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July 10, 2016 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


New York Red Bulls vs. Portland Timbers, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN2/ESPN Deportes 1. Red Bulls vs. Portland Timbers: 5 things to watch Sunday (NJ.com) 2. Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch issues challenge after trade: 'Guys need to step up' (NJ.com)

Sporting Kansas City vs. New York City FC, 8 p.m. ET, FS1/FOX Deportes 3. A productive Graham Zusi could do wonders for Sporting Kansas City (Kansas City Star) 4. New York City FC looks to extend winning streak at Sporting Kansas City (Associated Press)

MLS AT&T All-Star Fan XI 5. Kaka, dos Santos head MLS all-star team coming to San Jose (San Jose Mercury News) 6. Orlando City star Kaká named to 2016 MLS All-Star roster (Orlando Sentinel) 7. Portland Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe voted to 2016 MLS All-Star Fan XI (The Oregonian) 8. Sporting KC defender Matt Besler voted to MLS All-Star Fan XI (Kansas City Star) 9. Union's Rosenberry, Blake named MLS all-stars (Philadelphia Inquirer) 10. Toronto FC's Giovinco, Montreal Impact's Drogba and Ciman named MLS all-stars (The Canadian Press) 11. Sounders left out of MLS All-Star Fan XI selections (Seattle Times) 12. NYCFC's David Villa, Andrea Pirlo lead MLS All-Star Fan XI (ESPNFC.com) 13. MLS announces players voted into All-Star Game vs. Arsenal (FOXSports.com) 14. Giovinco, Drogba, Kaka headline MLS All-Star Fan XI (SI.com) 15. Didier Drogba and Andrea Pirlo among the MLS All-Stars set to face Arsenal in pre-season friendly following online vote (Daily Mail) 16. MLS announces Fan XI for All-Star game against Arsenal (Goal.com)

LA Galaxy 1, Seattle Sounders FC 0 17. Galaxy defeat Seattle Sounders, 1-0, on goal by Robbie Keane (Los Angeles Times) 18. Robbie Keane lifts LA Galaxy in shutout victory over Seattle Sounders (Associated Press)

Philadelphia Union 3, D.C. United 0 19. Union romp to 3-0 win over United (Philadelphia Inquirer) 20. Defensive letdowns cost United in 3-0 road loss to Union (Washington Post)

New England Revolution 3, Columbus Crew SC 1 21. Kei Kamara, Revolution take care of Crew (Boston Herald) 22. Defense breaks down against ex-teammate Kei Kamara (Columbus Dispatch)

Toronto FC 1, Chicago Fire 0 23. Toronto FC edges Chicago Fire in MLS action (Toronto Sun) 24. Giovinco can't warm up but TFC still beats Fire (Toronto Star)

Real Salt Lake 1, Montreal Impact 1 25. RSL salvages 1-1 draw with Montreal Impact (Salt Lake Tribune) 26. Jordan Allen embracing role as impact sub off the RSL bench (Salt Lake Tribune)

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, Colorado Rapids 2 27. Rapids claw back for 2-2 draw, thanks to 95th-minute goal from Axel Sjoberg (Denver Post) 28. Whitecaps 2, Rapids 2: Done in at the end, again (The Province)

(Additional articles for consideration can be submitted directly to Jane Sexton of MLS Communications at Jane.Sexton@MLSsoccer.com.)

1. Red Bulls vs. Portland Timbers: 5 things to watch Sunday

By Daniel Falkenheim NJ.com - July 9, 2016

It's time to stop the bleeding.

The Red Bulls -- in second place in the MLS Eastern Conference before they went 0-4 in a string of road games -- have slid into fourth place.

They're back home on Sunday to face the Portland Timbers, the defending MLS champions. Here are five things to watch:

Containing Fanendo Adi

Adi, the Timbers' leading goal scorer, is 6-foot-4, but there's much more to him than height. Adi is light on his feet and strong, and isn't afraid to put himself in a threatening position in the box. He is taller than any player on the Red Bulls' backline, so defending him will be a challenge, especially on set plays.

"He's the best target man in the league," Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch said after Friday's practice. "He's a big presence for them. If things break down, he's the bailout for them to play forward and for him to hold onto balls and bring the rest of the team in. It's a big challenge on the day."

Negating Darlington Nagbe

He has only one goal and four assists this season, but the Red Bulls shouldn't underestimate Nagbe, a crafty player. Nagbe will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents after not seeing much time for the United States in Copa America.

"One of the things about Darlington [Nagbe] that's really amazing, is that in the tightest of spaces, he finds ways to get out," Marsch said. "When he gets the ball, one guy may not be enough. We need to compress the field and make sure that we close down his options."

Next man up

The Red Bulls traded Lloyd Sam to D.C. United on Thursday, and the move leaves a void in the midfield. Homegrown talent Alex Muyl has started in place of Sam in the previous two games, but other players will have a chance to prove their worth. Gonzalo Veron has been disappointing this season and Sunday could be the first step to earning a consistent role with the team.

"There are a lot of guys that I think need to step up," Marsch said. "Gonzalo Veron has a great opportunity and needs to step up his game, and now show that he understands what this takes. We need everybody to step forward in a big way and be ready to get better."

Will Damien Perrinelle play?

Perrinelle hasn't played an MLS game since suffering a season-ending injury in last year's Eastern Conference semifinals. However, Perrinelle looked sharp as he logged 75 minutes in Wednesday's friendly against Club America. Perrinelle probably won't start, but he could see minutes in Sunday's game.

"[Perrinelle] came through the Club America game in a really good way," Marsch said. "He's getting himself up to speed soccer-wise. I think he's getting stronger physically, so he's really getting close."

Home superiority

The Red Bulls are 6-2-0 in games at Red Bull Arena but 1-7-2 in all other games. The Red Bulls are better at dictating the tempo and style of play when they're at home, and Sunday should be a good opportunity for the Red Bulls to halt their four-game winless streak.

2. Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch issues challenge after trade: 'Guys need to step up'

By Daniel Falkenheim NJ.com - July 8, 2016

Lloyd Sam spent his five-year MLS career with the New York Red Bulls. His play made him a staple of the Red Bulls' midfield, and his wide smile and jovial attitude made him a locker-room favorite.

Now he's gone.

The Red Bulls traded Sam to D.C. United for an unspecified amount of allocation money on Thursday. His teammates now must play against him as a member of their Eastern Conference rival.

"It's tough for us, because we loved him," Red Bulls forward Mike Grella told reporters after Friday's training session. "I've played in Europe for six years and it happens all of the time. It's just an ugly part of the game."

Lloyd Sam spent his entire MLS career with the New York Red Bulls before being traded to D.C. United on Thursday.

The MLS transfer window is a harsh reality of the sport. The Red Bulls must move on, which means players have a new challenge.

"There are a lot of guys that I think need to step up," Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch said after Friday's practice. "Gonzalo Veron has a great opportunity and needs to step up his game, and now show that he understands what this takes. We need everybody to step forward in a big way and be ready to get better."

