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Summer Fireworks: Big Stars Set to Make MLS Debuts as Secondary Transfer Window Opens

July 6, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


Summer fireworks: Big stars set to make their MLS debuts as the Secondary Transfer Window opens on Wednesday

MLS clubs are poised to make big waves during the summer when the Secondary Transfer Window opens this Wednesday, July 8 (through August 6) allowing clubs to bolster their rosters with international talent as they prepare for a final push towards the playoffs. Clubs are already taking advantage of the window as the LA Galaxy's new Designated Player signing Steven Gerrard, begins training with his new team on Tuesday and NYCFC welcome a host of new and talented players.

This Sunday on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and TSN (5 p.m. ET), English icon, Frank Lampard, will be poised to make his MLS and NYCFC debut at home in Yankee Stadium against Toronto FC. The England National Team and Chelsea legend's arrival, coincides with the signing of Italian superstar Andrea Pirlo (click HERE), clearly stating NYCFC's ambitions to make a run for the playoffs in their debut season. New York City will also be bringing in former Athletic Bilbao defender and Spanish International Andoni Iraola along with young attack-minded defender Angelino on loan from Manchester City (watch his highlights HERE).

Lampard brings more than 20 years of experience and is no stranger to winning titles having captured: the Champions League (2011-12), the Europa League (2012-13), the Premier League (2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10), the FA Cup (2006-7, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12) and the Football League Cup (2004-05, 2006-07). He finished his career at Chelsea as the club's all-time leading goal scorer with 211 goals in 648 appearances and also holds the Premier League record for most goals scored by a midfielder with 177.

"I am really excited about joining New York City FC and helping to play a real part in building something special in one of the sporting capitals of the world. The passion of the nation's fans at the (2014) World Cup was second to none and I am looking forward to meeting New Yorkers and tapping into their love of the game. It is a privilege to be able to help make history here in New York City - I just can't wait to get started and be part of it."

Lampard began training with NYCFC last week and young midfield teammates Mix Diskerud, Thomas McNamara and Kwadwo Poku will be eager to learn everything they can from the legendary English midfielder. With David Villa, Lampard and Pirlo, New York City is set to make a splash in the second half of the season as other MLS clubs follow suit.

Players to watch as 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup opens play this week

The 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup opens play this week and a total of 44 MLS players-representing 19 of the League's 20 clubs-are set to participate with a bid to the 2016 Confederations Cup on the line.

A slew of MLS standouts are also making their Gold Cup debuts-here are a few to watch:

Gyasi Zardes (USA, LA Galaxy): The Galaxy's Homegrown product earned his first career cap in January and hasn't looked back since. He was present for seven of the USMNT's eight friendlies this year and opened his international account in a thrilling win over the Netherlands on June 5. Zardes' blend of size, pace, and creativity makes him an electric player that could be an X-factor as the U.S. vies to repeat as champions.

Giles Barnes (Jamaica, Houston Dynamo): Barnes petitioned to swap international allegiances from his native England to his grandparents' homeland of Jamaica in 2014, and became officially eligible to play for the Reggae Boyz in March. With five caps under his belt-including three in Copa America-Barnes projects as a focal point for Jamaica's attack. The Dynamo forward already has six goals this season and he'll look to translate his league scoring touch onto the international stage.

Tesho Akindele (Canada, FC Dallas): After a year of courtship from both the United States and Canada, The FC Dallas forward committed to the latter. The 2014 AT&T Rookie of the Year, was born in Calgary, Alberta, and made his CanMNT debut in the team's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying tie against Dominica. Akindele scored his first career international goal in the second leg.

Cyle Larin (Canada, Orlando City SC): The first overall pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft has more than justified the hype so far. Larin has six goals in 13 appearances with Orlando City SC, submitting his candidacy as the early favorite for rookie of the year honors. The Brampton, Ontario, native has looked every bit as dangerous on the international stage, scoring three goals in four appearances with the CanMNT in 2015. The UConn product utilizes an imposing 6'2", 190-pound frame to wear out defenders. Larin and Akindele give Canada a young and promising one-two punch that could turn heads at the Gold Cup.

