Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. DALLAS TAKE DOWN SOUNDERS
David Texeira really enjoys scoring against the Seattle Sounders. FC Dallas’s young forward has only scored three goals this year, all against the Sounders, and after netting twice in the 3-1 FCD win on Wednesday (HIGHLIGHTS), he helped ensure Seattle stay tied with the LA Galaxy in the race for the Supporters' Shield. Perhaps more important, are the Sounders developing a worrying trend?
2. D.C. ADVANCE TO REGIONAL ELITE EIGHT
D.C. United became the first MLS side to reach the quarterfinals of this season’s Champions League after a 2-0 win over Panamanian club Tauro (HIGHLIGHTS). It's a result that head coach Ben Olsen feels is good for MLS, as “ it continues to show the growth of this league.”
3. NY DRAW GIFTS MONTREAL SPOT IN QUARTERS
However, while D.C. United were the first team to go through, the New York Red Bulls were the first MLS team to go out. Mike Petke was left dejected by his side's inability to get three points, but it’s not all bad news for MLS, as New York's 0-0 draw at Salvadoran club FAS (HIGHLIGHTS) ensured that the Montreal Impact will advance to the quarterfinals instead.
4. TAKING PRIORITY
The Expansion Priority Draft is complete, and after winning the draw vs. fellow 2015 expansion side NYCFC, Orlando City chose the first pick in the Expansion Draft and later also claimed the first pick in the SuperDraft. And thanks to an unfortunate mistake from New York City FC’s Jason Kreis, OCSC also got the No. 1 priority ranking for signing players from the NASL and USL PRO.
5. WHO'S NO. 1?
The most fun part of the 24 Under 24 series, presented by adidas, is debating the final order of the list. The ranking of all 24 players will come out today at 1 pm ET on MLSsoccer.com, but before that list is revealed, here's a look at how the youngest of players have fared in MLS over the years.
6. CASTILLO CATCHES FOREIGN EYES
Speaking of stars aged 24 years old or younger, Fabián Castillo has been one of FC Dallas’s best players this season, and with that comes a fair amount of speculation as to the young Columbian’s future. The latest rumor suggests that Mexican side Club América want to sign the 22-year-old forward,
7. IS MORRIS SET FOR THE SOUNDERS?
Stanford college star Jordan Morris looks to have a bright future after his recent call-up to the senior US national team, and although nothing is decided, Seattle Sounders sporting director Chris Henderson hopes to see the academy product in a Sounders jersey pretty soon. Maybe the next candidate for next year's 24 Under 24?
8. FIGHTING IN THE INTERIM
Despite Tuesday reports that he had been handed the job on a long-term basis, Jim Curtin’s title is still officially interim head coach of the Philadelphia Union, a fact the 35-year-old addressed during his weekly press conference when he stated, “I’m still fighting to have the interim tag dropped.”
9. DEFOE STILL COMMITTED
Having returned to training with Toronto FC after a rehab stint in England, Designated Player Jermain Defoe addressed the media on Wednesday, playing down the recent reports of a move away from the Canadian club and insisting, “I’m still a TFC player, and I’m totally committed to the cause.”
10. LAMPARD CAN’T STOP SCORING
Just three days after scoring his first goal for Manchester City, New York City FC DP Frank Lampard was at it again on Wednesday, scoring two more in the side's 7-0 win in the League Cup. However, as Jason Kreis was quick to point out during the Expansion Priority Draft, there is no truth to the rumors of an extended loan.
11. INJURY UPDATE
There was bad news for Steve Zakuani on Wednesday, as the Portland Timbers say they're likely to shut the player down for the year, with Caleb Porter stating, “He’s not healthy.” Meanwhile, Chivas USA revealed that youngster Marky Delgado is out for what remains of their season following knee surgery.
12. REPORTING THE REPORT
While Sunil Gulati joins calls for FIFA to publish its findings from the investigation into the 2018/2022 World Cup bidding process, closer to home, could there be plans afoot to revamp CONCACAF’s World Cup qualification campaign?
13. CANADA HEADING SOUTH
The Canadian national team have another match confirmed for October, and while it won’t provide Benito Floro another chance to play on home soil, he will not be far away, as the Canadians will take on Colombia at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.
14. IT’S NOT OVER IN VEGAS
While the attempts in Las Vegas to secure a stadium deal for a potential MLS club may have run into some serious obstacles, it seems the group behind the bid aren’t giving up just yet.
15. CUT DOWN TO SIZE
We all know Merritt Paulson is a fairly hands-on club owner, but after the sixth goal in Tuesday night’s Champions League match, the Portland Timbers owner took that to a whole new level.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
March to the Match: Which youngster should top the 24 under 24 list?
MVP Ladder: Who’s currently leading the race?
Why the next Franck Ribéry will come from an MLS academy
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