Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. THE BEST IN CANADA
The first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship begins tonight, with the Montreal Impact hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps (7.30 pm ET, Sportsnet World in Canada, MLS LIVE in the US and Mexico). The ‘Caps are looking to win the trophy for the first time and will hope the unsung impact of Nicolas Mezquida can help them do so. Montreal, on the other hand, could stand to benefit from from the long-awaited return of Justin Mapp.
2. CAN THE UNION MAKE IT TWO IN A ROW?
In the first of tonight’s US Open Cup semifinals, the Philadelphia Union host the Chicago Fire (7.30 pm ET, YouTube), with the home side looking to knock out the Fire and reach the final for the second consecutive year. Can 20-year-old “veteran” Zach Pfeffer help them do it in what will be the first meeting between the two sides in the competition?
3. SKC-RSL RIVALRY RESUMES
Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake get set to renew their rivalry on Wednesday in the other US Open Cup semifinal (8:30 pm ET, YouTube). For Sporting KC, they’re looking to reach the final as a reward to their fans, but with the majority of RSL’s first team coming into the game well-rested, can the visitors secure their third victory over SKC this season?
4. VERON IMPRESSED BY NY-vs-NY
The New York Red Bulls' newest acquisition, Gonzalo Veron, made his debut for the side on Sunday in a seven-minute substitute appearance, and the Argentine was impressed by everything he saw in the battle between the Red Bulls and New York City FC on Sunday. However, teammate Damien Perrinelle may find himself in hot water over this incident.
5. ESPINDOLA INJURED
New York City FC host D.C. United on Thursday (7 pm ET, MLS LIVE) with the two clubs' differing philosophies on building a club yielding very different results. However, while United’s model is working for them, the club suffered a blow on Tuesday with the news that Fabian Espindola is out for around two weeks with a sprained left knee.
6. MIAZGA’S STEADY RISE
Matt Miazga may be only 20 years old, but following an injury to Ronald Zubar and a little bit of patience and perseverance from Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch, the defender has emerged as one of the most promising young players in the US.
7. PORTER REFLECTIONS
Caleb Porter is known as a coach who takes his craft incredibly seriously, instilling a specific philosophy and style into his teams. But what has the Portland Timbers head coach learned over the years, and what would he do differently if he could go back in time?
8. VILLARREAL STILL OUT
While two of the LA Galaxy's stars squared off in a battle over a pick-up truck, the team will once again be without Jose Villarreal for Saturday’s game against FC Dallas, although Baggio Husidic could be close to a return.
9. TORRES CAUGHT ON CAMERA
Roman Torres has been rumored to be joining the Seattle Sounders, but it looks like it’s just a matter of time now. We now have photographic evidence of Panamanian defender arriving at the Seattle airport and being greeted by Garth Lagerwey and Sigi Schmid.
10. DON’T BLAME BENDIK
Herculez Gomez could make his Toronto FC debut this weekend when his side takes on the New York Red Bulls. And while the arrival of the US international will hopefully give TFC fans yet another player to cheer on, is it time for some of those fans to stop heaping too much blame on goalkeeper Joe Bendik?
11. ACCOLADES FOR CREW SC
Tuesday was a good day for Columbus Crew SC. Not only was Kei Kamara named MLS Player of the Week following his brace against the Colorado Rapids, but the club’s recently rebranded logo was named to USA Today's 30 best logos in American sports
12. A FORMER ORLANDO PLAYER RETURNS
While Orlando City will be rocked by the news that Conor Donvan is set to miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, there was good news for one of the Lions’ former players. Rob Valentino has been named assistant coach of the club's new USL side, delivering this message to fans following the announcement.
13. STUDYING ST. PAUL
MLS officials visited St. Paul on Tuesday as they examined the viability of the stadium options in Minnesota. Speaking after their tour, officials from the city spoke passionately about its potential.
14. PRO SOCCER RETURNS TO CINCINNATI
Professional soccer will be returning to Cincinnati in 2016 with confirmation that FC Cincinnati, coached by US national team legend John Harkes, will be joining USL. The official announcement is being made today.
15. TIME FOR ANOTHER WORLD CUP BID?
To many, the US is considered the favorite to win the right to host the 2026 World Cup if they choose to bid for it. But The Guardian asks, is it worth participating another FIFA bidding process before changes are made at the world governing body?
MLSsoccer.com Musts
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Canadian Championship: The amazing story behind the fan-created trophy awarded to the winner
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