Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
D.C. finally cuts the ribbon on Audi Field
The moment Audi Field officially opened in D.C.
“[This is] the day we’ve been waiting for,” said club co-owner and managing partner Jason Levien, at Monday's ribbon-cutting ceremony for D.C. United's new home (which debuts Saturday). “A landmark day in a landmark year for D.C. sports. It’s difficult to overstate the magnitude of what [this] represents.” READ MORE
Secondary Transfer Window opens
Get ready for a summer flurry and plenty of MLS player debuts with the official opening of the Secondary Transfer Window on Tuesday. The window will run in MLS between July 10 and August 8, aligned with the player trade window. MORE INFO
Rooney, Ruidiaz compel forward thinking
With new star Wayne Rooney now eligible to suit up for D.C. United, Paul Arriola has declared that the veteran attacker's arrival should raise everybody's game at Audi Field. "He brings a level of respect and professionalism with him," said the Black-and-Red midfielder. "It forces us to be on our toes, be sharper on and off the field." READ MORE
There's also a shiny new forward catch aiming to make a big impact in Seattle. And in an interview with Sports Illustrated reporter and producer Luis Miguel Echegaray, Sounders DP recruit Raul Ruidiaz made it clear he's come to CenturyLink to excel. READ MORE
Loons add young Ecuador winger
Minnesota United have moved to strengthen a wing stable decimated by injuries, snagging Romario Ibarra from Universidad Catolica. During CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying last year, the 23-year-old became the first Ecuador international since 2009 debutant Christian Noboa to score in each of his first two caps. READ MORE
Week 19 honor roll
Portland's Samuel Armenteros led all players with 1,546 points in the Week 19 Audi Player Index.
Portland playmaker Diego Valeri and LAFC goal monster Adama Diomande kept their places from last week in our MLS Team of the Week. Those repeat nods helped their respective clubs stand as the only ones to put two players on the Week 19 top XI. READ MORE
Who has the easiest/toughest remaining slate?
With every club except D.C. United now officially headed down "the back nine" of the MLS season, Benjamin Baer has done all the remaining schedule strength math to let you know which teams should hope to benefit most as playoff races heat up. READ MORE
ATL's Martinez receives US Green Card
Though Josef Martinez just missed out on the Team of the Week, the Atlanta United ace did get some other good news on Monday. The Venezuela strike star is now the owner of a brand new US Green Card, opening up one of the club's international slots. READ MORE
Suitors hot after RBNY's Murillo, TFC's Aketxe?
Panamanian outlet El Siglo reports that a "big European club" is in deep transfer negotiations to land Red Bulls defender Michael Amir Murillo. The chief suspect is PSV Eindhoven, who have been following the Panama international for quite a while now. READ MORE
According to Spanish daily Marca, La Liga 2 outfit Cadiz are working on a loan-plus-buy option deal to acquire Toronto FC midfielder Ager Aketxe. The 24-year-old, who shined on loan to Cadiz early last year, has yet to find his best form for the Reds. READ MORE
Loan department: RBNY's Rivas, FCD's Richards
New York Red Bulls attacker Carlos Rivas has sealed a loan switch to homeland club Atletico Nacional for the rest of the year. The 24-year-old, who arrived as part of the offseason Sacha Kljestan trade, scored two goals in 10 matches across all competitions this term. READ MORE
Meanwhile, FC Dallas Homegrown defender Chris Richards is headed out on loan to Bayern Munich until next summer. The Alabama native will join the Bundesliga kings' Under-19 side. READ MORE
Davies, 'Caps inspire indigenous kids
With a passion for the game that was stoked by attending a similar youth camp, Vancouver phenom Alphonso Davies took extra joy from participating in the third annual Hope and Health kick-about, a day of soccer and fun for area indigenous children. The purpose of the event, which hosted over 250 kids this year, is to inspire an at-risk youth community toward better life paths. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
Instant Replay: Andrew and Bobby tackle Week 19's toughest calls
