Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. THE IMPACT ARE READY
It’s finally here: The second leg of the Montreal Impact’s CONCACAF Champion’s League semifinal match sees the Canadian side take on Alajuelense tonight in Costa Rica (10 pm ET, Fox Sports 2). With a 2-0 aggregate lead and spirits high, can the Impact make it all the way to the CCL final?
2. INJURY UPDATES FOR ORLANDO
Having gone down with a hamstring injury in the game against D.C. United, Orlando City forward Pedro Ribeiro looks likely to be out for 2-3 months. However, there was better news on the injury front for the club in another department, as goalkeeper Tally Hall is apparently nearing a return from his ACL injury.
- LITTLE LION?
If there’s one area Orlando City are struggling in right now, it’s scoring goals, and that won’t be helped by Ribeiro’s injury. Yet, while Cyle Larin is keen to step up and show what he can do, could the Lions be pursuing a well-established goalscorer in the form of Mexico’s Javier Hernandez?
4. RAPIDS RULE OUT PUYOL
While the scoreless Colorado Rapids can’t buy a goal right now, they’ve still only conceded two tallies all season. This suggests that the back line, at least, is doing its job and the club has moved to rubbish reports that former FC Barcelona defender Carlos Puyol is coming out of retirement to play for the MLS side.
5. IS SHIPP ON THE RADAR?
Harry Shipp has been lighting things up for the Chicago Fire in their past two games. But according to head coach Frank Yallop, there has been no talk of a US national team call-up or overseas interest. The same can’t be said for Sean Johnson, though, with the Fire seemingly resigned to losing their goalkeeper eventually.
6. MANNEH WANTS TO REPRESENT
Kekuta Manneh has looked impressive – and more consistent – for the Vancouver Whitecaps this season, which has once again led to talk of him one day representing the US national team. It's something that Manneh himself is apparently keen to do, as the Gambian-born attacker discussed on the latest ExtraTime Radio.
7. TISSUE FOR AN ISSUE
We’ve already heard Caleb Porter's side of the story. But now FC Dallas coach Oscar Pareja has
offered his own point of view on his postgame dispute with the Portland Timbers boss
. Pareja confirms that, yes, he did try and hand Porter a (non-dirty) tissue at Providence Park on Saturday, but only to make a statement.
8. CREW SC LOOK FOR ROAD TRIP RESULTS
Week 6 is a double game week for Columbus Crew SC. While they prepare for an important cross-country road trip, forward Justin Meram reflects on his most recent call-up to the Iraqi national team.
9. IMPROVING THE IMPRESSIVE
New York Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch was pleased with what he saw from his club’s USL side in an impressive win over Toronto FC II on Saturday. But much like the senior team, he also feels there’s room to improve. There was more good news for the Red Bulls as well, as Connor Lade was cleared of any injury issues.
10. FANS COME FLOCKING
New York City FC’s record stands at 1-1-2 so far this season. But that hasn't put off any new fans from coming on board, as the club announced on Monday that season-ticket sales have now surpassed 16,000.
11. YARTEY LIKES TO SCORE
New Portland Timbers signing Ishmael Yartey took part in training with his new team for the first time on Monday. With the Timbers fresh off their first win of the season, the winger made it clear that he hopes to contribute both goals and assists during his season-long loan.
12. SHEA SPOTS A TREND
Brek Shea has been impressive for both the US national team and Orlando City since his move back to MLS, his commitment perhaps best encapsulated by the goal-line clearance vs. D.C. at the weekend. While it seems Shea is happy with his own performances, he’s definitely not happy with the trend of results.
13. A VOGT FOR THE FUTURE
Speaking to ESPN on Sunday, USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann expressed just how much he wants to win this summer’s Gold Cup. With that in mind, what role will new technical director Berti Vogts play in any future success for the US?
14. HOME ADVANTAGE?
Countries like England and Mexico have one. Others like Spain and Germany, the most recent World Cup winners, do not. The question: Does the US national team need a national stadium? Also, with the US competing in and hosting the 2016 Copa America Centenario, could this be their kit for the special tournament?
- ZLATAN’S VISA
Is Zlatan Ibrahimovic seriously considering a move to MLS? Apparently the Swedish striker has applied for a US visa, which could potentially clear the way for a move to an MLS side.
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