Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Late Leveler, Part 1
The New York Red Bulls moved clear at the top of CONCACAF Champions League Group F thanks to a 1-1 comeback draw away to El Salvador's Alianza on Tuesday night. The visitors pulled level when loan forward Omer Damari scored his first goal for the club and RBNY boss Jesse Marsch was feeling lucky to escape with the point.
Late Leveler, Part 2
Atlanta United loan item Kenwyne Jones scored to temporarily give Central FC a second-half lead, but Sporting Kansas City's Kevin Ellis replied with 19 minutes remaining to earn the visitors a 2-2 draw in their Champions League opener. Despite the rally, Sporting boss Peter Vermes was left to rue several missed chances.
Top Of The Charts
After bagging another Red Bulls record, Bradley Wright-Phillips has been named MLS Player of the Week for the second time this season. Also, the Philadelphia Union and the Seattle Sounders were the big movers in this week's MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings.
Derby Disquiet
With Nicolas Lodeiro called up by Uruguay for their early September World Cup qualifiers, the Seattle Sounders are worried about his availability for their big August 28 (5 pm ET, ESPN) road clash against arch rivals Portland.
Injury Ward
While Philadelphia are confident that top striker C.J. Sapong will beat a concussion scare to play against Toronto FC this weekend, Orlando City appear to have lost midfielder Cristian Higuita for a month due to a hamstring setback.
Galaxy Prime
FourFourTwo's Scott French argues that Nigel de Jong is the most important player on the LA Galaxy this season.
Hanging In The Hall
Sporting KC assistant coach and one-club man Kerry Zavagnin will become the eighth man inducted to the club's hall of fame on Saturday.
A New York Minute
The Red Bulls are reportedly loaning young striker Anatole Abang to Danish side Avarta. If so, he'll miss the atmosphere at Red Bull Arena, which JD Power & Associates has ranked as the best fan experience in the Big Apple.
Heard It On The Grapevine
St. Louis FC strike ace/El Salvador international Irvin Herrera has passed on word that he has MLS interest, which fits right in with his top flight ambitions.
Serving Up Kiwi
It's official: The US national team is set for an October friendly against New Zealand at RFK Stadium.
Aim For Bronze
Canada fell short of reaching their first Olympic gold medal match after a 2-0 defeat against a revenge-minded Germany. Despite the disappointment, Daniel Squizzato writes that the Maple Leaf ladies have reached a new level in Brazil.
Turkey Hunt
A Turkish report says Trabzonspor have joined the race for Tottenham right back DeAndre Yedlin.
Soccer Made In Germany
Werder Bremen, who have an injury crisis up top, could turn to recovering US international Aron Johannsson when they open DfB-Pokal play against mites Lotte this weekend. Meanwhile, Fabian Johnson made a late cameo season debut as Borussia Moenchengladbach put one leg in the Champions League group phase with a 3-1 win at Young Boys Bern.
Running The Numbers
While we're talking American exports, Benjamin Baer quantifies the rich history of American netminders in England.
Dress For Success
Finally, we bring you a sneak preview of the "Only NY X NYCFC" clothing line, which goes on sale Friday.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
The Armchair Analyst examines the Power Rankings movers
MLS Now: Who is the best attacking duo in the league?
Watch: The best MLS saves of Tony Meola
