Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Back In The Game
After debuting as a substitute against Chicago, Philadelphia Union midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta says he's back to fitness and ready to make his first start of the season on UniMás this Friday (7 pm ET).
Sin Bin
While Barnetta's back, Orlando City's goal-scoring left back Brek Sheahas been suspended for Friday's trip to Philadelphia.
Optimum Prime
Seattle Sounders boss Sigi Schmid admits he's still figuring out the best role for Jordan Morris with an ESPN match at Houston coming up on Sunday (4 pm ET).
Gio's Status
LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena says recovering attacker Giovani dos Santos could return to action when the defending champion Portland Timbers visit on Sunday on FS1 (9:30 pm ET).
Timber Tweaks
As he gets set to make changes following a big loss to Orlando City, Portland boss Caleb Porter reports that Liam Ridgewell remains on the mend and Chris Klute is in line for his Timbers debut.
Royal Defense
Local blog RSL Soapbox opines that Real Salt Lake have need for another center back.
Fantasy Formation
Those playing our MLS Fantasy game may be wondering: What formation is best?
Starting Line
While MLS clubs will not enter until June, the first round pairings for the 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup were announced on Wednesday, including local matchups for several MLS clubs' U-23 teams.
Anniversary Party
Wednesday saw the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the first MLS game (re-watch San Jose's 1-0 win over D.C. United on April 6, 1996) with an informative oral history of the match featuring many of the participants. The archives also reveal how both teams from that original opening day got their names.
Numbers Game
In the first article of the MLSsoccer.com series on soccer analytics, Benjamin Baer looks at how Atlanta United are using the system to build their expansion team.
If You Build It …
Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl says the United States is in a prime position to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Magnificent Seven
Allie Long bagged her first two international goals, and Crystal Dunn and Carli Lloyd notched a goal and two assists each as the US women's national team rang up a 7-0 victory over Colombia on Wednesday night.
Klinsmann Talks Miazga
United States head coach Jurgen Klinsmann discussed the debut of former New York Red Bulls Homegrown star Matt Miazga with Chelsea.
A Good Cause
You won't find many stories more inspiring than Street Soccer Seattle, a community program that helps victims of homelessness.
Laugh Break
Fox Sports got in the 20th anniversary spirit by recalling funny MLS commercials from the past.
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