Kick Off: Copa America Centenario opens | Nicklas Bendtner linked with MLS

Greg Seltzer

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

Opening Night

Clint Dempsey has declared that the US national team need to inspire the home crowd when they try to get some Copa America Centenario group stage points on the board against CONCACAF rivals Costa Rica on Tuesday (8pm ET, FS1, UniMás, UDN). While the current Ticos boss predicts an open game, former Costa Rica strike ace Hernan Medford thinks the USMNT won't fare any better than they did in their opening loss to Colombia.

On The Marq

Is Rafa Marquez ageless, confounding or both? The Mexico veteran wrote another chapter in his entertaining story by striking the late winner in a 3-1 victory over Uruguay on Sunday night.

Reggae On Mute

Sunday's other Group C encounter saw Venezuela edge 10-man Jamaica on an early Josef Martinez goal, with New York Red Bulls left back Kemar Lawrence departing in the first half due to a "slight groin tear."

Incoming?

Free agent Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner has been linked with various MLS moves, including mentions of interest from expansion sides Atlanta United and LAFC. This weekend, he amped up speculation of a transfer to America by posting a photo of him signing some sort of document while sitting with his agent in a New York hotel.

On Tap

The opening round of Copa America Centenario matches will conclude when co-favorites Argentina take on holders Chile Monday night (10pm ET, FS1, UniMás, UDN). It remains to be seen if Albiceleste superstar Lionel Messi will take part. In Monday's other Copa contest, Panama will tackle Bolivia (7pm ET, FS1, UniMás, UDN).

Still Steamed

Ecuador are still fuming over a disallowed goal call from Saturday's Copa America Centenario draw with Brazil. Meanwhile, Brazil boss Dunga has a very simple suggestion for his underwhelming side: improve everything in group game No. 2.

James: Not Out Yet

Though he picked up an injury against the US in their Copa America Centenario opener, Colombia are refusing to rule out star James Rodriguez for Tuesday's Paraguay clash.

No Copa for Nguyen – Now What?

New England Revolution boss Jay Heaps believes being passed over for a US roster spot at Copa America Centenario will only prod more motivation into Revs ace Lee Nguyen.

Rosenberry's Rookie Race

A Playing For 90 scribe argues that Philadelphia Union defender Keegan Rosenberry is the clear leader for the MLS Rookie of the Year award so far.

Personal, Not Business

When FC Dallas playmaker Mauro Diaz posted a Twitter photo of him flying to Italy, it sparked some confusion and concern that he was being sold, even among teammates checking his feed. However, FCD exec Fernando Clavijo explained that it is a fitness trip and unrelated to a transfer.

Piatti's Long-Term Impact?

Various reports out of both North and South America say Boca Juniors are interested in Montreal star Ignacio Piatti. However, one Argentine scribe reports that Guillermo Barros Schelotto's league champs have scoffed at the salary request passed on by his agent.

And Interest in Ontivero

Piatti isn't the only Impact attacker on the rumor mill; an Italian outlet claims Bologna have eyes for Lucas Ontivero. However, the report also says Montreal will soon make the youngster's loan move from Galatasaray permanent, meaning the Serie A side would then need to deal with them in transfer talks instead of the Istanbul giants.

International Account

Another Montreal star, Laurent Ciman, scored his first Belgium goal to cap a Euro 2016 tune-up win over Norway.

Neymar The Belieber

Brazil star Neymar is in America to cheer on his country in Copa America Centenario, but he's also found plenty of time to hang out with pop star Justin Bieber. After playing some keep-ups in the singer's backyard, he took in the Samba Kings' opening match with both Bieber and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx.