Here are the 15 stories we're talking about this morning:
1. DOS SANTOS & GALAXY MAKE STRONG START IN CCL
The LA Galaxy had already declared they want to win the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League and they certainly started the new campaign on the right foot, storming to a 5-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago side Central FC. Giovani Dos Santos made his Galaxy debut in the game, and got on the score sheet.
2. WILL GILBERTO DEBUT FOR THE FIRE TONIGHT?
The Portland Timbers host the Chicago Fire on Friday (11 pm ET, UniMás in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada). Both sides have new players in their squads, including Jamaican midfielder Michael Seaton, acquired by the Timbers in a trade with D.C. United. The Fire brought in Trinidad & Tobago international Daneil Cyrus. But the big question for the Fire is whether or not new striker Gilberto will play a role in tonight’s game.
3. HERCULEZ! HERCULEZ! HERCULEZ!
The MLS transfer and trade deadline came and went on Thursday, and there were plenty of moves to come out of it. Here's a rundown of the new arrivals to the league. One of the biggest names on the list is longtime US national team forward Herculez Gomez, who has joined Toronto FC after starring in Liga MX for the past few years.
4. CAN GIOVINCO KEEP UP HIS BLISTERING PACE?
In Toronto, Herc will join an already-potent attack, including Golden Boot leader Sebastian Giovinco, who was named Etihad Airways MLS Player of the Month for July. He will certainly play a pivotal role when TFC take on Sporting Kansas City on Saturday (4 pm ET, MLS LIVE). Sporting KC could trot out a newly acquired midfielder, Barcelona academy graduate Jordi Quintilla, who could help fill the void for Roger Espinoza, who will miss extensive time due to injury.
5. THE LIONS' NEW SIGNING
Orlando City brought in forward Adam Bedell to provide depth as the Lions begin their push for the playoffs with home match against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE). The Union know they need to make a strong run if they want to reach the playoff. In other news, the Union are reportedly on the verge of a partnership with an EPL club?
6. UNITED LOOKING TO SCORE FIRST
The Montreal Impact host D.C. United on Saturday (8 pm ET, MLS LIVE in the US, TSN2 in Canada) and, while things are starting to look up for the Canadian side -- Drogba signing, Venegas signing, a 3-1-1 record in last five -- there are some issues with Canadian international Patrice Bernier. United, on the other hand, continue to roll at the top of the standings, but this time they hope not to concede first.
7. QUAKES ADD SOME BITE AS OLD FRIENDS MEET AGAIN
It’s a meeting of old friends as Dominic Kinnear and the San Jose Earthquakes travel to the Houston Dynamo on Saturday (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE). Mexican international Cubo Torres could get his first start for the Dynamo, while the Quakes have some new talent of their own to insert in the lineup: Panamanian midfielder Anibal Godoy.
8. CREW SC ADD REINFORCEMENTS
Both the Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew SC come into Saturday’s face-off (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE) on the back of a loss, but Crew SC have made some last-minute moves to help turn things around, signing Argentine defender Gaston Sauro from Swiss side FC Basel after sending Adam Bedell to Orlando City. The Rapids, meanwhile, are being linked to a prominent international defender by the Honduran media.
9. CAPS HAPPY TO DODGE THE SPOTLIGHT
While the Vancouver Whitecaps sit at the top of the Western Conference, there’s a feeling in British Columbia that not much attention is being paid to the Canadian side, which suits them just fine. They’ll look to keep flying under the radar when they host Real Salt Lake (10 pm ET, MLS LIVE), with RSL coach Jeff Cassar offering updates on his squad’s fitness.
10. WILL GALAXY EXTEND SOUNDERS' MISERY?
Sebastian Lletget is in fine form for the LA Galaxy right now and will look to help his side secure a big win over struggling rivals Seattle Sounders on Sunday (4 pm ET, ESPN in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada). The match could see Giovani Dos Santos make his MLS debut for the club. The Sounders are mired in a 1-7-0 slump, but they reportedly might have some reinforcements coming, including a Paraguayan international forward and a Panamanian international defender.
11. NEW YORK RIVALRY, PART III
While New York City FC work out how to make all the pieces fit together on the field, the team has reached a new milestone for season ticket holders. A number of those fans will travel to Red Bull Arena for Sunday’s third and final regular-season New York derby against the New York Red Bulls (7 pm ET, FOX Sports 1). The Red Bulls will look to complete a clean sweep over their rivals. Meanwhile, RBNY's Karl Ouimette is blowing off Wednesday’s scuffle with team captain Dax McCarty.
12. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, TOYOTA STADIUM
FC Dallas have the weekend off, but on Thursday, the team celebrated the 10thanniversary of Toyota Stadium. Team President Dan Hunt called it “one of the most special places on earth."
13. ATLANTA’S INSPIRATION
The renderings for Atlanta United FC’s new training complex are definitely easy on the eye, with the design and the features taking their inspiration from both Toronto and Tottenham.
14. U17’S HANDED A TOUGH DRAW
The draw for the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile this October put the United States in in Group A alongside hosts Chile, reigning champions Nigeria, and European heavies Croatia. Meanwhile the latest FIFA World Rankings see the US rise to 29th, although Mexico and Jamaica were the big movers in CONCACAF.
15. JON STEWART AND SOCCER
Last night marked Jon Stewart’s final time hosting The Daily Show. Did you know that he was quite the promising soccer player in his youth? His love of the beautiful game occasionally manifested itself on the show.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
MLS Insider: The stars reveal their favorite goals and the stories behind the
ExtraTime Radio: Deadline Day, Giovani Dos Santos fever and Miazga’s rapid rise
Jordan Morris headlines watch list for prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy
Get the Kick Off delivered to you!
Enter your email address and favorite team below to sign up for The Kick-Off mailing list and get it delivered to your inbox every morning.
Email:
Favorite Team:
SELECT YOUR FAVORITE CLUB
Atlanta United FC
Chicago Fire
Colorado Rapids
Columbus Crew SC
D.C. United
FC Dallas
Houston Dynamo
LAFC
LA Galaxy
Minnesota United FC
Montreal Impact
New England Revolution
New York City FC
New York Red Bulls
Orlando City SC
Philadelphia Union
Portland Timbers
Real Salt Lake
San Jose Earthquakes
Seattle Sounders FC
Sporting KC
Toronto FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
I don't have a favorite team