Sam wasn't in the starting lineup in the Red Bulls' two previous MLS games, and homegrown forward Alex Muyl started in his place. Veron, who has been a disappointment, has a chance to earn a consistent role.

The players who could fill the void left by the trade don't have much time. Marsch told reporters after Tuesday's practice that the Red Bulls are looking to bolster their attack through the transfer window, which closes Aug. 3.

"[Sam] was a big personality around here -- a big presence in the locker room," Marsch said after Friday's practice. "In so many ways, I enjoyed getting know Lloyd and coach him. It was hard pulling the trigger because the last thing you want to do is give one of your good players to your biggest rival."

Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan was sad to see Lloyd go.

"He's a good guy that a lot of us older guys got along with well," Kljestan said Friday. "We've got to look forward now and wish Lloyd [Sam] all the best."

They have to move on, as the Red Bulls will face off against the Portland Timbers at Red Bull Arena on Sunday.

3. A productive Graham Zusi could do wonders for Sporting Kansas City

By Sam McDowell Kansas City Star - July 9, 2016

The ball rested 25 yards from the south goal at Children's Mercy Park, so naturally, Benny Feilhaber and Dom Dwyer stood over it.

Each of them prepared to foster an argument for taking the Sporting Kansas City free kick before an interruption.

It came from Graham Zusi.

"He pushed us off the ball and said he was going to take it," Feilhaber said. "And I think both of us felt the confidence he had, so we let him have it."

The bender drilled the crossbar, inches from Zusi scoring a goal, but the outcome wasn't the purpose of the story.

That confidence.

Across the locker room after Sporting Kansas City's 3-2 victory against Columbus last weekend, Zusi's teammates described his outing as his best in 2016. His coach called him the man of the match.

Put more simply: "I think you just saw Graham Zusi," coach Peter Vermes said. "That's the guy I know."

It hasn't been the guy Sporting Kansas City has seen for extended stretches over the past 18 months. And perhaps with valid reasoning. Zusi battled four injuries last season. A foot injury caused him to try more than a dozen different models of boots in search of easing the pain while he continued to play.

After the season, Vermes called United States men's national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann and requested he not take Zusi into the Americans' annual January training camp.

"If you allow him to (skip) that, he's not only going to be good with us, he's going to be good with you," Vermes offered.

After Klinsmann obliged, Vermes told reporters in March to expect a big season from Zusi, a return to his MLS All-Star years. That didn't materialize over the first half of the season. On a team that struggled to score goals for a two-month stretch, Vermes believed Zusi got caught trying to stretch beyond his means.

On Sunday, Zusi found his vintage form. He was aggressive. He was fearless.

He scored, too. For the first time this season, Zusi found the back of the net, and he did the heavy lifting, making a 35-yard run with the ball at his feet before blasting a left-footed strike just inside the post.

"The thing that stands out to me about that play is not necessarily the shot but the way that he drove in there," Feilhaber said. "He wanted to make something happen.

"He played really well for us. We need that from him."

It followed an impressive stint with the U.S. men's national team at Copa America, during which Zusi scored once off the bench. And the order of events is likely no coincidence. Zusi is a near-lock to deflect questions that require analysis of his own play, but when asked if his confidence received a jolt from his time with the national team, he responded, "Yeah, it certainly can."

The next question: Will it last?

Sporting KC, 7-8-4, is in the thick of a playoff race in the Western Conference. It plays host to the top team from the East, New York City FC, at 7 p.m. Sunday at Children's Mercy Park.

The club reaches a different capability with Zusi playing at the top of his game. It doesn't require a deep delving into analytics to figure that out.

In 2012, Zusi recorded five goals and 15 assists, and Sporting KC finished first in its conference. In 2013, he had six goals and eight assists, and Sporting KC won the MLS Cup Final. The point totals have dipped in three straight seasons, and so has Sporting KC's place in the standings.

Is it that simple? Perhaps.

Vermes describes Zusi as a player "who can change the game on his own," but he also stressed the need for Zusi to play within his role.

He played a significant role last week. Another match awaits Sunday.

"We've had peaks and valleys this year," Zusi said. "What we've been preaching lately is consistency."

4. New York City FC looks to extend winning streak at Sporting Kansas City

Associated Press - July 9, 2016

Two teams with four-game unbeaten streaks meet Sunday at Children's Mercy Park, as Eastern Conference-leading New York City FC makes its first-ever visit to Kansas City to face Sporting Kansas City.

NYCFC's unbeaten streak actually comprises four straight wins, tied for the longest by any MLS team this season. The streak has the squad on top of the Eastern Conference standings with 30 points. NYCFC had a pair of shutout victories in the past week, defeating the New York Red Bulls 2-0 and the New England Revolution 1-0. They have a 272-minute shutout run that stands as the longest active streak in MLS.

New York City FC is 5-2-1 on the road this season, with two more road wins than any other team. The Sky Blues are unbeaten in four straight road games dating back to mid-May, winning three and posting shutouts in their last two. Overall, they are 8-5-6 (30 points).

David Villa, a World Cup champion with Spain, leads MLS with 12 goals, while Italian World Cup champion Andrea Pirlo ranks among the top five in chances created. Frank Lampard missed the first 2 1/2 months because of injury, but has scored three goals in his last four appearances, including the game-winner in Wednesday's triumph at New England.

Sporting KC is coming off a dramatic, stoppage-time 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew last Sunday. Matt Besler scored his first goal since 2011 with a 91st-minute header. Benny Feilhaber and Graham Zusi also scored for Sporting, who had their first three-goal game of the season.

The win helped Sporting back above the line in the playoff push with a 7-8-4 record (25 points), good for fifth spot in the Western Conference.

Besler and Zusi both likely will make milestone appearances Sunday. Besler should make his 200th MLS start (including playoffs), while Zusi is set to start his 150th regular season game.

Sporting Kansas City was victorious in its first-ever meeting with New York City at Yankee Stadium on March 28, 2015. Ike Opara's 12th-minute header off a Besler throw-in gave the visitors a 1-0 victory.

Sporting Kansas City will be without leading goal scorer Dom Dwyer, who will serve a one-game suspension Sunday due to caution accumulation. Three players are listed as questionable, as Nuno Coelho (thigh), Chance Myers (hamstring) and Paulo Nagamura (thigh) recover from recent injuries. Meanwhile, New York City FC likely will be without defender Ethan White (adductor strain) and forward Steven Mendoza (core injury).

5. Kaka, dos Santos head MLS all-star team coming to San Jose

By Elliott Almond San Jose Mercury News - July 9, 2016

SAN JOSE -- Some of Major League Soccer's biggest names are headed to the all-star game July 28 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, the league announced Saturday after the fan vote.

Mexican star Giovani dos Santos and Brazil's Kaka will lead the team that faces English giant Arsenal FC. Dos Santos plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy while Kaka represents Orlando City SC. No one from the hometown Earthquakes made the fans' top 11. The game day roster is scheduled to be announced next Sunday. It will include two commissioner's picks and 20 players selected by all-star coach Dominic Kinnear of the Quakes.

