Kick Off: Dramatic finish sends FC Dallas to US Open Cup final

Greg Seltzer

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

Final Ticket

FC Dallas staged a stunning late restart rally to set up a US Open Cup final date with New England, beating hosts LA Galaxy 2-1 on Wednesday night. It was just the latest trying episode in a roller coaster run to the championship match for the Hoops.

New Deal

Portland has signed ace Diego Valeri to a fresh contract extension that will reportedly run until the end of the 2019 season. To celebrate, check out a reel of the Timbers star's best MLS highlights.

Good News, Brad News

The New York Red Bulls got some happy MRI results on Wednesday, when they learned that strike star Bradley Wright-Phillips had suffered nothing more than a bone bruise. While he heals, the club is hoping that new attack acquisitions Omer Damari and Danny Royer can acclimate quickly.

Depth Moves

Seattle rookie phenom Jordan Morris displayed new layers to his game in their weekend win at Orlando City. Also, the latest episode of Club & Country examines how young players such as Morris missed out by the US Under-23 team's failure to qualify for the Olympics.

Buddy Flicks?

With Didier Drogba back from injury, the Montreal Impact could partner him up with new strike hero Matteo Mancosu.

More Forward Thinking

While San Jose have completed a rumored move by signing former Getafe striker Henok Goitom, Vancouver have been unable to reach an agreement with former Uruguay star Diego Forlan.

Parlez Vous Transfert?

It's not for the first time, but Montreal left back Ambroise Oyongo is being linked with interest from Ligue 1: This time, it's Guingamp.

Buh-Bye

Houston forward Erick Torres went the distance as Mexico were bounced from the Olympics by a 1-0 defeat against final group foe South Korea.

Beware!

Though they won their group at the Summer Olympics, Charles Boehm is warning the US women's national team to be careful against quarterfinal foe Sweden in what he considers a trap game.

He's Ba-ack!

Werder Bremen forward Aron Johannsson made a long-awaited injury return with a half-hour sub appearance in Wednesday's preseason friendly win. Elsewhere in Germany, Eintracht Frankurt have shot down reports linking them with a loan move for Chelsea defender Matt Miazga.

Go North, Young Man

In his latest transfer talk segment, former US midfielder Stuart Holden has urged Spurs right back DeAndre Yedlin to leave the club in search of greater pitch time with Sunderland.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Next time you're in Portland, be sure to belly up to the bar for a bottle of Ridgy's Royall Boat, a new local craft beer honoring Timbers skipper Liam Ridgewell.