Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
St. Nic
New Seattle playmaker Nicolas Lodeiro scored a picturesque first MLS goal and added his third helper in as many games to help the resurgent Sounders post a 2-1 win over visiting Real Salt Lake on Sunday.
Back And Forth
The Chicago Fire took an early lead before clawing back late for a 2-2 home draw vs. Orlando City on Sunday. The Lions appeared headed for victory thanks to some Kaká heroics, but Fire boss Veljko Paunovic's adjustments did the trick to pull his team level.
The Red Baron
Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore bagged his third goal in four games since returning from injury to earn the visitors a 1-1 share at 10-man Houston.
Ale Up
Fresh Philly Union recruit Alejandro Bedoya proved to be a perfect midfield fit in his first MLS start, helping the visitors cruise to a 4-0 win at New England.
Record Plays
Bradley Wright-Phillips scored twice to set another Red Bulls record in Saturday's 3-1 defeat of guests Montreal.
Howard Holds Galaxy
Colorado netminder Tim Howard put on a huge display on Saturday to help the visitors claim a 1-1 share away to the LA Galaxy.
Home Fortress
Supporters' Shield leaders FC Dallas remained unbeaten at home on the season, thanks to a see-saw second-half 2-2 draw with Sporting KC on Saturday.
Sharing Is Daring
Following a wild 3-3 draw with home side Columbus, NYCFC boss Patrick Vieira hailed the contest as exactly the sort of game MLS needs.
United, We Stand
After saying an emotional farewell to retired midfielder Davy Arnaud, D.C. United celebrated with a 2-0 home victory over the Portland Timbers.
Analyst's Office
Among other things, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle picks apart the midfield make-up of both Real Salt Lake and Philadelphia in his weekend review.
Digging Your Scene
New San Jose striker Henok Goitom says he came to America to check out the MLS scene, which he figures may be misunderstood a bit over in Europe.
Over And Out
On the heels of the USWNT's shocking Olympic ouster on Friday, Charles Boehm writes that it was the team's culture of leaning on veterans that let them down. The disappointment of defeat certainly wasn't helped any by some demeaning remarks about victors Sweden from US netminder Hope Solo that cause a real disapproving stir in media circles.
Black Kitten
Lynden Gooch made an encouraging EPL debut for Sunderland in Saturday's narrow loss to Manchester City. For those unfamiliar with the Black Cats' US youth international, we've come up with a small primer on the player.
They're Lining Up
In addition to admitted interest from former loan side Sunderland, Spurs right back DeAndre Yedlin reportedly has transfer offers from EPL rivals Hull City and Championship side Derby County.
Bittersweet Debut
Saturday was an emotional day for US Under-20 winger Mukwelle Akale, who learned that his grandmother had passed mere hours before making his Villarreal first team debut in their final preseason friendly.
Instant Review
Friday night saw a video assistant referee used for the first time in North America during a USL match between the New York Red Bulls II and Orlando City B, and Kristian Dyer reports on how it went.
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