Here are the 15 stories we're talking about this morning:
1. CAN RSL GET REVENGE?
Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy face off tonight (9:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE) for the first time since the Galaxy took RSL apart in last season's Western Conference semifinals. The two sides have been among the best in the West over the past few years and, for the Galaxy, a lot of the credit for that belongs to head coach Bruce Arena.
2. EASTERN CANADA RIVALRY RENEWED
The Montreal Impact and Toronto FC get set to renew their rivalry tonight as the Impact begin their defense of the Amway Canadian Championship (7:30 pm ET, Sportsnet World). However, having just completed a tough extended road trip in MLS, Toronto FC have opted to leave some regulars at home for this one.
3. OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR WHITECAPS
Tonight’s other Amway Canadian Championship game sees the Vancouver Whitecaps visit NASL side FC Edmonton (9:30 pm ET, Sportsnet 360). With the ‘Caps choosing to rest some of their key players, do some of less-established stars, such as winger Erik Hurtado (right), have a chance to shine?
4. TRIUMPHANT RETURN FOR KINNEAR
With his first goal in almost two years, Adam Jahn delivered the San Jose Earthquakes a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo (HIGHLIGHTS) on Dominic Kinnear’s first trip back to Houston since leaving the Dynamo this winter. Kinnear’s replacement in Houston, Owen Coyle, wasn’t happy with the "soft" goal his side conceded.
5. THE RAZOV EFFECT?
Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey are easily the most dangerous strike partnership in MLS right now. How has their merciless finishing been made even more effective by the Sounders' hiring of a certain former US international forward?
6. REO-COKER SET ON A MOVE?
Could Nigel Reo-Coker be set for a reunion with one of his former bosses back in England? That was a rumor doing the rounds on Tuesday, linking the Impact captain with a move to Crystal Palace, but it seems that there isn’t any truth to it.
7. RAIS RETURNS TO PHILLY
It looked as though Rais Mbolhi’s time with the Philadelphia Union was all but over and yet, despite being absent from training for over a month now, the Algerian goalkeeper has returned to the squad.
8. FEILHABER’S FITNESS EARNS HIM JUST REWARDS
Sporting KC's Benny Feilhaber was voted Etihad Airways MLS Player of the Month for April, a just reward for his performances throughout the month. The player claims his improved fitness has "allowed me to beome more of a two-way player."
9. UNITED'S ROLFE GETS RECOGNITION
Fabian Espindola is stealing a lot of the headlines for D.C. United right now, but veteran attacker Chris Rolfe leads the team in goals and assists. What's more, the 32-year-old Rolfe insists he’s still working out ways to improve.
10. NO COPA FOR KAKÁ
Looks like Orlando City won't have to worry about losing Kaká to international duty this summer, as the Brazilian star was left out of his nation's Copa America squad. However, they will lose Bryan Rochez, who was called up to the Honduran squad for the U-20 World Cup. And they will learn on Friday which of their Portuguese players makes the U-20 cut.
11. ROLDAN EYES TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND
Having impressed in his limited MLS minutes so far, and with a recommendation from Seattle Sounders coach Sigi Schmid, Cristian Roldan is hoping it’s not too late to earn a spot on the U-20 World Cup squad. The US U-23’s have meanwhile lined up a pre-Olympic Qualifying tournament this summer.
12. MIAZGA IN POLE POSITION
The New York Red Bulls' Matt Miazga has been one of breakthrough players of 2015, helping the US U-20s clinch their World Cup berth and locking down a starting spot with his club. He's got a decision ahead of him, though: Will he continue to represent the US, or make the switch to represent his parents' country of origin, Poland? This, following reports that Poland coach Adam Nawalka is eying Miazga for a senior team call-up ahead of June's Euro 2016 qualifers.
13. AMERICAN THROUGH AND THROUGH
While Fabian Johnson is still fighting to help his Borussia Monchengladbach side secure a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, the German-born US international is also looking towards this summer’s Gold Cup. In this article, he recounts how he "almost choked on his dinner" when Jurgen Klinsmann first called him.
14. PACKWOOD’S OUT, IS SPECTOR STAYING PUT?
The American contingent at Birmingham City is set for a shake up after the English Championship side decided not to offer Will Packwood a new contract. However, there is an offer on the table for fellow countryman Jonathan Spector amid increasing interest from clubs abroad.
15. ZIZZO SUFFERS NON- #NYCSOCCERWARZ RELATED INJURY
While the New York Red Bulls continue to land hits in the #NYCSoccerWarz, the team itself has been delivered a blow following the news that Sal Zizzo is out for 2-3 months with a fractured tibia
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