Here are the 15 stories we're talking about this morning:
1. ORLANDO CITY KEEP CLIMBING
Orlando City SC took down Eastern Conference leaders D.C. United on Sunday, 1-0 (HIGHLIGHTS), thanks to a goal from Kaká -- on a rebound of his own, saved penalty. The result pushed the Lions into 3rd place, but are they playoff contenders? United, meanwhile, left Florida still on top of the standings, and despite saying the PK call could've gone either way, head coach Ben Olsen admitted Orlando "earned [the win]."
2. NEW YORK CITY FREED UP
Having halted their 11-game winless streak two weeks ago, New York City FC’s newly “liberated” playing style helped them earn a second consecutive victory on Saturday, 3-1, against the Montreal Impact (HIGHLIGHTS). The Canadian side, who entered the game with four wins in five, lamented their lack of first-half rhythm.
3. MARKING A CENTURY IN STYLE
Saturday, Diego Fagundez became the youngest player in MLS history to make 100 appearances, and he marked the moment with
this stunning volley goal
in the New England Revolution's 2-0 victory over the Chicago Fire (
HIGHLIGHTS
). Afterward, the 20-year-old called it “
the best day I’ve had my whole career
.” The Fire were missing a number of international players for the game but
Frank Yallop refused to use that as an excuse
. In other Revs news, looks like Jermaine Jones
will miss 6-8 weeks following hernia surgery
.
4. LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SDE
While Columbus Crew SC and the LA Galaxy both earned a point in a 1-1 draw (HIGHLIGHTS) following a lengthy weather delay at MAPFRE Stadium, there were positives for both teams. For Crew SC, the result marked their first comeback of the year. For the Galaxy, it was the performance of newcomer Sebastien Lletget. And during the delay, the Crew SC players kept their spirits up with some fun stuff.
5. SWITCHED-UP SOUNDERS
With things scoreless the break, some halftime adjustments for the Seattle Sounders proved to be the difference in their 3-0 win over FC Dallas (HIGHLIGHTS). The game was the third in a row without a goal for Dallas, theirand head coach Oscar Pareja knows things need to improve up front.
6. RED BULLS' NEED FOR SPEED(Y)?
One of the teams OCSC have passed on their climb up the table is the New York Red Bulls, whose bye weekend gave them a chance to address some of the issues that have led to a four-game winless skid. They've reportedly brought in a young Jamaican midfielder on trial, Devon "Speedy" Williams, who might become the newest addition to RBNY's Reggae Boyz contingent.
7. QUAKES LOOKING FOR OPTIONS
While the San Jose Earthquakes are busy planning for Chris Wondolowski’s Gold Cup departure amidst talk of Steven Lenhart being out for the whole year, their appeal over Mark Sherrod’s red card has been denied by an independent review panel. The Quakes only have one more unsuccessful red-card appeal left for the remainder of the season.
8. JOURNEYS END FOR US U-20s
The US U-20 national team's World Cup run came to an end on Sunday, despite an impressive effort. Tab Ramos's side were beaten by Serbia in a gripping penalty-kick shootout that ended 6-5. The tournament marked the first time the US had reached the quarterfinals since 2007. But star striker Gedion Zelalem, who will still be eligible for the U-20s in 2017, wants the US program to aim higher.
9. #CANADARED
Women's World Cup hosts Canada take on the Netherlands on Monday in their final group game, and there is plenty still on the line for both sides.
10. ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT FOR USWNT?
The US women’s national team had a chance to secure their passage into the Women’s World Cup knockout stage on Friday but, instead, found themselves held to a 0-0 draw by Sweden. While the team’s performance may need a little work, the TV ratings were a huge success.
11. #CANADARED, PART 2
While Canada's women's team chases a spot in the knockout round, the men’s team is prepparing for an important game of their own -- a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. Forwards Cyle Larin and Tesho Akindele are giving Canadians plenty reason for optimism.
12. MLSERS AROUND THE WORLD
Several MLS players took part in international matches over the weekend, including LA Galaxy's Robbie Keane, Chicago Fire's Shaun Maloney, and NYCFC's Adam Nemec. How'd they do?
13. CONCACAF IN SOUTH AMERICA
Copa América got underway for the guest CONCACAF nations over the weekend, with Mexico struggling in a 0-0 draw with Bolivia and Jamaica falling to Uruguay despite a spirited performance. Next up, El Tri take on Chile on Monday.
- MEXICO MAKE THEIR GOLD CUP CHOICES
The final 23-man Gold Cup rosters don’t have to be in until June 22, but Mexico manager Miguel Herrera is never one to wait around, announcing his selections already. Plenty of big names and heavy firepower, including Carlos Vela, Chicharito, and both Giovani and Jonathan Dos Santos.
15. RUNNING THE SHOW IN LOUISVILLE
While the world's top women's teams are showing off their stuff in Canada right now, one former women’s professional soccer player is currently helping lead the way at Orlando City SC’s USL affiliate, Louisville City FC.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
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Colorado Rapid’s Luis Solignac focused on scoring first goal
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