The fans' other top picks included midfielders Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers) and Andrea Pirlo (New York City FC) and forwards Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact), Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC) and David Villa (New York City FC).

6. Orlando City star Kaká named to 2016 MLS All-Star roster

By Alicia DelGallo Orlando Sentinel - July 10, 2016

Orlando City star Kaká was named to the 2016 MLS All-Star roster after finishing among the top two midfielders in the league in a fan vote that concluded Friday.

The MLS All-Stars will play English Premier League team Arsenal at 7:30 p.m. July 28 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and UniMas.

Kaká made the team as a Fan XI selection despite playing in only half of Orlando City's matches due to injury. He's recorded three goals and five assists in nine games.

The rest of the 32-player All-Star team will be selected by this year's All-Star coach Dominic Kinnear, also head coach of the San Jose Earthquakes, MLS commissioner Don Garber and league players. The final roster will be announced July 16.

This will be Kaká's second MLS All-Star appearance. He was named captain and MVP of the 2015 All-Stars, scoring a goal and an assist in the match against Tottenham Hotspur of the EPL.

"I'm very happy to be part of this team,' Kaká said in a statement released by Orlando City. "Last year, I had a very great time playing in the All-Star game against Tottenham. This year, we get to play against Arsenal. It will be awesome again because it's a very good team. I want to thank everybody who voted for me to be a part of this team."

Other Fan XI choices include MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy), Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact) and U.S. men's national team players Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City) and Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers).

7. Portland Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe voted to 2016 MLS All-Star Fan XI

By Jamie Goldberg The Oregonian - July 9, 2016

Portland Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe became one of the first 11 players to be named to the 2016 MLS All-Star team Saturday.

Fans picked Nagbe to be part of the MLS All-Star Fan XI.

The MLS All-Star Game will take place on Thursday, July 28 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California.

See the full release from the Timbers below:

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe has been voted to the 2016 AT&T MLS All-Star Fan XI, it was announced today during halftime of ESPN's broadcast of the Seattle Sounders FC-LA Galaxy match.

As part of the Fan XI, Nagbe was one of the top vote-getters for the 2016 MLS All-Star squad based upon fan voting online at MLSsoccer.com. The All-Star ballot featured a total of 160 players, as chosen by a panel of media members.

The 2016 AT&T MLS All-Star game features a contest between the MLS All-Stars and English Premier League club Arsenal FC at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif., on Thursday, July 28, at 4:30 p.m. (Pacific), live on ESPN, UniMás, UDN, TSN, and RDS.

The selection marks Nagbe's first nomination to the All-Star Fan XI since joining MLS in 2011. The Timbers career-leader in appearances across all eras (since 1975), Nagbe, 25, has made 12 starts in 12 appearances for the Timbers in 2016, compiling 172 appearances (161 starts) since beginning his MLS career with Portland in 2011. Prior to joining the U.S. Men's National Team for the 2016 Copa America Centenario in June, Nagbe recorded one goal and three assists over a six-game stretch (April 27-May 22) with Portland, extending his career tally to 24 goals and 23 assists with the Timbers. Across all eras in club history (since 1975), Nagbe is ranked 10th for goals and sixth for assists, while ranking eighth for points (71).

Additionally, Nagbe ranks first in MLS for passing accuracy in the opponent's half (88.86) among players who have played at least 12 games this season, while ranking third for overall passing accuracy (90.42 percent), according to Opta. Nagbe has also been named to the MLSsoccer.comTeam of the Week two times this season (Week 10 and 13), winning MLS Goal of the Week in Week 13.

The 2016 AT&T MLS All-Star game day roster will be announced on Sunday, July 17, and include the two Commissioner's Picks as well as 20 players selected by All-Star team head coach Dominic Kinnear. While the players named to the Fan XI are not guaranteed a spot on the game day roster, the outcome of fan voting is taken into consideration as the 22-man roster is decided.

2016 MLS All-Star Fan XI

Goalkeeper: Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)

Defenders: Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact), Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia Union)

Midfielders: Kaká (Orlando City SC), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Andrea Pirlo (New York City FC), Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy)

Forwards: Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact), Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), David Villa (New York City FC - AT&T/EA SPORTS™ "More Than a Vote" Challenge)

8. Sporting KC defender Matt Besler voted to MLS All-Star Fan XI

By Sam McDowell Kansas City Star - July 9, 2016

It's been quite a week for Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler.

Six days after scoring his first goal since 2011, Besler was named part of the MLS All-Star Fan XI, the fifth selection in his career, which is the third most in Sporting KC history. Preki was selected seven times.

The fan vote, revealed Saturday, does not technically guarantee Besler a spot on the roster for the midseason game on July 28, when the MLS All-Stars face English Premier League club Arsenal FC in San Jose, Calif. But the players voted by the fans are typically included on the game-day roster, which will be announced July 17.

Besler, 29, has played 11 MLS matches this season on Sporting Kansas City's back line. He mixed in a five-week stint with the United States men's national team. Sporting KC has allowed a league-low 9.5 shot attempts per game this season.

On Sunday, Besler scored his first goal in five seasons, a stoppage-time header that lifted Sporting KC to a dramatic 3-2 victory against visiting Columbus Crew.

9. Union's Rosenberry, Blake named MLS all-stars

By Marc Narducci and Paul Schwedelson Philadelphia Inquirer - July 9, 2016

Rookie defender Keegan Rosenberry and goalkeeper Andre Blake of the Union were named to the Major League Soccer All-Star Game on Saturday.

The game will be played July 28 in San Jose, Calif., with the MLS stars facing Arsenal of the English Premier League.

It is the second time in the Union's seven-year history that they will have more than one player in the All-Star Game. In 2012, Carlos Valdes and Michael Farfan played in the game hosted by the Union.

"It's excellent. It's great because the Union badge will be on display against Arsenal," coach Jim Curtin said. "That's a special thing. I think Keegan and Andre getting rewarded are a product of a good team, though. ... Really happy for them."

Rosenberry and Blake are the first Union players to make the all-star team since Maurice Edu in 2014. Both were drafted by the club and Curtin acknowledged the team's development program.

The players chosen in the Fan XI vote won't necessarily be the starters. San Jose Earthquakes coach Dominic Kinnear will pick the starters, along with the rest of the roster, which will be announced July 17.

Rosenberry has played every minute this season for the Union after being selected third overall in this year's draft.

"It is exciting obviously. I am thrilled," Rosenberry said. "I would never have imagined it, coming into my first year, of course. The first thing I would say is to thank my team and coaches because if the team doesn't do well, you don't get the individual awards."

Blake has started 17 games and owns a 1.41 goals-against average, but he has made as many spectacular saves as any goalie in MLS. While he appreciated the recognition, he's prepping to continue making a difference, even if it's in an exhibition.

"It's not just making the All-Star Game, it's about going there and performing," Blake said. "I'll stay quiet for now and keep my head down and hopefully I can go there and be successful."

