Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
MLS All-Stars draw Real Madrid, fall on PKs
The 2017 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target came down to penalty kicks on Wednesday night, with guests Real Madrid enjoying a 4-2 shootout victory in Chicago. The home team forced the tiebreaker thanks to a late 1-1 equalizer scored by Orlando City SC forward Dom Dwyer. RECAP | HIGHLIGHTS
Following the game, Real manager Zinedine Zidane had some complimentary words for Major League Soccer. READ MORE
Boehm: A worthy showcase for Chicago
It's been a wild year for soccer in Chicago, and contributor Charles Boehm believes the All-Star Game proved a worthy showcase for the Windy City. The sellout crowd of 61,428 included local icon Dwyane Wade along with WWE superstars Lana and Rusev. READ MORE
Shoulder setback for Garza
Appearing in the All-Star Game came at a cost for Atlanta United left back Greg Garza, who left the game early with what was later determined to be a separated shoulder. READ MORE
MLS extends partnership with adidas
Wednesday morning, MLS announced it was extending its partnership with adidas through 2024. The company will remain the official supplier for the league, its clubs, MLS youth academies and youth affiliated clubs. READ MORE
Later in the afternoon, MLS Commissioner Don Garber held a press conference that opened with a breakdown of the adidas deal before widening to cover a variety of topics involving league business and development. WATCH VIDEO
A Video Review Overview
Another hot topic this week is Video Review, which goes into effect with this weekend's MLS slate. For those with questions about the new system and Video Assistant Referee (VAR), we've got you covered with all the answers. READ MORE
Report: D.C. turn toward Medel
With D.C. United's chase for Galatasaray midfielder Nigel de Jong apparently falling by the wayside, Soccer Insider Steven Goff reports reports that the club have a new top transfer target: Inter Milan's veteran Chile defender Gary Medel. READ MORE
Meanwhile, D.C. United rookie midfielder Ian Harkes has been sidelined for 3-4 weeks with an ankle injury. READ MORE
FC Cincinnati reaches USOC semis
FC Cincinnati rounded out the U.S. Open Cup semifinal on Wednesday night, becoming the first lower-division team to do so since 2011, by scoring a 1-0 win at Miami FC. Djiby Fall bagged his fourth winner of the tournament midway through the second half, setting up a home date with the New York Red Bulls. RECAP
New places to play
Target have teamed up with US Soccer to build 100 soccer pitches in under-served communities by 2020. READ MORE