Crunch time: MLS clubs kick it into high gear as second half of the season officially kicks off in Week 19

Depth to be tested as San Jose Earthquakes host Houston Dynamo at Avaya Stadium

Two teams vying for position in the Western Conference playoff picture meet on Viernes de Futbol, as the San Jose Earthquakes (7-6-4) welcome the Houston Dynamo (5-7-6) to Avaya Stadium at 11:00 p.m. ET (UniMás). Both Dominic Kinnear and Owen Coyle will have to get creative with their lineups as key players depart for Gold Cup duty. The Quakes will feel the impact of Chris Wondolowski's departure, but 24-year-old Mark Sherrod filled the void admirably against Portland last Sunday. Sitting only two points outside of a playoff spot as the second half of the season opens, every match becomes a critical one for San Jose. The same rings true for the Houston Dynamo. Six points behind Sporting Kansas City for a playoff spot, the Dynamo must adjust to the departures of Giles Barnes (Jamaica), Boniek Garcia (Honduas), and Jermaine Taylor (Jamaica). Houston will lean on the likes of Raul Rodriguez, Nathan Sturgis, and Alexander Lopez to elevate their games and keep the club's playoff hopes alive.

Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids meet in Rocky Mountain Cup matchup

The Colorado Rapids (3-6-9) play host to Real Salt Lake (5-6-8) in their second matchup of the season in a Rocky Mountain Cup clash at Dick's Sporting Goods Park at 9:00 p.m. ET (MLS LIVE). After six league matches, the Rapids' new Designated Player forward Kevin Doyle had yet to score a goal. He picked a perfect time to open up his MLS account, scoring the game-winning goal (watch goal HERE), in a 2-1 victory against Western Conference leading Vancouver Whitecaps FC at DSG Park to stop a six match winless streak. Last week, RSL played to a 1-1 draw against Orlando City SC at Rio Tinto Stadium. With team stalwarts Kyle Beckerman (USA), Nick Rimando (USA) and Alvaro Saborio (Costa Rica) representing their respective countries at the Gold Cup, RSL will have to rely on its depth in their duel against the Rapids.

New York City FC and Toronto FC meet in Eastern Conference Clash

Toronto FC (7-7-2) make their first visit to the Bronx to play New York City FC (5-8-5) at Yankee Stadium as they wrap up Week 18 on MLS Soccer Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN). NYC enter the match as one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference with their 2-1 victory over Montreal Impact behind a brace from star forward David Villa (watch his game-winning free kick HERE). They are now 4-1-0 in their last five games, with Villa racking up five goals and an assist during the run. On the other end, Toronto FC will be without star Designated Players Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley as they represent the United States during the Gold Cup. After falling 4-0 to the LA Galaxy last week, The Men in Red will look forward to a match against an Eastern Conference opponent as they are 4-1-2 in their last seven matches against such clubs. With the anticipated home debut of Frank Lampard, Yankee Stadium will be rocking Sunday afternoon as the two clubs continue to their march to the playoffs.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC returns to BC Place for meeting with Sporting Kansas City

With the FIFA Women's World Cup in the books, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (10-7-2) reclaims BC Place for its first home match since May 30 against visiting Sporting Kansas City (7-3-6) on Sunday night (9 p.m. ET, TSN1). The 'Caps wrapped up their five-game road swing with a 2-1 loss to the Colorado Rapids, snapping a three-game winning streak that included convincing wins over LA, New York, and New England. Despite a poor result in Colorado, 20-year-old Kekuta Manneh scored his third goal in four games. The Gambian international is on pace to set career-highs in virtually every statistical category as Vancouver continues battling for position in the Supporters' Shield hunt. Meanwhile, Sporting Kansas City comes in fresh off a bye week, but will have to cope without Gold Cup call-ups Marcel de Jong, Soni Mustivar, and Graham Zusi. Sporting KC enters this tilt against Vancouver with only one loss in its last nine games and a team to monitor in the second half of the season. With multiple games in hand on every team ahead of it on the Western Conference table, SKC could easily jump into the Supporters' Shield conversation. A win over Whitecaps FC on Sunday would go a long way toward jumpstarting the cause.