10. Toronto FC's Giovinco, Montreal Impact's Drogba and Ciman named MLS all-stars

The Canadian Press - July 9, 2016

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. - Canadian soccer fans may see a pair of familiar faces leading Major League Soccer's attack as its All-Star XI face England's Arsenal on July 28 in a showcase match.

Toronto FC star Sebastian Giovinco and Montreal Impact forward Didier Drogba were voted as two of the forwards for the MLS all-stars at the exhibition in San Jose, Calif.

Impact defender Laurent Ciman was also named to the fan-selected team, while the Vancouver Whitecaps have no representatives.

The official all-star game day roster will be announced on July 17 and include the two commissioner's picks as well as 20 players selected by all-star team head coach Dominic Kinnear of the San Jose Earthquakes. While the players named to the Fan XI are not guaranteed a spot on the game day roster, the outcome of fan voting is taken into consideration as the 22-man roster is decided.

Giovinco is currently in his second season with Toronto FC. The reigning MVP and Golden Boot winner has made 19 appearances for Toronto FC in 2016, registering a total of nine goals and six assists in MLS and the Canadian Championship.

This marks the second consecutive year that Giovinco has been named to the MLS all-star game. He did not play in the 2015 exhibition due to an injury.

Drogba earned his first MLS all-star nomination with five goals and five assists in 10 games this season.

Ciman started all 12 Impact games before joining the Belgian National Team for Euro 2016, where he became the first MLS player to reach the quarter-final round

It will be Ciman's second straight appearance in the MLS all-star game.

11. Sounders left out of MLS All-Star Fan XI selections

By Kristen Gowdy Seattle Times - July 9, 2016

Major League Soccer revealed its All-Star Fan XI on Saturday. The selections, 10 of which were nominated by fans and one through the "More Than a Vote" challenge, will square off against Arsenal FC of the English Premier League on July 28 in San Jose, Calif.

The side is as follows:

Goalkeeper: Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)

Defenders: Matt Bessler (Sporting Kansas City), Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact), Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia Union)

Midfielders: Kaká (Orlando City SC), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Andrea Pirlo (New York City FC), Giovani de Santos (LA Galaxy)

Forwards: Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact), Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), David Villa (New York City FC)

Absent from the list are any Sounders players, but Seattle stars such as Jordan Morris and Clint Dempsey could still have the opportunity to play in the game.

The final roster will be announced July 17 and will be comprised of the two Commissioner's Picks and 20 players selected by All-Star team head coach Dominic Kinnear. The fan votes will be taken into consideration in the final selection process.

12. NYCFC's David Villa, Andrea Pirlo lead MLS All-Star Fan XI

ESPNFC.com - July 9, 2016

NYCFC's David Villa and Andrea Pirlo were both voted onto the 2016 MLS All-Star Fan XI, announced by the league on Saturday.

Villa won the "More Than a Vote" bid as determined by the number of goals fans scored while playing as him in the FIFA 16 video game.

Pirlo and the rest of the XI were selected through fan voting at at MLSsoccer.com.

NYCFC was one of three teams with two players named to the Fan XI, along with Philadelphia's Andre Blake and Keegan Rosenberry, and Montreal's Laurent Ciman and Didier Drogba.

The MLS All-Stars will face Arsenal on July 28, though making the Fan XI does not ensure they will be in the squad for the game.

Next weekend, All-Stars coach Dominic Kinnear will select 20 players to the team, and Don Garber will make two additional Commissioner's Picks.

The full fan XI:

Goalkeeper: Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union) Defenders: Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact), Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia Union) Midfielders: Kaka (Orlando City), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Andrea Pirlo (New York City FC), Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy), Forwards: Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact), Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), David Villa (New York City FC)

13. MLS announces players voted into All-Star Game vs. Arsenal

By Ryan Rosenblatt FOXSports.com - July 9, 2016

MLS announced the first 11 of their All-Stars that will take on Arsenal in the MLS All-Star Game on July 28. The first crop was littered with many of the league's biggest stars, including Giovani dos Santos, Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Didier Drogba, David Villa and Sebastian Giovinco.

The players chosen for the game so far were done so through a fan vote. The first 10 players came from a traditional online voting system, while Villa got in through EA Sports' "More Than a Vote" Challenge.

There will be a total of 22 more players added to the All-Star team, with the remainder announced on July 17. 20 of those players will be chosen by the MLS team's coach, Dominic Kinnear, while two will come from Don Garber, who gets to make two commissioner's picks.

Once the final team is decided, Kinnear will cut the team down to a 22-man gameday roster that will dress and be available for the match against Arsenal at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, CA.

All-Star Fan XI Goalkeeper: Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)

Defenders: Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact), Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia Union)

Midfielders: Kaká (Orlando City SC), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Andrea Pirlo (New York City FC), Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy)

Forwards: Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact), Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), David Villa (New York City FC)

14. Giovinco, Drogba, Kaka headline MLS All-Star Fan XI

SI.com - July 9, 2016

Major League Soccer announced its Fan XI on Wednesday for the upcoming All-Star game against Arsenal.

Reigning league MVP Sebastian Giovinco is among the major names on the roster, including Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Didier Drogba and David Villa. Two familiar United States national team members were named to the team: defender Matt Besler and midfielder Darlington Nagbe.

The MLS All-Star team will play a friendly with Arsenal on July 28 in San Jose, Calif. Fan XI members are not guaranteed a place on the final roster for the match, but the fan voting plays a factor in the final decision.

The full XI is below.

Goalkeeper: Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)

Defenders: Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact), Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia Union)

Midfielders: Kaká (Orlando City SC), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Andrea Pirlo (New York City FC), Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy),

Forwards: Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact), Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), David Villa (New York City FC)

15. Didier Drogba and Andrea Pirlo among the MLS All-Stars set to face Arsenal in pre-season friendly following online vote

By Daily Mail Ben Nagle - July 9, 2016

David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Dider Drogba are among the MLS All-Stars set to face Arsenal in a pre-season friendly at the end of July.

An online vote on the league's website allowed fans to choose their 10 favourite players, with the winners lining up against Arsene Wenger's Premier League side in California.

New York City's Villa was the only player not to be voted into the star-studded squad, instead earning his spot through an EA Sports campaign.

The 'More Than A Vote' challenge saw FIFA players score more than 800,000 goals with the former Barcelona striker, meaning he was automatically included in the 'AT&T All-Star Fan XI'.

Arsenal face RC Lens in France in their first fixture of pre-season on July 22, before heading stateside for the all-star game in San Jose.

While in America, the Gunners also face Chivas de Guadalajara in Los Angeles, before moving on to Norway to conclude their world tour.

In the July 28 All-Star fixture, fans voted in a number of emerging talents alongside the big names, to create a diverse starting XI.

Philadelphia Union pair Andre Blake and Keegan Rosenberry are among the lesser-known members of the team, while Darlington Nagbe - who recently began playing for the USA national team under Jurgen Klinsmann - will also play.

Former Chelsea striker Drogba will be the most familiar with Arsenal, given his two spells in the Premier League before moving to Canada.

Despite being 38 now, the Ivory Coast star will still be a threat to the Gunners back-line; he is Chelsea's fourth all-time top goalscorer with 164.

