Major Link Soccer: 100,000 in the Big House

You're receiving the news today from a smoggy Winthrop today! The weather is nice enough but a handful of fires are visible from the riverside in Eastern Washington. Power was out for a while after a freak windstorm Saturday night, but the connection was repaired just in time. This Major Link Soccer is dedicated both to the brave firefighters working hard the last few months, as well as the utility men who allowed this post to happen.

Seattle

Seattle's difficult run of play has been noticed even by the mainstream: Crosscut asks whether or not the team can recover from LA's discouraging loss.

The loss has added some doubt to the "Best MLS team" debate. Don't be surprised if the Sounders slip on a number of power rankings this week.

I wish for a shutout next weekend. I wish for it to rain tacos.

An article for DeAndre Yedlin: there's reason to look closely before making a trip to Europe.

NBCSN has been well regarded since taking over streaming rights for MLS, but their broadcast on Saturday was a step backward for the network and the league.

Nate Jaqua has scored again, and this goal will be remembered for quite a while:

Jaqua is officially off the market. Happy for him. pic.twitter.com/s9UUrX5GT7

— Ben Dragavon (@BDrago1) August 3, 2014

MLS

People were hesitant in the leadup to the first event at Levi Stadium, and there appears to have been good reason. Twitter is full of reports that getting out of the place afterwards is completely impossible.

In the Rocky Mountain Cup, Nick Rimando tie the record for number of MLS shutouts. A deserving honor for an all-time MLS great.

Northern California's Sacramento Republic have already set a record for folks through the USL-Pro turnstiles, and the owners of NBA's Sacramento Kings are eyeing an "investment", talking with officials of the Republic about the potential of an MLS upgrade.

So many rumors of coming moves: all the kids are talking about Orlando City getting all xoxoxo with Flavio Caca-Rato, while the New York Red Bulls are denying interest in Ronaldinho.

The Vancouver Whitecaps have made a step to replace Jay Demerit, reportedly bringing in Costa Rica's Kendall Waston.

#EJMotivation

World

It didn't happen in the old world, but over 100,000 were in attendance to see two Champions League powerhouses clash. Look at the pictures of a packed Big House (University of Michigan), full of folks looking to see the top level of soccer available. Does this lend credence to the idea of a Detroit franchise?

As United approaches their opener, they may need to prepare for life without Robin van Persie. Not that he'll be leaving, but signs indicate he won't be ready for the home opener.

Can someone say "perfect timing"? Just after their country hosted the world's top soccer competition, FIFA 15 will not include a single team from Brazil's top league. That means no Sao Paulo, no Corinthians, no Flamengo, and no Santos.

One of the best ever Palestinian soccer players was killed in a blast, prompting calls for FIFA to denounce Isreal's actions.