Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
Deadline Day!
There's only one way to keep up with all the madness that's about to unfold as the MLS summer transfer window comes to a close later tonight: our club-by-club Transfer Tracker.
Midweek Card
Toronto FC can climb to second place in the Eastern Conference with a win when they host Real Salt Lake in Wednesday's lone league match (7 pm ET on TSN4, RDS2 and MLS LIVE in USA). With their strike force ailing, the visitors will likely turn once again to Olmes Garcia, who is finally progressing after two tough seasons.
Opening Salvo
Thanks to a 34th minute Cristian Techera volley, Vancouver kicked off CONCACAF Champions League group play with a 1-0 victory over Central FC in Trinidad & Tobago. To put it mildly, the Whitecaps were rather pleased after grinding out the win in difficult circumstances.
Regional Scrap
The New York Red Bulls will hope to improve on last year's disappointing Champions League campaign when they welcome Guatemalan Apertura champs Antigua on Wednesday night (8 pm ET on UDN, Facebook LIVE). RBNY fans should expect some changes at the back for this contest.
Dragon Hunters
Also Wednesday, the defending MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers will open Champions League group play by hosting El Salvador's CD Dragon (10 pm ET on Galavision, Facebook LIVE). It's certainly not all good news on Portland's injury report, with captain Liam Ridgewell among those ruled out for Wednesday's tilt.
Defense Mechanisms
While we're on the topic of the Timbers, Zarek Valentin has happily revealed that his MRI scan for a suspected MCL sprain came back negative. His new back line mate, Portland defender Steven Taylor, has arrived motivated to contribute. Though the former Newcastle man should require a few weeks to become available, the defending MLS Cup champs have continued easing their back line crisis by landing Nigeria defender Gbenga Arokoyo after a deal with NYCFC.
Being Frank
After being named MLS Player of the Week following a weekend hat trick, NYCFC midfielder Frank Lampard says he's only getting started.
Power Trip
Staying on New York City FC, they were the big jumpers of the week, rising six spots to No. 4 in our MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings.
Up Their Ale?
With Philadelphia Union reportedly on the verge of landing Nantes and US national team workhorse Alejandro Bedoya, MLSsoccer.com's Dave Zeitlin asks the question: For a club with an already-packed midfield, is he a good fit?
Mike Check
Though Toronto FC remain without Benoit Cheyrou, skipper Michael Bradley made his return to training on Tuesday. Meanhwhile, word came out that the Reds have rejected an offer for Bradley from a mystery European club.
Transformers
Speaking of Philadelphia, Prost Amerika looks at how offseason catch Chris Pontius helped turn the team into an early surprise package.
Rejected Again
The Washington Post's Steven Goff reports that Maccabi Tel Aviv raised their offer of D.C. United defender Steve Birnbaum, only to have it knocked back by the Black-and-Red.
New Hoop
FC Dallas have added to their center back stable by signing former Portland defender Norberto Paparatto.
Building Plans
The Portland Timbers are looking into expanding Providence Park by 3,500 seats.
Going For The Gold
With their group stage opener against New Zealand on tap for Wednesday night (6 pm ET on NBCSN), the US women's national team has posted the first Olympics episode of Behind The Crest.
Friendly Invite?
According to a report, the US men's national team is close to setting up an October friendly against Ghana at RFK Stadium.
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