16. MLS announces Fan XI for All-Star game against Arsenal

By Seth Vertelney Goal.com - July 9, 2016

Major League Soccer has announced the Fan XI for the 2016 All-Star game against Arsenal.

The lineup will include three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards. Keegan Rosenberry, who has anchored the right back spot for the surprising Philadelphia Union, is the lone rookie in the lineup, which includes big-name stars like Didier Drogba, Andrea Pirlo, David Villa and Sebastian Giovinco.

While 10 of the 11 players in the lineup were determined by fan vote, one player - in this case, David Villa - was selected by a contest in which player fans could score the most goals with in the video game FIFA 2016.

The full 22-man All-Star gameday roster will be announced on July 17 and include two commissioner's picks from Don Garber. All-Star coach Dominic Kinnear is free to pick the lineup and does not have to use the players chosen in the Fan XI.

The MLS All-Stars will take on Arsenal at 7:30 p.m. ET on July 28 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and UniMas.

Full lineup: Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union), Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia Union), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact), Kaka (Orlando City), Andrea Pirlo (New York City FC), Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact), David Villa (New York City FC).

17. Galaxy defeat Seattle Sounders, 1-0, on goal by Robbie Keane

By Kevin Baxter Los Angeles Times - July 9, 2016

times this season the Galaxy have been given a second-half lead or tie to protect, only to watch it disappear in the time it takes to say "uh-oh."

So when goalkeeper Brian Rowe lost the ball to Jordan Morris in front of his own goal in the second half of Saturday's game with Seattle, he felt he was reliving a nightmare he had already seen too many times. Only this one had a happy ending, because when Morris finally gathered himself and got off a shot, defender A.J. DeLaGarza leaped in front of it, deflecting the ball wide to preserve a 1-0 victory over the Sounders.

"Being able to close out a game like that is massive," Rowe said after the Galaxy's second road win of the season, and their first in nearly three months. "We're finally figuring out that last little piece that we need."

Robbie Keane gave the Galaxy the only score they would need early in the first half, taking a pass from Gyasi Zardes on the edge of the six-yard box and lifting it over keeper Stefan Frei and into the top of the netting for his fourth goal in five games.

But then scoring hasn't been a problem for the Galaxy, who lead the league with 31 goals. Preventing goals has been another story, although the Galaxy appear to be figuring that out too after recording shutouts in three of their last four MLS games.

Rowe, who has five shutouts on the year, needed a lot of help in this one after the Sounders got off a season-high 22 shots. Yet he was called on to save only four of those because his defenders blocked nine others, including DeLaGarza's game-winning stop on Morris in the 53rd minute.

The play began with a long through ball from Tyrone Mears that found Morris behind DeLaGarza on the edge of the penalty area. When the keeper dashed off his line to challenge Morris, DeLaGarza circled in behind to make the kick save.

"It was a tough play," DeLaGarza said. "He had the whole goal to shoot at. You try to make yourself big."

Added Rowe: "I was just hoping he'd be able to make a play there. So I definitely owe him a beer tonight."

Seattle Coach Sigi Schmid might be reaching for something a little stronger; Saturday's loss was not only the league-worst 10th of the season for his Sounders, but it also marked the third time in four games they failed to score.

It wasn't for a lack of effort or opportunity. In addition to Morris' near miss, Clint Dempsey put one shot off the goalpost, and Rowe one-handed another Dempsey shot over the crossbar. Rowe also frustrated Zach Scott on a clean header.

The last time the Sounders scored in Seattle was May 7. And when they failed to get another goal Saturday despite outshooting the Galaxy 22-7, they were booed off the field by the crowd of 40,813.

"The ball just didn't bounce our way," midfielder Cristian Roldan shrugged. "We have to live with that.

"On another day two of those go in and we win the game. They had one opportunity and took advantage of it."

That chance came in the 15th minute after Dave Romney pushed a quick pass forward to Zardes, who spun away from his defender, raced up the left flank to the edge of the penalty area and slipped another pass around a sliding challenge from Chad Marshall to Keane. The Galaxy captain then reached back with his left foot to flick a shot under the crossbar for his seventh goal in his last seven regular-season appearances against Seattle.

It was also his second game-winning goal in two starts since returning from international duty with Ireland in the European Championship.

"Two games, two wins, two goals," Keane said with a smile. "That's all right, no -

18. Robbie Keane lifts LA Galaxy in shutout victory over Seattle Sounders

By Mark Moschetti Associated Press - July 9, 2016

SEATTLE >> Robbie Keane won the game with his left foot.

But A.J. DeLaGarza saved it with his chest.

Keane scored in the 15th minute, and DeLaGarza blocked a shot in front of a wide-open net in the 53rd, leading the Galaxy to a 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders on Saturday.

It was Keane's sixth goal of the season for the Galaxy (7-3-8, 29 points), who were outshot 22-7, but still won their second straight after a seven-game winless streak.

"A couple months ago, we probably would have lost," Keane said. "Obviously, it's a good three points away from home, especially coming her and defending against a good team."

"It was a good performance all around, even though it wasn't the prettiest game."

Keane's goal came on a counterattack. Defender Dave Romney gained possession on the L.A. side of midfield and sent a long through ball down the left wing. Gyasi Zardes caught up with it and took it into the penalty area, crossing it toward the middle. Keane ran onto it and drove it past goalkeeper Stefan Frei.

Keane also scored in Monday's 2-0 victory at home against Vancouver.

"Two games, two goals, two wins. It's all right, huh - he said with a grin as he walked away.

The Sounders (5-10-2, 17 points) are winless in their last four games. Forward Clint Dempsey returned after missing five games while playing for the U.S. national team in Copa America.

Seattle, currently last in the Western Conference, had a prime opportunity to tie it in the 53rd minute when rookie forward Jordan Morris ran onto a through ball from Tyrone Mears. Goalkeeper Brian Rowe came out to challenge Morris, but went down.

That left Morris, whose team-leading six goals included the equalizer that salvaged a 1-1 tie at Toronto last Saturday, with a shot from 8 yards away. But L.A. defender DeLaGarza blocked it with his chest, 2 yards in front of the goalmouth.

"If it's grass, the ball kind of skips by, maybe. The turf popped it straight up," DeLaGarza said ot the bounce that gave Morris his opportunity. "At that point, I just tried to cover B-Rowe and hoping he could make a play so I didn't have to. But luckily, (Morris) hit it pretty close to me, and I was able to just reach out and poke it away.

"We defended a lot tonight," DeLaGarza added, "and we had to."

The Galaxy have allowed just two goals in the last six games.

Rowe's shutout was his fifth. He was credited with four saves. One of those came in the 76th minute when he leaped to deflect a Dempsey header over the net with his fingertips.

The Sounders, with a league-low 14 goals, had 61 percent of the possession for the game, including 60 percent in the first half, 63 in the second. Of their 22 shots, Los Angeles blocked nine of them.

"All you can ask of your team is to create chances," Seattle head coach Sigi Schmid said. "If you look at the game today and if you landed from Mars and just looked at the game and nobody told you what the score was, who do you think the guy from Mars would say won the game? We battled, we fought, I felt we dominated the game. ... It's frustrating."

