Kick Off: Union & Sounders in US Open Cup showdown | Timbers & DC in CCL

News  |  Videos  |  Schedule & Stats  |  Clubs  |  Fantasy  |  Shop Forward To A Friend Kick Off: Union & Sounders in US Open Cup showdown | Timbers & DC in CCL Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning: 1. US OPEN CUP FINAL Tonight marks the Final of the 2014 US Open Cup with the Philadelphia Union playing host to the Seattle Sounders (7:30pm ET, GolTV). The Sounders are attempting to win their fourth USOC title in six years and possibly become the first MLS team to win a treble. With the Union meanwhile trying to win the first trophy in club history, what would such success mean to the Union's loyal fanbase?   2. MEN OF STEEL The Union will wear their black third kits on Tuesday night, an homage to Bethlehem Steel, the storied club that won five US Open Cups in the 1910s and 1920s. Their story is one of trophies and legends that still linger in Philadelphia soccer lore. 3. CCL ARRIVES IN PORTLAND Providence Park plays host to its first CONCACAF Champions League game on Tuesday when the Portland Timbers take on Honduran side CD Olimpia (10 pm ET, Fox Sports 1). With the Timbers still fighting for their MLS playoff lives, they're likely to field a reduced lineup. But one regular who is expected to play is Will Johnson, freshly returned after the birth of his daughter. 4. UNITED IN JAMAICA D.C. United are in Jamaica for their second Champions League match against Waterhouse FC (8 pm ET, Fox Soccer Plus). A win would put United in control of their group. While rookie defender Steven Birnbaum might not see any time in the game, he has become one of the team's ever-present performers. 5. ARRIVEDERCI, DI VAIO? With Marco Di Vaio still playing a huge role for the Montreal Impact, many fans are hoping he'll stay on and play for an extra season. However, according to reports, it looks like Di Vaio could call it a day at the end of this season. 6. POTENTIAL NYC FC STADIUM SITE? New York City FC's search for a permanent home within the city's five borroughs looks like it could take it back to Queens, site of the club's original plan. According to this report on CapitalNewYork.com, the club is assessing land near the Aqueduct Racetrack. 7. STAYING AT HOME IN VANCOUVER The MLS Roster freeze passed by on Monday, with the only signings occurring north of the border. The Vancouver Whitecaps didn't add a striker as many hoped they would but they did sign talented Residency midfielders Kianz Froese and Marco Bustos to Homegrown contracts. 8. TFC RESHUFFLE? Toronto FC also added a Homegrown midfielder, picking up academy product Chris Mannella, as GM Tim Bezbatchenko continues to build his vision for the club. With that in mind, could Maple Leaf Sport and Entertainment President Tim Leiweke be planning further changes come January? 9. USL PRO DEADLINE Yesterday also marked the deadline for MLS sides to finalise agreements if they intend to field their own USL PRO sides next season. The New York Red Bulls have no intentions of forming their own lower division side. The Vancouver Whitecaps meanwhile suffered a blow as New Westminster council voted against playing home to their third division outfit. 10. "I HAD A REALLY GOOD FEELING ABOUT THE CREW"  As Emanuel Pogatetz works towards match fitness, the Columbus Crew's newest defender has been talking about what made him choose the club and how he's settling in. 11. PAIRING UP IN HOUSTON After capitulating a two-goal lead against the Columbus Crew, the Houston Dynamo obviously have a few things to work out defensively. On the other hand, scoring goals is not an issue. The only question is which is the Dynamo's most effective partnership up front? 12. ORLANDO LOOK AHEAD "It's not how you fall, it's how you rise." That's how Orlando City's Kevin Molino took his side's ouster from the USL PRO playoffs, as the club begins to build toward their MLS debut next year. Recently retired Lion Anthony Pulis will be there from the start, as it was announced that he will stay at the club as an academy coach. 13. RESTING RED BULLS With the New York Red Bulls planning to rest some of their key players for Wednesday's Champion's League encounter against the Montreal Impact, that probably mean another start for teenager Matt Miazga, fresh from three strong performance with the US U-20 side. 14. RAMOS REVIEWS U-20S Speaking of the US U-20s, manager Tab Ramos and his team have just returned from a 10-day training camp in Argentina and after coming away with two wins and a draw, Ramos had plenty of positive things to say about his team heading into January's U-20 World Cup qualifiers. 15. STOKING THE FLAMES English Premier League side Stoke City have perhaps had more American players pass through their team in recent years than any other European side and it looks as though that trend could continue after the club announced plans to link up with several youth teams across North America. MLSsoccer.com Musts Goal of the week & Save of the Week: Vote now! Instant Replay: Should Gilberto's goal have counted? ExtraTime Radio: Can the Sounders win the treble?