Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Into The Cup
Major League Soccer clubs are set to enter US Open Cup play this week, beginning tonight with four teams taking the field against lower-division opponents. One of Wednesday's MLS combatants, the Philadelphia Union, are crossing their fingers that starting 'keeper Andre Blake can make a fast return from Copa America.
On To The Next One
Before Copa America began, US boss Jurgen Klinsmann stated that his goal was to reach the final four; he and his charges are now on the verge of accomplishing that feat. He is looking for the team's thus-far perfect Seattle advantage to help them get there. Meanwhile, US netminder Brad Guzan is delighted to be walking the line for the national team after years of waiting in the backup role behind Tim Howard.
Familiar Face
MLS fans will recognize one of Ecuador's expected starters in Thursday's quarterfinal matchup with the USMNT: FC Dallas midfielder Carlos Gruezo, who credits the club with helping him nail down his national team job.
Tune-Ups
Jurgen Klinsmann got the least-used players on his Copa America squad some action on Monday in a scrimmage against the Philadelphia Union. Their quarterfinal foe also looked to MLS for a warm-up as Ecuador scrimmaged with the NY Red Bulls.
Just Barely
Mexico required a dazzling late leveler to rescue a 1-1 share with Venezuela and first place in Group C. In Monday night's other game, Uruguay went out on a high note by blanking Jamaica 3-0.
End Of The Beginning
Though it's unclear whether or not he will start, Argentina have announced that Lionel Messi will play when the Group D leaders take on already-ousted Bolivia on Tuesday (10 pm ET on FS1, UDN & UniMás) in their final group match. In the early game, Panama can advance with a win when they face Chile (8 pm ET on FS1, UDN & UniMás) in Philly.
Euro-Action
On Monday, Montreal Impact star Laurent Cimangot the right back start as Belgium suffered a 2-0 defeat to Italy in their Euro 2016 opener. Also, Galaxy star Robbie Keane was a late sub in the Republic of Ireland's 1-1 draw with Sweden.
One Of Us
D.C. United boss Ben Olsen says his latest target, US Under-17 captain Chris Durkin, belongs with the club.
Missing Home?
A report out of Denmark says Crew SC winger Emil Larsen, who only joined the club a few months ago, is already eager to return home.
Growth At The Back
Orlando City blog Mane Land shines a light on the center back prospects coming up through the club's ranks.
Some Questions & An Answer?
Local blog Big D Soccer has come up with a set of questions FC Dallas need to answer over the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, a Costa Rican report may have an answer for one of them, linking Alajuelense striker Jonathan McDonald with the club.
Giving Back
The LA Galaxy have teamed up with non-profits to build houses for veterans.
Late Equalizer
Former MLS forward/US youth international Will John cleverly bagged his first goal since April to earn RoPS a 1-1 draw with Finnish top flight leaders HJK on Monday.
Riddle Me Elmo
The Late Late Show host James Corden attempts to explain the offside rule to a confused muppet Elmo.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
The ExtraTime Radio crew chats up Eric Wynalda
Revisit the big stories from the first half of the MLS season
The EA FIFA17 trailer reveals new game realism
