Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Friday Night Fever
The San Jose Earthquakes will have key starters Anibal Godoy and Alberto Quintero available for Friday's Viernes de Futbolmatch against Real Salt Lake after their red card suspensions were rescinded yesterday (11 pm ET on UniMás, MLS LIVE in Canada). RSL head coach Jeff Cassar is looking to start racking up the wins ahead of what he's hoping is a contract extension with this club.
The Avengers
Colorado Rapids back line marshal Axel Sjoberg says the team were hard done by with only one player selected for the MLS All-Star squad. He and the rest of the Rapids will have a golden chance to take out their frustrations when they host FC Dallas in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 top-of-the-table skirmish on Saturday night (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE Game of the Week).
Frank Talk
The regular season's final #NYDerby between NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls goes down on Sunday afternoon (1 pm ET on FOX and TSN5). Ahead of the showdown, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle took a look at how Frank Lampard's emergence is transforming New York City FC.
Aiming For A New Deal
With the LA Galaxy headed to Portland for a Saturday clash with the defending champions (3:30 pm ET on ESPN, MLS LIVE in Canada), strike star Robbie Keane is hoping for an extension offer from the club.
Ricky's Back
Orlando City superstar Kaka is set to return for Saturday's match at Columbus Crew SC (7:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE). As for Crew SC, they are counting on new defender Nicolai Naess to contribute right away.
Upfront Changes
Our own Benjamin Baer has taken a look at how this week's trades may alter D.C. United's attack with a trip to Toronto FC on the docket for Saturday night (7:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE and SN360).
Getting His Cap On
On the verge of his MLS debut at Houston on Saturday (9:30 pm ET on TSN, MLS LIVE in USA), Vancouver defender David Edgar says the chance to become a Whitecap was too good to pass up.
Familiar Foes
Shortly after learning they will visit New England to battle for a place in the 2016 US Open Cup final, the Chicago Fire will get a sneak preview of that showdown by visiting the Revs for a league tilt on Saturday night (7:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE). We'll see if Fire netminder and cancer survivorMatt Lampson will get the start in goal over Sean Johnson.
No Place Like Home
While visiting Real Madrid defender Marcelo lauds the growth of Montreal as a soccer town (not to mention their snazzy training facilities), the Impact are getting set for the Philadelphia Union's invasion on Saturday (7:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Sweltering KC
To deal with the heat of summer, Sporting KC have altered their training sessions ahead of Sunday's visit by the Seattle Sounders (3 pm ET on ESPN and TSN5).
Lion Tales
As expected, Orlando City have added Nacional defender Jose Aja on loan. Meanwhile, the Lions have also shipped out Designated Player Bryan Rochez on a loan back to Real Espana.
Export Exploits
Though fresh Bournemouth catch Emerson Hyndman is expected to miss the whole EPL preseason with a curious ankle injury, a couple other young Americans are being tipped for bigger things this term. Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez says winger Julian Green looks set for a breakout and it appears as though Arsenal's Gedion Zelalem will be handed a proper chance to make the first team this year.
Meeting Of The Bronx Minds
Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorious, an Amsterdam native, met up with fellow Yankee Stadium resident David Villa for a little kick-about.
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