Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
LAFC make first Houston trip
Expansion darlings LAFC can take tentative hold of first place in the West with a victory from their first visit to Houston on Tuesday night (9 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The visitors will enter with five straight wins across all competitions and a scorching hot striker in Adama Diomande. PREVIEW
2 Chainz to take MLS All-Star stage
It was anounced that Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz will headline the city's free July 29th All-Star Game Concert presented by Target. Electronic-pop trio Cheat Codes will open the show. MORE INFO
D.C. United want goals from Rooney
There's been a lot of discussion about how D.C. United might utilize superstar catch Wayne Rooney, but general manager Dave Kaspar made it very clear what they expect from him on the field. "I think we do want to get Wayne as close to goal as possible," he told reporters at Wazza's introductory press conference on Monday. READ MORE
Stejskal: A twist in the Katai tale
Speaking of Katai, Sam Stejskal reports that the in-form Chicago winger is actually on loan until July 31, meaning they have more time to figure out the best way to extend his stay. Contract negotiations on Katai's loan stint originally ended with June. READ MORE
Week 18 honor roll
Timbers defender Larrys Mabiala led all MLS players with 1,416 points in the Week 18 Audi Player Index.
The streaking Portland Timbers were the only team to find two of its players on our MLS Team of the Week. Weekend Chicago hero Aleksandar Katai was the only man to keep his place in the XI from last week, while Atlanta United ace Miguel Almiron earned his fifth nod of the season. READ MORE
Transfer talk: Fernando Torres, Alvaro Negredo
Spanish daily AS claims that Atletico Madrid free agent Fernando Torres is set to choose between the Chicago Fire and Japanese side Sagan Tosu as his next playing destination. The 34-year-old is leaving his boyhood club for a second time after scoring 10 goals across all competitions last term. READ MORE
Meanwhile, Sporting KC boss Peter Vermes has shot down rumors that they've made an offer for Besiktas strike veteran Alvaro Negredo. READ MORE
Exports: Palmer-Brown near NAC loan?
The executives at Eredivisie risers NAC Breda are patiently waiting until World Cup ends [In Dutch–ed.]to find out if they can land US defender Erik Palmer-Brown on loan from sister club Manchester City. The Premier League champs still have several regulars on duty with their respective countries at the tournament. READ MORE
