Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Loons make first NYCFC visit
Minnesota United are set for their first look at a scary New York City FC side when they visit the Bronx for Thursday tilt (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE). The trends are definitely not in the Loons' favor; while they're 0-7-2 on the road this season, NYCFC will enter the contest on a three-game winning streak. PREVIEW | MIN NEWS | NYCFC NEWS
USOC: Home cooking, upsets, late drama & PKs
There were a couple of shockers as the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 wrapped up on Wednesday, and you can catch up on all the results and some key points from each game in the Wednesday night review offered up by Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle. READ MORE
Mitch Hildebrandt played hero with three penalty kick saves to push USL side FC Cincinnati to victory. They bounced the Chicago Fire on spot kicks after 120 tense scoreless minutes in their friendly confines. RECAP | READ MORE
Looking ahead to July's Quarterfinal matchups, San Jose and the LA Galaxy are lined up for another Cali Clasico, while underdog side Miami FC and Cincinnati will clash in Florida. READ MORE
Few people are looking forward to the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament more than New England handyman Kelyn Rowe, who is eager to take his first chance at wearing the red, white and blue. READ MORE | USMNT NEWS
Squizzato: Canada can go for goals
Turning focus to Canada, Daniel Squizzato writes that their squad has the tools needed to play an attacking game at Gold Cup. READ MORE
Canada's offensive capabilities could rise midway through the tournament, because manager Octavio Zambrano has told striker Cyle Larin that he'll be brought into the squad if they can reach the knockouts. READ MORE | CANADA NEWS
Robles inks Red Bulls extension
Opponents of the New York Red Bulls should get used to being denied by Luis Robles. On Wednesday, the star netminder signed a fresh multi-year pact with the club. READ MORE | RBNY NEWS
However, there will be no new deal in Orlando for midfielder Matias Perez Garcia. The two parties tried but failed to reach an agreement before the veteran runs out of contract on Friday. READ MORE | OCSC NEWS
Timbers suffer double blow
In what has become a recurring theme this season, Portland has suffered some fresh injury woes. While possession ace Darlington Nagbe remains questionable for the weekend with a hamstring knock, fellow midfielder Diego Chara (hamstring) is expected to miss a month and defensive handyman Amobi Okugo (MCL sprain) could be out even longer than that. READ MORE | TIMBERS NEWS
Transfer talk: Gonzalez, Nicholson
According to La Aficion scribe Niko Moreno, Seattle has made the top offer for Dynamo Kyiv wing ace Derlis Gonzalez and the Paraguay international is ready to accept it. READ MORE
Elsewhere, Pioneer Press reports that Minnesota United have agreed a deal to sign young Scottish winger Sam Nicholson, who has run out of contract with Hearts. READ MORE
MLS lifts its scouting game
Sticking with the topic of transfers, ESPN's Noah Davis explains how increased scouting in oft-overlooked countries is helping MLS grow. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
Heineken Beat The Pro: Tommy Thompson takes the crossbar challenge