Week 19 National Television Schedule

Friday, July 10

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo, 11 p.m. ET (UniMás)

Saturday, July 11

Montreal Impact vs. Columbus Crew SC, 8 p.m. ET (TSN2, RDS)

Sunday, July 12

New York City FC vs. Toronto FC, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN)

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Sporting Kansas City, 9 p.m. ET (TSN1)

2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup narrows down to quarterfinal field

Eight teams remain in the 102nd edition of the U.S. Open Cup. Sporting KC are the most recent champions of the tournament, having won the title in 2012. The Chicago Fire (2006) and LA Galaxy (2001) are the next most recent champions, with the remaining participant - New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union, Orlando City SC, Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake - having never won the tournament before. Each match in the quarterfinals will be the final in each of the four regions. A full schedule of quarterfinal matchups can be found below. For more information on the longest running soccer competition in the U.S..

Date Game Time/Result Venue

July 14 LA Galaxy (MLS) at Real Salt Lake (MLS) (WEST) 8 p.m. MT Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah

July 21 Houston Dynamo (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS) (CENTRAL) 7:30 p.m. CT Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan.

July 22 Orlando City SC (MLS) at Chicago Fire (MLS) (SOUTH) 7:30 p.m. CT Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Ill.

TBD Philadelphia Union (MLS) at New York Red Bulls (MLS) (EAST) TBD Red Bull Arena; Harrison, N.J.

2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Game countdown

So who will make Pablo Mastroeni's gameday roster for the 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Game? With the exhibition match against English club Tottenham Hotspur just over three weeks away, the Colorado Rapids head coach will have to start asking himself that very question. Pablo will get an idea of who fans want to see on the field at Dick's Sporting Goods Park when the All-Star Fan XI is revealed on July 13 during the broadcast of the U.S. Gold Cup match against Panama on FOX Sports 1 (9:30 p.m. ET). With the gameday roster set to be announced shortly thereafter, there are only a few more MLS games for the league's best to make their case for inclusion on the squad.

MLS All-Stars vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Wednesday, July 29 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park

9 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1, UniMás, TSN and RDS

Quotables

"We will have homegrown players developed within our own academy. Players that started here locally and came through the youth club all the way through the academy and signed with the first team. When that day comes, it's going to be a big, big day for us."

Orlando City SC General Manager Paul McDonough on the goal of the club's youth academy

Orlando City eager to build strong pipeline from developmental academy to MLS level (Orlando Sentinel)

"For Ethan, it shows him that he's not just the assists leader in the league, he can score goals (too). It gives me the confidence that it's not just about me scoring goals; it's about my teammates and believing in everyone. It's a great day, July Fourth. Ethan will never forget it."

Columbus Crew SC forward Kei Kamara on teammate Ethan Finlay's performance against New York Red Bulls

Crew down early in games, but not out (Columbus Dispatch)

"He brings a lot. He's improved so much year to year, and on both sides of the ball. So he'll bring the attack, he'll keep the ball while penetrating. But also, he works so hard defensively, he really gets a lot of attacks started, winning the ball back, and going on the counter."

New England Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell on teammate Diego Fagundez

Roller-coaster season for Revolution's Diego Fagundez (Boston Globe)

"I'm grateful right now. That's my first thought. I did not think I was going to get a call again. I think this could be my last run, which I would love. That's why I went to January camp this year: I wanted to be on this roster. Now my approach is to just enjoy these moments and enjoy this time. It's a good group. These moments don't last for long. It's an honor to play for your country. I definitely want to cap it off with a win."

San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski on getting called up to the U.S. roster for the Gold Cup

USA's Chris Wondolowski prepares to make his Gold Cup statement (FoxSports.com)

"Certainly, I think we've shown this year, not only in the last two games, but I think we've shown this year that we're a good team, and like we deserve to be treated like the premier club here in New York City."

New York Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch after defeating the New York Cosmos in the U.S. Open Cup

Red Bulls win battle of locals in Open Cup (New York Times)

Sweet Tweets

Merritt Paulson (@MerritPaulson): World Champs!!! World Champs!!! We will recognize all WCC participants (both teams) playing here at the next home Thorns game! #proud

https://twitter.com/MerrittPaulson/status/617874409546772480

Jeb Brovsky (@JebBrovsky): Fun fact: @CarliLloyd captains the Avengers while she's not at the World Cup. #Boss

https://twitter.com/JebBrovsky/status/617833228628570112

Kyle Beckerman (@KyleBeckerman): World Champions!!!! @ussoccer_wnt #3stars

https://twitter.com/KyleBeckerman/status/617873118783102977

Robbie Rogers (@robbierogers): Congratulations @ussoccer_wnt. You have inspired millions. Happy birthday @mPinoe!

https://twitter.com/robbierogers/status/617859305803419649

Jermaine Jones (@Jermainejunior): Great Shoot! Thanks to espn @espnmag #bodyissue https://instagram.com/p/4zgfNTqGUB/

https://twitter.com/Jermainejunior/status/618124819192782849

David Villa (@Guaje7Villa): Bienvenido Maestro @Pirlo_official!!!

