Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. CAN DALLAS MAKE IT 3-0-0?
The Philadelphia Union take on FC Dallas on Saturday afternoon (4 pm ET, on Univision Deportes Network and in English via SAP in the USA, MLS Live in Canada). While both teams are undefeated after two games, Union head coach Jim Curtin feels his side is ready to push for more, once again praising his new striker Fernando Aristeguieta. However, in order to beat FCD they’ll need to get past a defense so strong that even Dan Kennedy can’t crack the starting lineup.
2. HOME OPENER IN EVERY SENSE
It’s been a long wait. But on Sunday
the San Jose Earthquakes will finally move into their brand-new home
when they take on the Chicago Fire in the inaugural MLS game at Avaya Stadium (7 pm ET, Fox Sports 1 and Fox Deportes). Having held his own against the stars of the Seattle Sounders,
rookie Fatai Alashe is ready to do the same against the Fire
.
3. LET THE BIDDING BEGIN
While Russia 2018 is still a ways off, FIFA is already making plans for the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup, revealing on Friday morning that the tournament's host nation will be selected in May 2017. The organization also released details about the financial breakdown of last year's event, which include some eye-opening figures.
4. REVOLUTION NEED TO DIG DEEP
The New England Revolution backline has been depleted by the losses of Jose Goncalves and Kevin Alston, while coach Jay Heaps disclosed on Wednesday that former Revs defender AJ Soares nearly returned to the MLS club a couple of weeks ago. But goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth is calling for his side to fight harder than ever when they host a jubilant Montreal Impact, complete with rising star Cameron Porter, on Saturday (3 pm ET, MLS LIVE)
5. RARIFIED AIR
With their first MLS win under their belts, New York City FC will be looking for another one when they visit the Colorado Rapids this Saturday (4 pm ET, MLS LIVE). NYCFC look to be adjusting nicely to Jason Kreis’ evolving style, but will they be able to handle the altitude in Denver?
6. ORLANDO CROWD KEEPS GROWING
More than 24,000 tickets have been sold for Orlando City SC’s game against the Vancouver Whitecaps (Saturday, 7:30 pm ET, TSN 1 in Canada, MLS LIVE in the US) and the club plans to continue selling them right up until kickoff. The ‘Caps might present the Lions' toughest test yet, but the Canadian side will have to make do without Mauro Rosales.
7. MAKING THE MOST OF IT
While it won’t affect Sporting Kansas City’s game against the Portland Timbers (Saturday, 8:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE), both Roger Espinoza and Marcel de Jong look set to miss some time for SKC after being called up to their respective national teams. The Timbers' Jorge Villafaña hasn’t earned a full international callup yet but, having fought tooth and nail just to reach this stage, the left back is enjoying every minute.
8. KEEPER QUESTIONS
Tyler Deric will be looking to put his decisive error against Orlando City behind him on Saturday as the Houston Dynamo travel to California to take on the LA Galaxy (10:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE). The Galaxy have their own GK selection issue: Though Brian Rowe has played well for the last two games, Jaime Penedo feels he’s ready to start again after overcoming a migraine.
9. IN AT THE DEEP END
With the New York Red Bulls depleted by injuries, new signing Kemar Lawrence might be thrust straight into the starting lineup this Sunday when the team hosts D.C. United (5 pm ET, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada). United, meanwhile have no new injury concerns but are busy deciding which young players to loan to their USL affiliate, the Richmond Kickers.
10. MLS CLUBS FILL OUT USL SIDES
While MLS teams rosters are by and large sorted at this point, plenty of USL places are still on the line as the third-tier league's season starts this weekend, for six of the teams, at least. LA Galaxy II and Seattle Sounders 2 have added some more players to their developmental sides' rosters, while the New York Red Bulls II have unveiled the club’s very first player.
11. READY TO GO
There’s no game for Real Salt Lake this weekend, affording them a chance to, in their own terms, correct the mistakes from Week 2. But the start of the USL season will see their new Real Monarchs squad finally take to the field. So will defending USL champs Sacramento Republic, who can temporarily put their MLS expansion quest aside and focus on trying to win a second USL title.
12. TOUGH TASK FOR FRANCIS
With Columbus Crew SC on a bye week, Waylon Francis won’t be called into action ahead of Costa Rica’s international games next weekend. Yet as the defender looks ahead at the coming year for both club and country, Francis is demanding even more from himself.
13. CANADA’S CHOICES
The Canadian national team has announced their its roster for upcoming friendlies against Guatemala and Puerto Rico. The 23-man squad features nine MLS players, and one trialist, including No. 1 SuperDraft selection Cyle Larin, yet there's no place for Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osorio.
- ONE CONFIRMED?
Jurgen Klinsmann is expected to announce his own US national team roster over the weekend, and this might be the first time since the World Cup that the US head coach has his strongest squad come together. Down in Mexico, Club Leon goalkeeper William Yarbrough claims he has accepted a callup from the US, leading to this nice tribute from the Liga MX side.
15. SAVE THE DATE
Don’t make any plans for December 18, 2022, as FIFA has announced that will be the date for the World Cup final in Qatar. FIFA also granted France hosting rights for the 2019 Women’s World Cup. And is the 2015 edition of the Women's World Cup to blame for Abby Wambach missing the 2015 domestic NWSL season? The legendary US forward explains.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
WATCH: Re-live NYCFC’s home opener from the sidelines
Armchair Analyst: diagnosing the Revolution’s early-season struggles
American Exports: Tim Howard and Everton booted from Europa League
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 TEAM
Atlanta
Chicago Fire
Colorado Rapids
Columbus Crew SC
D.C. United
FC Dallas
Houston Dynamo
LAFC
LA Galaxy
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
