Kick Off: Frank Lampard's big day vs. LA | Lodeiro has Seattle dreaming

Greg Seltzer

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

A New Dawn, A New Day

It's only been three games since Nicolas Lodeiro joined the Sounders, but our Benjamin Baer demonstrates statistically that his impact has been massive. Because of this, Franco Panizo writes that no one should count them out of the playoff race.

Back In The Groove

With Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore back in fitness and form, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle notes that his many critics need to look again.

A Big Date

With former foes and teammates like Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane set to invade Yankee Stadium with the rest of the Galaxy for Saturday's nationally televised showdown (3 pm ET on ESPN in USA, MLS LIVE in Canada), New York City hotshot Frank Lampard has admitted that he's had this game circled on the calendar since the season began.

A No-Go

Speaking of the NYCFC vs. Galaxy tilt, injured LA netminder Brian Rowe has been ruled out of the contest by head coach Bruce Arena.

On The Line

As we continue to celebrate Goalkeeper Week, several current MLS backstops share how they got started at the position.

Moving On

FourFourTwo takes a look at how FC Dallas are adjusting after the transfer of star man Fabian Castillo to Trabzonspor.

Strange Day

Portland boss Caleb Porter admits it'll be a little weird to coach Sunday's Cascadia derby against Seattle (9:30 pm ET on FS1 in USA, MLS LIVE in Canada) without Sigi Schmid standing on the other side.

Settling In

Orlando City defender Jose Aja is acclimating well to his new town and his new team.

Better Late Than Never

After signing with Real Salt Lake last month, 19-year-old Uruguayan striker Pedro Baez has finally arrived in Utah and debuted for the club's USL side, Real Monarchs, on Wednesday.

Trial Period

Though he was linked to a different Danish club earlier in the week, young Red Bulls forward Anatole Abang has begun a trial with a view to a loan at Denmark second-flight side Hobro IK, who already employ former RBNY draft pick Babajide Ogunbiyi.

A Wanted Man

Jose Guillermo Ortiz, who scored 13 goals for Alajuelense last term, has revealed that his agent has had contact with several MLS clubs for when his contract expires at year's end.

United Folk

After watching Kenwyne Jones score against Sporting KC in CONCACAF Champions League play, Dirty South Soccer's Rob Usry believes the striker is primed to shine when Atlanta United start play next season. Meanwhile, fellow United loan item Chris McCann received good reviews for his Coventry City debut.

Cup Ace

On Wednesday night, Tijuana youngster Amando Moreno scored his fourth career Copa MX goal to earn the hosts a 1-1 draw.

And On The Other Side...

We already told you that the Red Bulls were rated as New York's best fan experience by JD Power & Associates, and now comes word that the Galaxy have finished second in the LA ranking (and first for value).