Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. US OPEN CUP
It was a familiar scene for Sporting Kansas City as another penalty shootout ended in more trophy success with SKC beating the Philadelphia Union 7-6 on penalties following a 1-1 draw through both regulation and extra time (HIGHLIGHTS). Goalkeeper Tim Melia played a big part in the win for SKC but, following a second final defeat in two years, Philly manager Jim Curtin was once again apologizing to Union fans
2. MARSHALL SUFFERS INJURY
There was a moment of concern for the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, as they were forced to end practice early as defender Chad Marshall was taken away in an ambulance. It left many worried about the health of the 2014 Defender of the Year, but Marshall has since tweeted from the hospital, revealing that he’s doing ok.
3. LARIN’S BOYHOOD HERO
Orlando City are hoping for a crowd of 45,000 for their must-win Eastern Conference match against the Montreal Impact on Saturday and, while forward Cyle Larin may have the opportunity to outdo childhood hero Didier Drogba, he’s also really looking forward to swapping jerseys with him.
4. DIFFERENT SPORTS, SAME DREAM
Could it be a groundbreaking year for two different Toronto sports teams? As Toronto FC look to secure their first appearance in the MLS postseason, they’re taking some inspiration from the Toronto Blue Jays, the Major League Baseball side that just secured its first appearance in the playoffs since 1993.
5. WATCH THE WEATHER
D.C. United are set to play New York City FC at RFK Stadium on Friday (7 pm ET, UniMas in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada) but, with more heavy rain expected in the area this week, the home side and the league are monitoring the weather situation. Meanwhile, DC's new stadium project moved a step closer to reality on Wednesday as the city filed for the final piece of land via eminent domain
6. STANDING IN THE HALL OF FAME
Planning a road trip to Dallas in the near future? Soon you'll be able to visit the US Soccer Hall of Fame, with FC Dallas and US Soccer officially revealing that the new venue will be built as part of improvement work on FCD’s Toyota Stadium. The official announcement will be made on October 14.
7. GETTING PHYSICAL
There are a number of impressive Designated Players that have arrived in MLS in 2015, with Didier Drogba and Sebastian Giovinco immediately making a difference in their first seasons. But can it be argued that how quickly a DP adapts to the physical element of MLS can play a big part in how influential they become?
8. SQUAD PREDICTIONS
Both the US and Mexico are set to announce their final rosters for the CONCACAF Cup today and, with that in mind, the here is a projection for what the US’s final 23 may look like, along with El Tri’s as well.
9. A NEW CYCLE
The USA and Canada Under-23s face off in the opener of CONCACAF Olympic qualifying today at Sporting Park (9 pm ET, NBC Universo) and, while the US group is keen to forget the pain of the last cycle, head coach Andi Herzog is turning to a number of U20’s to help them do it. However, one player who won’t be involved is the Montreal Impact’s Eric Miller, who was replaced by Real Salt Lake’s Boyd Okwuonu.
10. AN IMMEDIATE FUTURE
Matt Miazga has had an impressive season with the New York Red Bulls this year and his form has US Under-23 coach Andi Herzog confident that the defender will be playing with the senior team sooner rather than later. Meanwhile Miazga’s club boss, Jesse Marsch, has clarified his position on the Supporters' Shield and Luis Robles shares his feelings on the developing New York rivalry.
11. HOILETT MAKES HIS CHOICE
The senior Canadian national team has received a massive boost to their World Cup qualifying hopes following the news that Junior Hoilett has finally decided to commit his future to Canada.
12. WILL MORRIS MAKE HIS MARK?
The upcoming US Under-23 Olympic Qualifying campaign offers another major milestone for Jordan Morris. While the US international is still a prospect for the Seattle Sounders, he’s not the only promising young talent coming through their academy.
13. HOME ADVANTAGE?
The LA Galaxy II may have gotten a boost ahead of their next USL Playoff game as, even though the Orange County Blues are the No. 1 seed, a deal has been struck which will see the game played at the StubHub Center instead.
14. KANSAS CITY EYE ANOTHER TROPHY
This week’s cup finals don’t end with the US Open Cup, as FC Kansas City take on the Seattle Reign at Providence Park in Portland tonight (9.30 pm ET) in the NWSL championship game. FCKC beat the Reign for the regular season title, but can the team from Seattle get some revenge just down the road from home? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s match-up.
15. THIS IS HOW I WORK…
Steve Zakuani is set to make his return to soccer, this time on the touchline, with the former Seattle Sounders star set to become an assistant coach for the Tacoma Stars of the Major Arena Soccer League.
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