Kick Off: Nagbe stars for USA in win vs. Ecuador | Union extend East lead

Greg Seltzer

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

Honor Rolls

The Philadelphia Union extended their lead atop the Eastern Conference after fighting back late to post a 2-2 road draw against Orlando City on Wednesday night. The result still left Union boss Jim Curtin griping over some referee calls.

Late Hero

Portland Timbers star Darlington Nagbe unsurprisingly received top marks after firing the US national team to a 1-0 victory over friendly guests Ecuador on Wednesday night in a Copa America Centenario tuneup match. The Portland ace once again made a case to start, while US netminder Brad Guzan was thrilled to notch the shutout.

Dynamo Un-Coyle

Western Conference cellar dwellers Houston Dynamo have parted ways with head coach Owen Coyle.

Welcome Back?

It appears likely that D.C. United netminder Bill Hamid will make his season debut when the Black-And-Red visit Sporting KC on Friday night (7 pm ET, UniMás in USA, MLS LIVE in Canada).

Rapid Motivation

Think Colorado Rapids the underdogs as much as you like; this tag only fuels the fire of the table-toppers. They're featured in the MLS LIVE Game of the Week against the East-leading Union (Saturday at 9 pm ET on MLS LIVE).

Suggestion Box

Seattle Sounders general manager Garth Lagerwey had plenty to say about the state of the team.

Lion's Den

Orlando City midfielder Cristian Higuita, who was in the running for a spot on Colombia's 23-man Copa America roster, aims to do what it takes to be an MLS star. Meanwhile, it looks like the Lions may sign trialist Dionatan Teixera away from Stoke City.

Market Talk

New York Cosmos midfielder Niko Kranjcar reportedly has MLS interest competing with Euro-suitors. Elsewhere, a Greek report claims veteran Olympiakos attacker Alejandro Dominguez is sorting through some MLS interest of his own.

Who, Me?

Though constantly linked with an MLS move, Celtic's Honduras left back Emilio Izaguirre stated he has no offers from North America and wants to fight on at Parkhead.

TFC On Gio-Slight

Regardless of how Antonio Conte might feel, those at Toronto FC believe the Italy boss erred by not naming Sebastian Giovinco to his Euro 2016 squad.

No Regrets

Vice has a feature on USMNT ace Fabian Johnson, who would not a change a thing about switching away from World Cup champ Germany's national set-up.

Technologic

For the first time, the Copa America, which kicks off on June 3 with the USA facing Colombia, will use goal-line technology.

'Tis The Season

The arrival of summer brings another edition of Steve Nash's Manhattan charity game; this time, the annual celebrity event will pit him against Landon Donovan.