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Seattle
Stefan Frei’s incredible moment in the 2016 MLS Cup final continues to earn him plaudits, and now he’s nominated for an ESPY for “Best MLS Player.” ESPN’s annual awards show will be held on July 12.
Have you heard about Rivalry Week? It’s sort of a big thing the league is pushing. Here’s a cool feature on Timbers ex-striker Tony Betts and his memories of the Timbers goal he scored in 1975 to beat Seattle in the playoffs in the Timbers’ very first NASL season.
More rivalry hype is available here with MLS’ feature video that is sure to ‘fan your flames’.
Also, Brian Schmetzer tells ESPN the story of getting the double bird in Portland back in the USL days.
Check out Oniel Fisher burying his penalty in the shootout to help Jamaica advance past French Guyana in the Caribbean Cup:
Here is the penalty shoot-out from our win!!!! https://t.co/XkE7dP4qJE
— Official J.F.F (@ItsTheJFF) June 23, 2017
Major League Soccer
Speaking of rivalry week, sorry Rivalry Week, ESPN FC made these 90’s-video-game-styled animations for each upcoming rivalry battle. Not to be missed is boxing Deuce ready to bareknuckle brawl with a crazed Timber Joey.
Angels on Parade reacts to the strong rumors suggesting Andres Guardado will be signed by LAFC for their inaugural year. Questions remain, like would a transfer fee for the Mexican veteran be too rich for MLS’ blood? If so he probably won’t join the new SoCal team ‘til midway through the ‘18 season.
The San Jose Earthquakes got an early start announcing plans for the transfer window, revealing they have signed Valeri “Vako” Qazaishvili, a Georgian international and attacking midfielder. He’s just 24 and most recently played in the Polish league on loan from Dutch club Vitesse.
US Open Cup
FC Cincinnati of the USL has made it to the USOC round of 16, and ESPN2 is picking up Wednesday’s match with the potential for a big upset. Cincinnati is hosting at Nippert Stadium.
US Soccer
US Soccer has confirmed that midfielder Kenny Saief’s request for change of association has been approved. Saief, 23, has played for Israel at U19 and U21 level, and now will represent the US.
World
The recent scuttlebutt is that Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to stay at Real Madrid, but Manchester United still have a hankering for a player from the Spanish club. So instead, they’ll make a big bid for Alvaro Morata.
Chile celebrated what turned out to not actually be a goal (Video Assistant Referee called it back as offside) by sitting in a circle and pretending to play their favorite game, Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch.