Kick Off: Transfer deadline sees flurry of moves | Toronto up to 2nd place

Greg Seltzer

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

Deadline Madness

Wednesday night saw the MLS summer transfer window slam shut, but there were a few transactions that happened just before the deadline that didn't get announced until this morning: New England forward Charlie Davies is now a member of the Philadelphia Union and the New York Red Bulls tapped into sister club Red Bull Leipzig for a new forward. Get the full rundown of moves on our Transfer Tracker page.

Welcome Home

After completing the capture of Alejandro Bedoya from Ligue 1 side Nantes (via Chicago), Philadelphia Union boss Jim Curtin hailed the US international as "a special addition." Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle says Bedoya can be the glue to Philadelphia's midfield, while ESPN FC figures the Union got a steal for the price.

First Strike

In Wednesday's lone league tilt, Toronto FC ran their home win streak to four games with a slim 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake. The Reds came out on top courtesy of the first MLS goal scored by recent addition Tosaint Ricketts.

Fountain Of Youth

The New York Red Bulls got big contributions from young players in a 3-0 victory over CONCACAF Champions League visitors Antigua.

Rebound Put-Back

Thanks to star man Diego Valeri capitalizing on a last-minute second chance, Portland extended Major League Soccer's perfect Champions League group stage start with a 2-1 win against guests CD Dragon.

Home Sweet Home

FC Dallas will put their six-game home win streak across all competitions on the line when they host Nicaragua's Real Esteli in Champions League group play tonight (8 pm ET on UDN, Facebook LIVE).

Changes Up Front

The Colorado Rapids shook up their attack on Wednesday, snaring Sebastien Le Toux from Philadelphia and dealing Luis Solignac to Chicago.

Swap Meet

Orlando and San Jose traded midfielders on transfer deadline day, with Darwin Ceren heading to the Quakes in exchange for Matias Perez Garcia.

Dynamic Addition

Houston have augmented their back line stable by signing Costa Rica center back Keynor Brown on loan.

Missed Opportunity?

Columbus Dispatch scribe Michael Arace has opined that Crew SC were remiss in not making a big addition during the transfer window.

I Know What You'll Do Next Summer?

Bayern Munich midfielder general Xabi Alonso has declared himself open to an MLS move when his contract expires next June.

Opening Night

The US women's national team enjoyed a comfy, but not overly gaudy, 2-0 win over New Zealand in their Summer Olympics group stage opener. Meanwhile, Canada made things a bit tougher on themselves by playing shorthanded for 72 minutes, but their end result against Australia was identical.

Nigeria's Got Talent

These Football Times recounts the story of how Fire strike ace David Accam's career kicked off from a reality show beginning.

Blues Horizon

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has hinted that young US defender Matt Miazga could be headed for a loan spell away from the club to gain experience.

Kelyn's Kids

Revs attacker Kelyn Rowe is scoring big off the field with his "Never, Ever Give Up" Crew, which offers MLS gameday experiences and inspiration to children battling cancer.