Los Angeles was the third straight team to shut out the Sounders in Seattle.

"We've lost points in three of four similar games on the road," Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. "We're growing and understanding what we need to do to close out games."

19. Union romp to 3-0 win over United

By Marc Narducci Philadelphia Inquirer - July 9, 2016

Saturday might have been one of the better days in the seven-year history of the Union.

In the afternoon, keeper Andre Blake and rookie defender Keegan Rosenberry were named to the Major League Soccer all-star team, voted in by the fans. Then in the evening, the Union scored a resounding, 3-0 win over rival D.C. United before 18,463 fans at Talen Energy Stadium.

It was the Union's first shutout since a 1-0 win over this same United team May 20, also at home.

"I think the group picked a good time for our best performance of the year," Union coach Jim Curtin said.

The Union (8-6-5, 29 points) are one point behind Eastern Conference leader New York City FC. They ended a two-game MLS losing streak, the first time the team had lost consecutive games this season. United fell to 5-7-6.

"We were just late to show up to this match in every aspect," United coach Ben Olsen said.

Coming off a 1-0 loss to Houston, the Union got their offense back in gear, drawing two penalty kicks when United had trouble defending one-on-one.

Ilsinho, the crafty midfielder with an array of moves, scored his first two MLS goals, while Roland Alberg added his fourth goal in five MLS games.

"Ilsinho has created a lot of goals for us, and it is nice to see him score," midfielder Chris Pontius said.

The Union opened the scoring in the 20th minute, when Alberg scored on a penalty kick. Pontius, traded in the offseason from D.C., earned the penalty kick when he was taken down in the box by Kofi Opare, who also drew a yellow card for the tackle. It was a rough night for Opare, who earned a red card after receiving his second yellow in the 65th minute.

Leading up to the first goal, Pontius had plenty of open space after receiving a pass about 10 yards inside of midfield from Tranquillo Barnetta. Opare wasn't able to handle Pontius one on one, and when Pontius cut to his left, the United defender committed the costly foul.

Alberg's goal was his sixth of the season and third penalty kick.

The Union received another penalty kick when United's Marcelo Sarvas took down Ilsinho in the box. Ilsinho got a step on Sarvas, who threw his body into him and took him down.

Curtin said he allows the players to decide on their own who takes penalty kicks, and there appeared to be a little discussion between Ilsinho and Alberg as to who would take it. Ilsinho picked up the ball first, wouldn't let go, took the kick, and scored.

Ilsinho perfectly placed a shot into the left corner that United keeper Bill Hamid had no chance of saving in the 37th minute.

In the 47th minute, Alberg sent a long free kick that C.J. Sapong headed back to Ilsinho, who one-timed a blast from 12 yards into the top left corner for the game's final goal. Ilsinho received a huge ovation when he was replaced by Sebastien Le Toux in the 68th minute.

Blake showed his all-star form in the second half, making two impressive diving saves.

20. Defensive letdowns cost United in 3-0 road loss to Union

By Nick Eilerson Washington Post - July 9, 2016

CHESTER, Pa. - Perhaps no team in MLS has relied more on its defense than D.C. United. With an injury-hampered attack that has scored the third-fewest goals in the league, United rode to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings on the back of two sturdy goalkeepers and a rotating wall of dependable defenders.

That wall collapsed against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night. A pair of sloppy penalties put United in a two-goal halftime hole, and a third goal two minutes after intermission put the visitors out of their misery before 18,463 at Talen Energy Stadium.

Saturday's 3-0 result marked United's eighth shutout loss of the season. The Union (8-6-5) snapped a two-game skid and climbed within one point of first-place New York City FC in the Eastern Conference standings.

"We were just late to show up to this match in every aspect," said United Coach Ben Olsen, whose team fell to 5-7-6. "They had more everything in that first half. We give up a set piece to make it 3-0, and it's over."

It was hardly the performance Olsen expected from a defense that is fully healthy for the first time this season. With goalkeeper Bill Hamid looking sharper than ever and a deep back line that Olsen recently dubbed "a luxury of riches," United's vulnerabilities appeared to lie entirely on the other end of the field entering the season's midway point.

Steve Birnbaum, who suffered a minor injury after returning from Copa America duties earlier this month, got his first start at center back since United's previous trip to Chester on May 20. He replaced Bobby Boswell, who handed the captain's armband to right back Sean Franklin.

Kofi Opare partnered alongside Birnbaum in central defense. Perhaps United's most reliable center back in recent weeks, Opare suffered his worst outing of the season against the Union, and D.C. paid the price.

Opare committed two fouls on Union striker C.J. Sapong in dangerous areas inside the game's first eight minutes. His first major mistake, though, came when former United mainstay Chris Pontius took off on a breakaway in the 19th minute.

Pontius dribbled down the middle with a head of steam, then found himself one-on-one with Opare just inside the penalty area. A sharp cut left prompted Opare to stab at his former teammate's feet, bringing him to the turf for a penalty and drawing a yellow card in the process.

Union midfielder Roland Alberg hesitated on the ensuing spot kick to get Hamid diving right, then calmly slotted his shot the other way to put Philadelphia ahead.

Marcelo Sarvas issued an equally clumsy challenge 10 minutes from halftime. Ilsinho plunged into the penalty area and took a touch past Sarvas, who lunged into the Union midfielder with his shoulder. Ilsinho drove the penalty kick low and left, just beyond Hamid's reach.

Sapong, back in the Union's starting lineup after missing three games with an injury, wreaked havoc in the final third all evening with darting runs and quality hold-up play. He was the beneficiary of another United foul just outside the box 34 seconds into the second half. Alberg floated the ensuing free kick to the back post, where Sapong headed it toward an unmarked Ilsinho near the edge of the six-yard box. Ilsinho ripped his one-timer past Hamid to all but secure victory.

"For me, I thought C.J. was their best player in the first half," Franklin said. "He's battling. He's strong. He's flicking balls. He's running into the channels. When you play against a guy like that, it's tough to defend."

Opare picked up his second yellow card with a reckless challenge three yards outside the box. United played the final 30 minutes with 10 men.

"It's just not sharp from us. We've got to do a better job," Franklin said. "Tonight they just had better energy. They wanted it more. This is a game where you need to look at yourself in the mirror and figure out what you can do to get yourself better."

Alhaji Kamara got his first MLS start but didn't offer much in 57 minutes of action. Alvaro Saborio replaced him in the second half and was similarly ineffective.

"This isn't the end of the world," Olsen said. "It's a loss away at Philly, a very good team, particularly when C.J. comes back and they play with this type of energy. It's a tough place to go."

21. Kei Kamara, Revolution take care of Crew

By Kyle McCarthy Boston Herald - July 10, 2016

FOXBORO - Last night offered relief for the Revolution in more than a few forms, but Kei Kamara drew particular solace from his contribution to their 3-1 victory over Columbus at Gillette Stadium.

