Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
LAFC stage Open Cup rally
Underdogs Sacramento Republic twice took the lead, but could not hold on as LAFC clawed back to grab a last-gasp 3-2 victory in Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup tussle. Diego Rossi fired in the second equalizer on 67 minutes before teeing up Latif Blessing for the decider. RECAP
The Chicago Fire got a second half goal from Nemanja Nikolic and four saves from Richard Sanchez to score a 1-0 road triumph over round-of-16 foe Atlanta United. The Windy City bunch will now shoot for their fifth semifinal in six years. RECAP
Orlando, Louisville on to quarters
After a three-year-absence, Orlando City are back in the Open Cup quarterfinals following a 4-2 shootout victory at D.C. United. Justin Meram scored the Lions' first half equalizer, while Josue Colman buried the clinching penalty kick. RECAP
Louisville City have reached their first Open Cup quarterfinal thanks to a a 2-1 win over USL rivals Nashville SC. Paco Craig and Paolo DelPiccolo scored for the victors. RECAP
Open Cup: The final eight
At the completion of Wednesday night's Open Cup card, we had a clear picture of the path to the crown. The quarterfinal match-ups include defending champs Sporting KC traveling to Houston and Chicago hosting the last lower-league threat in Louisville City. READ MORE
Bono inks TFC extension
Despite rumored interest from the likes of Club Brugge, Alex Bono has re-upped with Toronto. | USA Today Images
Toronto FC have headed off "serious interest" from overseas in Alex Bono by signing the netminder to a contract extension. The freshly-minted US international wrested the starting job away from Clint Irwin before backstopping the Reds to last year's historic treble. READ MORE
Marrufo gets first World Cup game
MLS referee Jair Marrufo will have the opportunity to officiate the first World Cup match of his career, having been assigned to Saturday's Belgium vs. Tunisia clash. Marrufo's assignment follows 2014 World Cup vet Mark Geiger's first match of the tournament, where he handled a feisty Portugal-Morocco encounter. POR-MAR RECAP | READ MORE
Gutierrez nears final recovery stretch
In Q&A session with readers, Kansas City Star scribe Sam McDowell passed on word that Sporting KC are hoping for a timely return from midfield ace Felipe Gutierrez. Though he's not yet back to full training, the Chile international could still beat the original August 1 target date for a comeback. READ MORE
Stajduhar completes chemo treatment
On Tuesday, Orlando City Homegrown Player Mason Stajduhar proudly celebrated the end of his chemotherapy treatments. Back in November, the 20-year-old was diagnosed with Localized Ewing Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
