Kick Off: Dramatic goal gives TFC Canadian title | US Open Cup QFs are set

Greg Seltzer

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

Canadian Champs

A last-ditch away goal from Will Johnson gave Toronto FC their first Amway Canadian Championship crown since 2012. Losing their grip on the crown when they were mere seconds from back-to-back titles left Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson feeling "gutted."

Bumping Off The Champs

The Houston Dynamo got revenge for last year's Open Cup ouster by topping Sporting KC 3-1 on Wednesday night. The loss left the beaten holders feeling rather glum, while the Dynamo were singing the praises of their "special talent," Mauro Manotas.

Homegrown Flavor

LA Galaxy Homegrown Player Raul Mendiola was one of the stars of the night as they edged Open Cup hosts Portland 1-0 on Wednesday night. When Bruce Arena is calling you "our best Homegrown player right now," you know you're doing something right.

Top Effort

FC Dallas knocked off Open Cup guests Colorado 2-1 in what FCD boss Oscar Pareja rated as one of their best displays of the year with Fabian Castillo especially on his game (watch this dribbling move). The Rapids now turn their sights to "getting back on track in MLS and continue winning" there.

Star Salvation

New England coach Jay Heaps turned the game with star subs Kei Kamara and Lee Nguyen as the visiting Revs fought back for a 3-2 victory over the New York Cosmos to reach the last eight of the US Open Cup.

"A Big-Boy Win"

Following a 2-1 defeat of Open Cup visitors New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union boss Jim Curtin praised his players for the way they tamed the Red Bulls. But RBNY boss Jesse Marsch wasn't happy with the way things unfolded and he showed it on his way off the field after his ejection.

Florida Blues

Orlando City were left frustrated after conceding late in extratime to drop a 2-1 Open Cup decision away to in-state underdogs Fort Lauderdale.

Next!

The quarterfinal matchups for the US Open Cup are now all set for July 20, with Texas rivals FC Dallas and Houston set for a showdown.

Howard's Beginning

With new Colorado 'keeper Tim Howard declaring that he's ready to roll for the Rapids, the Denver Post examines how the transfer got done. As Howard gets set to return to MLS action on July 4 vs. Portland, our editors "Discuss" who is the best netminder in the league.

Good All Around

While some NYCFC fans may be shocked by the sale of Kwadwo Poku to Miami FC, our Nicholas Rosano writes that the deal is best for both club and player.

Quick Change?

Contrary to recent reports, suggesting that Seattle had given up on Boca Juniors playmaker Nicolas Lodeiro, one South American outlet claims the teams have now agreed a transfer fee.

Making Some Noise

The Guardian profiles Minnesota United head coach Carl Craig, the manager with a punk past that will lead the franchise into MLS.

USMNT Roster Game

Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle has taken an early crack at guessing the 23 players Jurgen Klinsmann will name to the US national team's World Cup squad for Russia 2018. He may need to revise his midfield thinking at some point because NYCFC starlet and England native Jack Harrison says he's open to playing for the USMNT.

Young Exports

The father of Borussia Dortmund attack prodigy Christian Pulisic gave a podcast interview detailing his son's discovery by the Bundesliga club and subsequent rise. It appears Pulisic will have some extra compatriot company in the German top flight next season as promoted Freiburg are bringing Zack Steffen to preseason camp as their No. 3 netminder.