Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Reversed Courses
After Portland broke out of their funk to grab a huge first-half lead on their way to a 4-2 triumph over visiting archrivals Seattle on Sunday, Sounders skipper Brad Evans admitted that they played right into the hands of the defending MLS Cup champs.
In case you missed it, Clint Dempsey missed the match to undergo evaluation for an irregular heartbeat. Our own Andrew Wiebe says the Sounders and USMNT will have to step up in his stead.
Presto Chango
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle salutes Orlando City SC for quick progress made, including Sunday's 2-1 Heineken Rivalry Week win over visiting New York City FC. Nice little Sunday night for Jason Kreis and the Lions.
Back In The Game
On the heels of New York ringing up a slim win over New England on Sunday, the busy Armchair Analyst diagnosed Sacha Kljestan as the key to the Red Bulls' motor. Meanwhile, frustration is building in New England.
Boot-Kickin'
FC Dallas boss Oscar Pareja lavished some praise on Michael Barrios, whose brace led a rally victory away to Texas Derby rivals Houston.
Bargain Star
After Patrick Mullins exploded for a hat trick in D.C. United's rout of Chicago on Saturday, the Armchair Analyst wondered why it took so long for some team to unlock a value-priced star.
Keep On Roland
Philadelphia's Roland Alberg jumped off the bench to play hero in a home victory over Sporting KC on Saturday.
Reds' Blushes
Following a 1-0 "401 Derby" loss to Montreal, Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney admitted it was embarrassing to lose to the 10-man visitors. More bad news, Giovinco will miss a month after coming off because of injury.
Home Cooked
Columbus Crew SC celebrated their first home win in three months on Saturday by blanking San Jose.
Still Stalled
The LA Galaxy had been banking on two comebacks ahead of Saturday's draw at Vancouver, but only got one. While they enjoyed Robbie Rogers' injury return, the team's finishing remained on the blink. Even more concerning, they got bit by the injury bug.
Injury Bay
It was a rough weekend for several MLS players, with LA seeing three go down with injury setbacks. Not only will Gyasi Zardes miss out on a USMNT call-up due to a knock against Vancouver, but the Galaxy also had to sub out the veteran duo of Steven Gerrard and Jelle Van Damme with first-half injuries. The Columbus-San Jose matchup produced an injury per side, with Crew SC midfielder Wil Trapp suffering another concussion and Quakes netminder David Bingham going down with back pain.
Thumbs Up
The local Star-Tribune's editorial staff is fully on board regarding Minnesota United's jump into MLS waters.
Double Drop
Sports Illustrated scribe Grant Wahl revealed a pair of noteworthy whispers. Chicago is interested in Manchester United veteran Bastian Schweinsteiger and RB Leipzig are prepping a big bid for Borussia Dortmund youngster Christian Pulisic.
International Duty
Pulisic was one of 26 players summoned by US national team boss Jurgen Klinsmann for a pair of forthcoming CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. The manager's large selection left the Armchair Analysts with a few questions. Were any answered by Monday morning's surprise call-up?
Against The Grain
Another Bundesliga-based US call-up was Bobby Wood, who scored a terrific goal in his first league match for Hamburg.
Trivia Time
Watch Columbus Crew SC attempt to band together to name the original 10 MLS clubs.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Cast your Goal of the Week ballots
Andrew Wiebe: Sounders and USMNT must cover Dempsey loss
Win over NYCFC not about me, says Kreis