#WelcomePirlo!!! @NYCFC

https://twitter.com/Guaje7Villa/status/618075481074728960

Week 19 Game Previews

Friday, July 10

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo, 11 p.m. ET (UniMas)

- The Quakes saw their two-game winning streak put to an end in dramatic fashion, the Portland Timbers hitting for a late, late winner to win Sunday evening's late, late show in a 1-0 victory.

- The Dynamo scored their first goal in three games last time out, but weren't able to come away with a victory, playing to a 1-1 draw with the Chicago Fire on Friday evening at BBVA Compass Stadium.

- The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Adam Jahn scored the game's only goal to give the Earthquakes the victory, May 5 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

- The Quakes have won the last two meetings in the series, their first wins against the Dynamo since 2011. The two teams have shared a pitched rivalry since the Earthquakes returned to the league in 2008, after the Dynamo moved to Houston from San Jose in 2006. Each team has won six meetings, with one draw.

Saturday, July 11

New York Red Bulls vs. New England Revolution, 7 p.m. ET

- Anthony Abang scored his third goal in the last five games, but the Red Bulls had their two-game winning run put to an end in a 2-1 loss at Columbus Crew SC on Saturday evening.

- The Revolution had their losing slide extended to four games, dropping a 3-0 decision to FC Dallas on Saturday evening. The Revs have just one win in their last 11 league games, dating back to May 8.

- The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Charlie Davies and Teal Bunbury netted goals for the Revolution in their 2-1 win, May 2 at Gillette Stadium.

- The Revolution defeated the Red Bulls 2-1 at Red Bull Arena in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Championship a year ago, their first win of any sort in New Jersey since 2007, ending a 10-game winless streak there in all competitions.

- When the Red Bulls won 2-0 in Foxborough last year, it was the first for New York in New England since 2002. The Revolution had won 13 of 19 meetings in league and MLS Cup play since that previous New York win.

Philadelphia Union vs. Portland Timbers, 7 p.m. ET

- Maurice Edu scored his first league goal since last May 25 and Eric Ayuk Mbu scored his second goal of the season, but Union still settled for a 2-2 draw with the Montréal Impact in their last match, June 27 at PPL Park.

- The Timbers won their fifth consecutive game at Providence Park and for a sixth time in their last seven league encounters as Jack Jewsbury scored the dramatic stoppage-time match-winner for a 1-0 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday evening. Both of Jewsbury's goals this season have been stoppage-time game-winners, his first two in MLS play since 2012.

- Union have never defeated the Timbers. In five meetings all-time, Portland has won three, with two draws.

- Both meetings between the teams at PPL Park have ended in scoreless draws. The lone meeting between the teams a year ago was also a draw, a 1-1 result at Providence Park.

Orlando City SC vs. FC Dallas, 7:30 p.m. ET

- Kaká scored his ninth goal of the season -- tied for second in the MLS Golden Boot standings - as Orlando City SC came away with a 1-1 draw from their visit to Real Salt Lake on Saturday evening. Kaká has scored six goals over the last eight games.

- But Kaká will miss out on the FC Dallas match after he was sent off just before halftime in the RSL match - the first time in his career he was shown a straight red card.

- FC Dallas won their second consecutive game at Toyota Stadium after returning home from a winless five-game road swing, rolling to a 3-0 victory against the New England Revolution on Saturday evening.

- Mauro Diaz scored a goal and added an assist in the win against the Revolution, the second time this season and the fourth time in his career he's been involved in multiple goals in the same MLS game. Diaz has a goal and two assists in the last two matches.

Montreal Impact vs. Columbus Crew SC, 8 p.m. ET

- The Impact had their four-game league winning streak at Stade Saputo put to an end, dropping a 2-1 decision to New York City FC on Saturday evening. Ignacio Piatti scored for a second consecutive match as the Impact saw their winless streak extended to three games overall.

