Here are the 15 stories we're talking about this morning:
1. USWNT CLAIM THIRD WORLD CUP TROPHY
Hope you didn’t miss the start of the Women’s World Cup final, because it was almost over before it got started. Carli Lloyd scored a hat trick in the first 16 minutes as the US marched to a 5-2 victory over Japan and became the first women's team in history to win three World Cups. It was the kind of performance fans had been waiting for and Twitter quickly flew into overdrive.
2. CHAMPIONSHIP LEGACY?
While the USWNT's dominant win –which set a number of historical marks– will linger for quite a while, talk quickly turned to the road ahead. Noting the rise of young talent like Morgan Brian and Julie Johnston, one columnist noted the potentially revolutionary effects on US women's soccer, while the record TV ratings continue the trend of growth.
3. BENVENUTO, ANDREA PIRLO
After months of rumors, the official announcement finally dropped on Monday: Italian star Andrea Pirlo has signed with New York City FC. The playmaker joins NYCFC after four years at Juventus, whose players, executives, and supporters he thanked on Twitter. Here's a quick primer on what you need to know about the man they call "The Architect."
4. JEWSBURY SCORES LATE FOR TIMBERS WIN
Despite dominating the game on Sunday, the Portland Timbers couldn’t find a way past San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham. That was, until Jack Jewsbury popped up in the 91st minute to give his side a 1-0 win (HIGHLIGHTS). The Quakes nearly held out, but as Bingham correctly pointed out, nearly isn't good enough.
- GALAXY BREEZE PAST TORONTO
The LA Galaxy made light work of Toronto FC on Saturday, strolling to a 4-0 victory over their opponents (HIGHLIGHTS). Robbie Keane reminded everyone just why he's the reigning MLS MVP with a hat trick, while TFC head coach Greg Vanney rued a number of mistakes his side made.
6. STEVIE G. SAYS HELLO, ISHIZAKI SAYS GOODBYE
New Galaxy player Steven Gerrard, who turned down lucrative offers from big European clubs to move to SoCal, was introduced to the fans at halftime of LA’s romp over TFC. Before the game, he actually introduced himself with a gift to the supporters. After the match, though, the Galaxy announced that midfielder Stefan Ishizaki had played his final game for the club, as the midfielder is returning to Sweden for a very personal decision.
7. KAKÁ WITH A CAREER FIRST
Orlando City's Kaká earned the first straight red card of his career, not long after he gave the Lions the lead against Real Salt Lake. After the game, Orlando City were happy just to hold on to secure the 1-1 draw (HIGHLIGHTS). On the flip side, RSL felt like they left points on the table after failing to take advantage of their extra man.
8. KAMARA & FINLAY CLICKING FOR CREW SC
Kei Kamara and Ethan Finlay’s partnership continued to develop on Saturday, as the two combined again to help lead Columbus Crew SC to a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls (HIGHLIGHTS), with the visiting team pointing to the effects of their sixth game in 19 days.
9. RIDING HIGH AFTER DERBY LOWS
Having been well beaten by their crosstown rivals the previous week, New York City FC responded with a vengeance against the Montreal Impact, as David Villa scored twice in a 2-1 win (HIGHLIGHTS). Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush felt personally responsible for.
10. THE MAGIC LITTLE UNICORN THE DIFFERENCE FOR DALLAS
Jay Heaps was left disappointed after his New England Revolution side fell to their fourth consecutive league loss, 3-0, to FC Dallas (HIGHLIGHTS). Mauro Diaz looked back to his very best in the game and Dallas coach Oscar Pareja hailed him as “a difference maker.”
11. RAPIDS STARTING TO ROLL?
Could the Colorado Rapids’ attack finally be starting to click? Two of their new signings combined to help lead the team to a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps (HIGHLIGHTS). It was just their third league win of the season and only the second time they’ve scored more than one goal in a game, all of which leaves the Whitecaps extra disappointed with the result.
12. NO DEMPSEY, NO PROBLEM FOR SOUNDERS
The Seattle Sounders were missing several star players in Friday's match against D.C. United, but that didn't slow them down, as Tyrone Mears scored an 88th-minute stunner to secure a 1-0 win for the Seattle Sounders (HIGHLIGHTS). United were reduced to 10 men after Fabian Espindola’s early red card, and despite the late heartbreak, head coach Ben Olsen was still proud of his team.
13. FIRE FIGHT BACK
Having led for much of the second half, the Houston Dynamo were left to rue another missed opportunity as Patrick Nyarko returned from injury for the Chicago Fire and made an immediate impact, withe the tying goal in a 1-1 draw in Friday's opener (HIGHLIGHTS).
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WHAT A WAY TO WARM UP
The US national team will head into Tuesday's Gold Cup opener on a high following a 4-0 win over Guatemala. The majority of the players performed well against their CONCACAF opposition, Still, with Honduras their first opponents in Group A on Tuesday (8:30 pm ET, Fox Sports 1), manager Jurgen Klinsmann was not happy with certain elements of the USMNT’s performance. So what lessons were there to be learned from the US warm-up game?
15. MEXICO CALL A REPLACEMENT
With Chicharito ruled out of the Gold Cup following surgery on his fractured collarbone, the Mexican national team has called in Santos Laguna forward Javier Orozco as his replacement.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Week 18 Plays of the Night, pres. by Wells Fargo
Watch some of Steven Gerrard’s best goals in animated form
American Exports: Bob Bradley & Stabaek drop first road match in 10
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