Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Creative Outlet
As Vancouver get ready to host the San Jose Earthquakes on Friday night (11 pm ET on UniMás in USA, TSN in Canada), Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle says the Whitecaps really need more ingenuity from skipper Pedro Morales.
Gold Hunt
The US women's national team have posted the latest episode of Behind The Crest as they prepare to battle Sweden for a place in the Olympic final four on Friday (12 pm ET on NBCSN and NBC Olympic Soccer Channel). Likewise, Canada will tackle France (6 pm ET on CBC in Canada, NBCSN and NBC Olympic Soccer Channel in USA) in another big quarterfinal matchup.
Video Replay Is Here!
After months of talk, the first live video assistant replay (VAR) experiment in a competitive match happens tonight when New York Red Bulls II host Orlando City B (7 pm ET free livestream on YouTube). Approval for the live experiment just came down this morning.
Dallas Dream
Sam Stejskal wonders if FC Dallas can become the first MLS treble winner ahead of Saturday's home tilt with Sporting KC (9 pm ET on MLS LIVE). As for the visitors, a fixture glut and injury woes have Sporting boss Peter Vermes facing a rotation dilemma.
Reds Menace
With Toronto FC set to pay a call to Houston (Saturday, 9 pm ET on TSN4 in Canada, MLS LIVE in USA), The Guardian poses the question: Do the Reds rely too much on star man and reigning MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco?
MLS Life
With the LA Galaxy prepped to lay out the welcome mat for the high-flying Colorado Rapids (Saturday, 10:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE), standout left back Ashley Cole gave a Soccer AM interview to tell the folks back home in England about life in MLS.
New And Old Faces
Ahead of Seattle's Sunday trip to Real Salt Lake (7 pm ET on FS1 in USA, MLS LIVE in Canada), Sounders ace Clint Dempsey has declared new playmaker Nicolas Lodeiro to be a big difference-maker. As the rejuvenated Seattle attack head to town, the Rio Tinto gang have recaptured a familiar face, veteran center back Chris Schuler.
One Or The Other
As the Philadelphia prepare to visit New England (Saturday, 7:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE), Union head coach Jim Curtin is still looking for either Ken Tribbett or Josh Yaro to provide consistent play at the right center back position.
United At The Back
D.C. United center backs Steve Birnbaum and Bobby Boswell have pronounced themselves ready for the challenge of containing Portland attack aces Fanendo Adi and Diego Valeri when the MLS Cup holders invade RFK on Saturday night (7 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Montreal Originals
As Montreal get set to visit the New York Red Bulls on Saturday (7 pm ET on MLS LIVE), goalkeeper Evan Bush and defender Hassoun Camara remain proud of helping the Impact make their MLS leap five years ago.
Impending Impact
Speaking of the Impact, an Italian report says Montreal are closing on a deal to land Switzerland midfielder Blerim Dzemaili – after he spends one season on loan to Bologna.
Going Dutch
The Chicago Fire are determined to rebuild with the Dutch trio of Michael de Leeuw, John Goossens and Johan Kappelhof. The project picks up when the Windy City crew host Orlando City on Sunday (4 pm ET on UniMás in USA, MLS LIVE in Canada).
Three Strikes = Out
The MLS Disciplinary Committee has handed one-game bans to Houston defender David Horst, Galaxy midfielder Jeff Larentowicz and Orlando midfielder Antonio Nocerino.
Under Construction
Orlando City have put up a time-lapse video that shows the progress made on their new stadium.
Putting English On It
With the English Premier League season set to kick off this weekend, we've looked at the prospects ahead for Americans playing in England's top flight. One of those players, Emerson Hyndman, is eager to shake off the disappointments of the United States failing to qualify for the Olympics and a preseason ankle injury to contribute at new club Bournemouth.
L.A. Stories
The LA Galaxy have signed a deal to create virtual reality experiences for fans around the globe. Meanwhile, expansion side LAFC have been traveling the globe to gather ideas for building the atmosphere around their club and its games.
New On The Scene
A new supporters group, Sammers SC, is further filling out the USMNT fan scene.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
ExtraTime Radio chats up FC Dallas boss Oscar Pareja
All Access: Alejandro Bedoya's first days in Philly
Watch: The Defenders series with Portland's Alvas Powell - Part 2
