzer

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

Fab Fabi

Fabian Castillo bagged the lone goal with a fine individual effort in stoppage time as FC Dallas topped rivals Houston Dynamo 1-0 in a US Open Cup quarterfinal to continue the quest for their first US Open Cup crown since 1997. The defeat, meanwhile, left the Dynamo gutted.

Galaxy Rally

LA fought back twice to tie before Sebastian Lletget's late brace gave them a 4-2 Open Cup win over quarterfinal visitors Seattle Sounders, who were left to lament a blown result.

Back Where They Belong

The Chicago Fire took an important step in their growth as a team by comfortably seeing off underdogs Ft. Lauderdale in Wednesday's Open Cup quarterfinal clash as forward David Accam starred.

Revolutionary Road

Despite a star show from Philadelphia Union netminder Andre Blake, the New England Revolution scored a penalty kick shootout victory to reach the Open Cup semifinals.

Final Four Set

With a Thursday morning draw determining the host teams, the Open Cup semifinal match-ups will offer up one Eastern showdown (Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution) and one from the West (FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy).

Trade Winds

D.C. United were busy working the trade wire on Wednesday, dealing Fabian Espindola to Vancouver before acquiring NYCFC forward Patrick Mullins.

Finally, It Has Happened To Me

Toronto FC's long-discussed pursuit of Canada midfielder Tosaint Ricketts has come to a happy conclusion, with Edmonton native signing a deal to join the Reds.

Everyone's Best

With the Colorado Rapids on a club-record unbeaten streak and in second place in the league standings, our own Benjamin Baer has done the research to come up with a list of every MLS team's best bulletproof run ever. They face Supporters' Shield leaders FC Dallas this Saturday night in the MLS LIVE Game of the Week (9 pm ET).

Road Trip

SportsCenter On The Road will make its first visit to the site of an MLS match when they set up ahead of Portland's home tilt against the LA Galaxy on Saturday (3:30 pm ET on ESPN, MLS LIVE in Canada).

Defenders, New & Old

On Thursday morning Columbus Crew SC announced the addition of young Stabaek back liner Nicolai Naess. Meanwhile, Washington Post's Steve Goff reports that Canada international Dejan Jakovic could return to MLS two-and-a-half years after leaving D.C. United to play in Japan.

Civil War?

Following soon after a rumor linking Benfica with Orlando City strike ace Cyle Larin, Portuguese rivals Sporting CP are reportedly also checking out the Canada forward.

Summer Offerings

On the heels of Montreal acquiring an international slot, Italian transfer news specialist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the Impact have tabled an offer for Galatasaray's Switzerland midfielder Blerim Dzemaili. Meanwhile, ESPN FC says Borussia Dortmund's Poland attacker Jakub Blaszczykowski has rejected an offer from the Chicago Fire.

Trial Trio

With a clash against rivals New York City FC looming this Sunday (1 pm ET, FOX), New York Red Bulls boss Jesse Marsch has revealed that the club are working to bring in three foreign trial players.

Export Exploits

US international Paul Arriola scored a stylish opener and Amando Moreno added on the second as Tijuana opened their Copa MX campaign with a 3-0 victory over Toluca highlights here. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich winger Julian Green worked a solid full shift in their preseason friendly win over Manchester City.