Kick Off: DC United reclaim Supporters' Shield lead as Seattle Sounders slip | LA Galaxy issue a warning

Fabian Espindola in action for DC United against the New England Revolution

Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:


1. NYCFC MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW

New York City’s troubles seem to be a thing of the past after a 2-0 victory over Toronto FC (HIGHLIGHTS) put them on a three-game winning streak. The result also broke TFC’s own three-game roll, and the home side weren’t happy with what they deemed overly physical play.


2. PIRLO DEAL DONE?

Speaking of NYCFC, the Andrea Pirlo rumors continue to swirl. On top of multiple sightings around the city, the Italian was spotted at a Yankees game with City chief executive Ferran Soriano.


3. OUSTED SAVES THE DAY

Kick Off: DC United reclaim Supporters' Shield lead as Seattle Sounders slip | LA Galaxy issue a warning -

As for the other New York team, the Red Bulls were
doomed by another slow start
, falling to a 2-0 loss against the Vancouver Whitecaps (
HIGHLIGHTS
). But the result could have been much different if not for the heroics of 'Caps goalkeeper David Ousted,
who was on hand to save two penalty kicks for the visiting team
.
4. STARLESS SOUNDERS FALL TO QUAKES

The Whitecaps are now tied with the Seattle Sounders at the top of the Western Conference after they fell at home to the San Jose Earthquakes. But Seattle were missing their stars, including Clint Dempsey who was suspended for three games on Friday and the Quakes took full advantage for a 2-0 win (HIGHLIGHTS) in a venue that has seemingly always been good to them.


5. RAPIDS SALVAGE A POINT

Staying in the West, FC Dallas are glad to be heading home after a tough stretch of five straight road games and while they managed to find the back of the net again against the Colorado Rapids on Friday night, they couldn’t stop Dillon Serna, who rescued a point for the home side in a 1-1 draw (HIGHLIGHTS).


6. IMPACT STRONG ON SET PIECES

The Montreal Impact’s 2-0 win over Orlando City (HIGHLIGHTS) was started by a set piece, something the Impact have been working hard on this season. For Orlando, a number of things went wrong, leaving head coach Adrian Heath insisting, “too many players let us down… We’re better than that.”


7. TIMBERS KEEP ON WINNING

The Portland Timbers have more than answered Caleb Porter’s call to arms, as a 2-0 win over the Houston Dynamo (HIGHLIGHTS) extended the club's winning streak to a franchise-record four MLS games (five in all competitions) and put them third in the Western Conference. The Dynamo weren’t happy with some of the officiating, but they also know they didn’t play well.

Kick Off: DC United reclaim Supporters' Shield lead as Seattle Sounders slip | LA Galaxy issue a warning -
  1. DESPITE ROUT, GALAXY STILL HAVE ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

It was only their sixth MLS win of the season, but with a 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union (HIGHLIGHTS) it looks like the LA Galaxy’s attack may have finally found its groove. The result leaves the Union with some soul-searching to do, while Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena still believes his side can do better.


9. D.C. COMEBACK PROVIDES MUCH-NEEDED WIN

Charlie Davies declared his love for D.C. United fans prior to Sunday's game, but that didn’t stop him scoring against his former side. However, the New England Revolution were left “deflated” after D.C. completed a 2-1 comeback victory (HIGHLIGHTS) over their Eastern Conference rivals. Having lost their last two MLS games, the result was one that United are cherishing.


10. RSL GET SOME REVENGE

An unfortunate Kevin Ellis own goal in stoppage time helped Real Salt Lake earn a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City on Sunday (HIGHLIGHTS). It may have taken a bit of luck to break their three-game winless streak, but RSL are extra pleased that the victory came against SKC. The result ended Sporting KC’s unbeaten run at seven games and Peter Vermes feels his side perhaps got what they deserved on the night.

Kick Off: DC United reclaim Supporters' Shield lead as Seattle Sounders slip | LA Galaxy issue a warning -
  1. CANADA KEEP THE PARTY GOING

Canada’s Women’s World Cup adventure continues after the host nation secured a taut 1-0 win over Switzerland on Sunday to secure their place in the quarterfinals. Canada will now face either England or Norway in their next match. Though there is plenty to celebrate, is it too much to expect them to go all the way?


12. CAN THE USWNT TAKE DOWN COLOMBIA?

The US women’s national team play their own Round-of-16 tie against Colombia today (8 pm ET, Fox Sports 1). And despite comments from Colombia star Lady Andrade, the USWNT isn’t fazed by the quality of their opposition. As the country continues to get behind the USA, Tom Hanks is joining all the fun.


13. MEXICO’S COPA RUN ENDS IN RUIN

Mexico’s short run in the Copa America came to a disastrous end on Friday following a 2-1 loss at the hands of Ecuador. Jamaica were also eliminated following a 1-0 loss to Argentina but, on the night Lionel Messi earned his 100th cap for his country, the real talking point became former MLS striker Deshorn Brown’s selfie with the FC Barcelona star.


14. CANADA REVEALS PAN-AM SQUAD

Canada’s busy summer of sport continues next month, with Toronto set to host the Pan-American games from July 10-26. The games include a soccer competition in nearby Hamilton and with that in mind, the Canadian Soccer Association has announced the U-23 roster for the tournament, with five MLS players and seven USL representatives included in the squad.

Kick Off: DC United reclaim Supporters' Shield lead as Seattle Sounders slip | LA Galaxy issue a warning -
  1. CLUB OVER COUNTRY FOR CAMERON

When the preliminary US roster was revealed for this summer’s Gold Cup, one of the most notable absences was Geoff Cameron. Yet according to the versatile defender himself, the reason for this was because Cameron’s club team, Stoke City, asked him to skip the tournament and focus on being healthy for the new English Premier League season.


MLSsoccer.com Musts
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American Exports: A look ahead for Americans in Germany
Family life “falling into place” for proud dad Benny Feilhaber on first Father’s Day

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