Kamara completed a diligent all-around performance by playing a part in all three goals. He created space for Lee Nguyen's well-taken opener after three minutes and fed the cross that led to Wil Trapp's own goal after 34 minutes, but he rounded off his display by sweeping one home after 71 minutes.

The cathartic goal gave Kamara the tangible impact he craved against his former side, securing the Revs' first win in four attempts.

"I wanted to score a goal at home, yeah," Kamara said. "And if they give me a Happy Meal, then I have to eat it. That was great."

The decisive third goal capped a significantly improved performance from the 1-0 midweek defeat to New York City FC.

Nguyen provided the Revs with the perfect start. The play started on the right with Andrew Farrell and ended with Chris Tierney's cross from the left, and Kamara attracted two defenders in the area. Kamara headed it back to Nguyen, who thundered the feed into the top corner to give the Revs a foothold.

Columbus tried to establish its usual cadence on the ball after that, but the Revs unsettled them more often than not with their high pressure. The back and forth included a fine Brad Knighton save on Ethan Finlay's angled drive and a penalty shout for Kei Kamara before the Revs produced a second goal just after the half-hour.

Kamara raced into space on the left to latch onto a vertical ball. His 1-2 with Nguyen allowed him to dart behind the Columbus line and square a cross toward Kelyn Rowe in the goal area. Trapp slid the service into his own net to double the Revolution advantage.

"I thought the approach was really good," Revs coach Jay Heaps said. "I was really happy with the way we started the game and the way we played. We had a turn off for about five minutes at the end of the half, which is not good enough, but at halftime we turned it around."

Columbus took advantage of that lull when the persistent Ola Kamara squeezed his effort under Knighton three minutes before the break. But the Revs responded well after halftime to sidestep the problems suffered in Montreal last weekend.

Kei Kamara finally secured his reward against his former teammates after Waylon Francis halted Teal Bunbury inside the penalty area. Francis and Chad Barson basically blocked each other as they tried to clear, and the ball slid right to Kamara to pound home, rounding off his ideal night as the Revs got their first league win since June 18.

"It was great," Kamara said. "The work we put out there was just amazing."

22. Defense breaks down against ex-teammate Kei Kamara

By Shawn Mitchell Columbus Dispatch - July 10, 2016

FOXBORO, Mass. - The New England Revolution is not likely to trade forward Kei Kamara anytime soon, especially after he scored a goal and played a part in two others in a 3-1 victory over the Crew in his first game against his former team on Saturday at Gillette Stadium.

But if and when it happens, Kamara will pack his bags, gather his wife and daughter and gladly move on to wherever the trade winds take him.

"I love this league," said Kamara, an MLS MVP finalist last season who helped lead the Crew to an MLS Cup final.

"I went to England and always looked at when I was going to get to come back and be a part of this league. I feel like I am, you know, MLS," Kamara said, recounting his days as growing up in Los Angeles and working at the Home Depot Center.

"Getting drafted by Columbus ... (playing) for San Jose, Columbus, Houston and Sporting (Kansas City) and scoring goals everywhere and connecting with the fans - when people love me, I'm just the happiest kid."

Kamara was elated to score a goal that gave New England a 3-1 lead in the 71st minute, celebrating with the most ardent Revs supporters in front of their section after he buried a sitter (a "Happy Meal," he called it) that was the product of a Keystone Cops routine by the Crew defense.

"Being here, as long as my family is here and as long as they're happy and I can score more goals, everybody will love me again," he said.

Kamara was not happy to learn he was traded on May 12 just a few months after signing a designated player contract with the Crew, for which he scored 22 goals in 32 games last season.

Kamara said on Saturday that the true reasons for his trade where never made clear to him, but he didn't much care.

Neither does Revolution coach Jay Heaps.

"I thought he was awesome tonight," Heaps said. "He has dug in with our group"

Kamara paired with captain Lee Nguyen to spearhead an early two-goal push helped the Revolution (5-7-7) end a three-game skid and extend the winless streak of the scuffling Crew (3-7-7) to five games (0-3-2).

Nguyen struck from distance to give the Revs a 1-0 lead in the third minute after a Kamara header attempt was cleared to the top of the penalty area.

Kamara burned a discombobulated Crew defense with a square pass into the six-yard box that was knocked in by Wil Trapp for an own goal and a 2-0 Revs lead in the 34th.

Crew forward Ola Kamara cut the lead to 2-1 with an assist from Tony Tchani for his eighth goal in his past five starts, but a single goal from the league's hottest striker was nowhere near enough for the Crew to avoid falling to 1-4-5 in its past 10 games.

"The season, we're halfway through it," Crew coach Gregg Berhalter said. "It's slipping away.

"We need to get better, because we will go off the rails if we don't start winning."

23. Toronto FC edges Chicago Fire in MLS action

By Richard Mauntah Toronto Sun - July 9, 2016

Sebastian Giovinco can't be enjoying things at the present moment.

His goal-scoring drought continued on Saturday, as shot after shot either went wide or was blocked by a defender. However his Toronto FC teammates produced a solid effort and the one moment it needed in a 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire at BMO Field on Saturday.

"It was a solid performance," Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney said. "All of us would have liked it if we scored another goal and not let it come to the wire like it did."

The win was spearheaded by another outstanding defensive performance and goalkeeper Alex Bono, who earned his first clean sheet in Major League Soccer as his confidence continues to grow.

In the ninth minute came TFC's lone goal. Giovinco, who earlier in the day was named to the MLS all-star game on July 28 in San Diego, played a soft ball into the box and on to the foot of Jonathan Osorio. He left it for Justin Morrow, coming in off the left side. Morrow's low strike beat Chicago goalkeeper Sean Johnson to put the reds in front, an early delight for the 27,934 faithful.

"Justin had a great day," Vanney said. "He was aggressive in his positions of attack, and that run in particular where he uses his pace and makes a diagonal run behind the back line. It's something we have talked a lot about."

After that goal, Toronto continued to press for a second and it became a lot about Giovinco getting it. 17 minutes in, he had a couple of opportunities, one that was blocked and another that missed the net.

Meanwhile, the midfield was doing a good job of cutting off any attack the Fire were trying to muster.

In the 24th minute, a shot by Beitashour was blocked for a corner. On the corner, a header by Drew Moor just went over the crossbar.

Chicago had an opportunity in the 28th minute when Kennedy Igboananike was found alone near the Toronto goal but Bono came up with his best save of the half.

A Giovinco free kick a few minutes later was less than a foot over the crossbar. In the second half, he continued to press. But the story repeated itself over and over again. He was credited with 13 shots but considering how many other attempts were blocked, surely it was more.

In the 54th minute, Morrow set up Giovinco but the shot went just past the far right post. Soon after, a hand ball gave him a free kick 30 yards out. Again, he could not find the net as his effort went past the left post.

Then in the 77th minute, making a nice move around Rodrigo Ramos before shooting it wide of the right post. For the first time, he showed his frustration, slamming his hand on the turf.

