Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Rooney bags brace in D.C. rout
D.C. United skipper Wayne Rooney netted his first MLS double to help the hosts dish out a 4-1 midweek humbling to Portland. Rooney's big night comes fresh on the heels of a clear declaration that his recent move to Audi Field is no sort of vacation job. READ MORE | RECAP
TFC fetes third straight Canadian crown
Toronto FC celebrated their third consecutive Canadian Championship title following Wednesday night's 5-2 rout of final guests Vancouver. Known cup hero Jozy Altidore fired a decisive hat trick as the Reds busted the series open after a first leg deadlock. WATCH VIDEO | RECAP
Ramirez double downs RSL
New striker Christian Ramirez opened his LAFC account in front of the hometown fans on Wednesday night, striking for a brace to provide the margin for a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. The outburst only makes the LAFC forward corps scarier, and head coach Bob Bradley admitted that juggling his three worthy hit men the most difficult part of his job. READ MORE | RECAP
Sounders roller coaster rides unintentional
With his team firing up another late season rocket ride, Seattle GM Garth Lagerway insists it's not in their program to stumble early before heating up with summer every year. The Sounders struggled to ignite until July, when they embarked on the current five-game winning streak. READ MORE
We love lists: Late summer edition
As we steer into the season's back stretch with the summer market in the rear view mirror, our scribes have been taking some stock. Andrew Wiebe offered up five players that have reached a whole new level this season. We've also ranked the top five transfers from the secondary transfer window. THE LEAP | TOP 5 TRANSFERS
Vint headed home, Soto to H96
Manchester United youth prospect Will Vint has been forced to leave the club due to a visa issue, and appears headed back to America for trials with three MLS clubs. ESPN reports that Atlanta United, Philadelphia and Sporting KC will audition the midfielder, who captained some games for the Red Devils' Under-16 side last season. READ MORE
Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake academy product Sebastian Soto has joined Bundesliga side Hannover 96. The teenage winger quickly made his debut for the Reds' Under-19 team in Wednesday night's loss to Werder Bremen. READ MORE
Porter opens up on USMNT vacancy
Former Portland Timbers boss Caleb Porter has freely discussed the open US national team job in an interview with The Athletic's Paul Tenorio. Though he feels that Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes should be the No. 1 candidate, Porter added that he should be "in the mix" with a few other good options. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