- Ethan Finlay scored two goals in a game for the second time this season, pacing Crew SC back for a 2-1 win against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday evening. Finlay has a goal and/or an assist in four consecutive games, with three goals and three assists in that time. The win extended the Crew SC undefeated run to four games.

- The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Maxim Tissot and Andres Romero scored second-half goals to lead the Impact to a 2-1 win June 6 at Mapfre Stadium.

- The first meeting victory was Montréal's first ever in Columbus, in six meetings there all-time. The Crew won 2-1 Sept. 14, 2013 at Stade Saputo, the only other victory by the away team in 10 meetings in the all-time series.

Chicago Fire vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 8:30 p.m. ET

- Patrick Nyarko's first goal of the season ended the Fire's goalless drought after 285 minutes - the seventh-longest in MLS this season - and the Fire ended their four-game losing slide but have still gone since May 30 without a victory following their 1-1 draw at the Houston Dynamo on Friday evening.

- Sounders FC put an end to their three-game losing skid in dramatic fashion, Tyrone Mears scoring his first goal for the club in the 88th minute for a 1-0 win over MLS overall leaders D.C. United on Friday evening at CenturyLink Field.

- Sounders FC have never lost to the Fire in nine meetings all-time in league play. Seattle has won six, including a 3-2 win last June 7 at Toyota Park in their only meeting of 2014, the third consecutive victory in the series for Sounders FC. The teams have played to three draws.

- Sounders FC also won the 2011 U.S. Open Cup Final between the clubs.

Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m. ET

- The Rapids put an end to their six-game winless streak as Kevin Doyle scored his first goal since coming to the club and Vicente Sanchez scored his first goal of the season, leading to a 2-1 win against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday evening. The Rapids have won two league games since April 18, over their last 13 games - both coming against Western Conference-leading Vancouver.

- Sebastian Jaime scored for a second consecutive match as Real Salt Lake played to a second consecutive draw, reaching a 1-1 result with Orlando City SC on Saturday evening. Jaime has scored in Real's last four games at Rio Tinto Stadium over all competitions.

- The teams are meeting for the second time this season. They played to a scoreless draw June 7 at Rio Tinto Stadium.

- RSL have not lost in the last five meetings between the teams, with three wins and two draws. Real won all three meetings between the teams a year ago.

The rivals play for the Rocky Mountain Cup, a trophy awarded by the supporters groups of both teams. The rivalry has lived up to its billing in past seasons, as last-day results sent RSL into the MLS Cup Playoffs ahead of their Rocky Mountain rivals in 2008 (a last-minute RSL goal for a 1-1 tie) and 2009 (a 3-0 Real win). In 2007, the RSL win also ended the Rapids' playoff hopes, though RSL also did not qualify.

Sunday, July 12

New York City FC vs. Toronto FC, 3 p.m. ET (ESPN)

- David Villa scored a pair of goals for the second time in the last three matches as New York City FC won for the fourth time in their last five contests, a 2-1 win against the Montréal Impact on Saturday evening at Stade Saputo. It was NYCFC's third consecutive away victory, tied for the longest road winning streak in MLS this season.

- Villa has six goals and an assist over the last six league games. The eight goals are tied for fourth in the MLS Golden Boot Standings.

- Toronto FC were shut out for a second consecutive match as they started their coast-to-coast two-game road trip with a 4-0 defeat at the LA Galaxy on Saturday evening.

- The teams are meeting for the second time this season. David Villa scored a pair of goals to lead NYCFC to a 2-0 win June 20 at BMO Field.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Sporting Kansas City, 9 p.m. ET

- Whitecaps FC concluded their five-game road swing by seeing their three-game winning streak put to an end in a 2-1 defeat by the Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Kekuta Manneh scored the Vancouver goal, his third goal in the last four games.

- Sporting Kansas City returned to their winning ways in their last match, a 2-0 win against the Colorado Rapids on June 27 at Sporting Park. SKC has not lost back-to-back games this season; they have lost just once over their last nine games, dating back to April 25.

- Benny Feilhaber recorded an assist in the Colorado match, his ninth of the season, now second in MLS. Feilhaber has two goals and two assists over the last four games, with either a goal or an assist in each one.

- Whitecaps FC won for the first time in the all-time series last year, a 2-0 win at BC Place on Aug. 10. Sporting had won two of the first four meetings, with two draws.

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