"Obviously we want Seba to score a goal," Vanney said. "It's not from a lack of opportunities or looks for him tonight. He did a good job of stepping back and starting our attacks and getting into positions he was facing forward. He had a lot of looks."

"It's just about him calibrating his corners and the spots he wants to hit."

A lot of credit for the offensive performance should also go to Tsubasa Endoh, who for the 82 minutes he was in, logged quality miles as a facilitator for Giovinco.

Bono was only credited with making two saves but he seemed confident all night in handling balls going into the box.

"One of the things I'm most impressed with is that he hasn't looked hesitant or tentative or scared since the day he got thrown in."

"Whatever decisions he makes he had done so with conviction and he's gone for it."

It's a short preparation week for Toronto FC as the club will prepare for a Wednesday match in Columbus against the Crew and west-coast trip to face the San Jose Earthquakes next Saturday.

Vanney is pleased with the position his club (6-6-5) is in as it begins the second half of the season but it's dependent on the back line currently.

"We're not scoring a load of goals right now so it's important our defence remain solid and stiff the way it has," he said.

24. Giovinco can't warm up but TFC still beats Fire

By Laura Armstrong Toronto Star - July 9, 2016

A little more than 75 minutes into Toronto FC's 1-0 win over Chicago Fire Saturday night, Sebastian Giovinco, found himself in space at the top of the visitor's penalty box.

The Italian striker, in his seventh game without a goal, set himself up for a curler into the bottom corner of Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson's net.

But, like so many of his shots as of late, the ball went wide.

Giovinco screamed, then grabbed at the collar of his jersey and ripped the red material clean in half.

The 27,934 fans at BMO Field roared with the striker, because hopes for this weekend's game lay as much with snapping Giovinco's scoring drought as they did with ending Toronto's two-game winless streak.

"It's not from a lack of opportunities or looks," coach Greg Vanney said about his striker's recent form in front of the net.

But no matter the chances Giovinco had, the home team only managed to achieve one of its goals on the night.

It took just nine minutes for the Reds to go up 1-0 over the Eastern Conference's last-place team, though Toronto's inability to build on defender Justin Morrow's opener allowed the Fire, a team that hasn't won on the road in 33 games, a lifeline until the final whistle.

"We're a team that, when we get on the board first and we have a good start, we're pretty tough to beat," Vanney said. "Today was no exception."

Otherwise, all eyes were on Giovinco.

Earlier in the day, the Italian striker just about secured a spot at Major League Soccer's all-star game against English Premier League side Arsenal after it was announced that his name was among the league's Fan XI.

While Giovinco's inclusion in that fan-voted squad doesn't guarantee him a spot in San Jose, all-star coach Dominic Kinnear must take the outcome of that fan vote into consideration when he selects his group. It's unlikely the Atomic Ant will be left off the final team when it's confirmed July 17, and it's a deserved honour for the Reds' best player.

But the nod comes at something of a peculiar time for the striker, as last year's most valuable player suffers through his first true goal drought since joining the league last year.

It was still the striker who got the Reds attack rolling Saturday, though.

A pass by Giovinco cut through Chicago's defence at the top of the box just before the clock entered double digits, landing directly in the path of both Morrow and striker Jordan Hamilton, who were making similar diagonal runs from the left side.

Hamilton got out of Morrow's way as they both charged toward the ball, recognizing it was the defender who had the better angle on the shot.

Morrow side-footed the ball across Johnson's net and into the bottom corner.

The selfless pass from Giovinco to start the play was the Italian's seventh assist of the season, now one less than his goal tally.

But of his 13 shots, only one hit the target on the night.

Still, Vanney isn't too concerned just yet.

"We know it'll come because we've seen it before and we know what he's capable of, it's just a little bit off right now one way or another. He'll find his way."

25. RSL salvages 1-1 draw with Montreal Impact

By Christopher Kamrani Salt Lake Tribune - July 9, 2016

Sandy - Habits are hard to break.

And they're hindering Real Salt Lake from stacking up the points it set out to stack during this home-heavy summer.

Entering Saturday night, RSL had conceded a goal in 13 straight matches across all competitions - the longest such streak since the club's inaugural season in MLS in 2005. But another untimely miscue added to the streak in Sandy against the visiting Montreal Impact in front of 20,086.

For the 14th consecutive game, RSL let a goal hit the back of the net - an unfortunate new club record. Fortunately for RSL (8-5-5), a 79th-minute penalty kick goal by Yura Movsisyan rescued a point for the home team in the 1-1 draw against the Impact.

Movsisyan was the one who brought RSL level, but the lead-up to the eventual penalty call was made possible by a hustle play from left back Demar Phillips. The Jamaican defender split two Impact defenders along the goal line before playing it to an onrushing Joao Plata. Montreal midfielder Calum Mallace fouled Plata and referee Ricardo Salazar pointed to the spot.

"That was just hard work, sacrificing, believing, winning the ball," RSL coach Jeff Cassar said of Phillips' hustle. "That came from nothing. Sometimes you need those kinds of goals."

A minute later, RSL dodged what looked to be a penalty when center back Justen Glad took down Impact midfielder Ignacio Piatti inside the box. Montreal did not get the same courtesy as RSL.

If not for a lunging, fingertip save by Evan Bush, RSL captain Kyle Beckerman would've buried a game-winning shot from 25 yards out, but the Montreal goalkeeper was there to preserve a point in stoppage time. On the ensuing corner kick, midfielder Javier Morales sliced a wide open shot wide of goal.

Montreal took a lead just minutes in when goalkeeper Nick Rimando batted away a dipping 40-yard free kick from Impact center back Laurent Ciman. The ball squirted loose in the RSL box, but was quickly finished by midfielder Harry Shipp, who beat Glad to the ball to finish to at the far post, putting RSL in an early hole.

"From the bench, it just seemed so flat and I kept splashing water up at my face just to wake up, because there were times where I was disinterested in the game," said RSL midfielder Luke Mulholland, a second-half substitute. "That's been how it is for a few weeks, even the games we've won at home."

While RSL has failed to hold a zero on the scoreboard since mid-April, another bad habit compounded the early deficit. Once again, RSL ran into another slow, uninspiring start. Simple passes rolled out of bounds or directly to Impact players. The dynamic front three of Movsisyan, Plata and Burrito Martinez were rattled by Montreal's physicality and compact defending.

"I told the guys at halftime, in all honesty, I could sub 12 players," Cassar said. "I could sub myself, I could sub every single one of them."

The Impact, content with absorbing pressure and countering, nearly doubled its lead in the 45th minute. Piatti beat Glad 1-on-1 in the box before firing a shot on goal from 10 yards away. Luckily for RSL, it was right at Rimando, who swatted it away.

"That start was rough. It was rough from everyone," Cassar said. "We'll move on. We have to."

26. Jordan Allen embracing role as impact sub off the RSL bench

By Christopher Kamrani Salt Lake Tribune - July 9, 2016

Sandy - When it's time to make a change, Jeff Cassar's first move this year is typically picking out No. 70 from the group warming up along the northwest sideline of Rio Tinto Stadium.

Real Salt Lake's Jordan Al

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