ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: USMNT finally win as Michael Bradley, Gyasi Zardes impress l Will Cubo Torres hit Houston early?

Kick Off: USMNT finally win as Michael Bradley, Gyasi Zardes impress l Will Cubo Torres hit Houston early?

Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:

1. STOPPING THE SLIDE

The US national team ended its worrying slide on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Panama, with goals from Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley, the latter of whom scored an absolutely stunning strike. It was enough to earn the team some plaudits from head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, but how did the players rate overall?

2. STAR PERFORMER BRADLEY PRAISES ZARDES

While Bradley may have run the show on Sunday, LA Galaxy attacker Gyasi Zardes also impressed with his assured performance. In fact, Zardes has perhaps been the breakout star of this January camp, so much so that Bradley insists “He’s a guy that has to be in this group going forward.”

3. PRESEASON PERFORMANCES

As the preseason encounters continue, Saturday saw plenty of draws while Friday saw a rematch between the Western Conference finalists. On Sunday Orlando City and Toronto FC battled to a 0-0 draw. You can keep track of all the previous results and upcoming friendlies right here.

4. CAN TORRES ARRIVE EARLY?

Erick "Cubo" Torres made a fleeting appearance in Houston on Sunday as he met the press and fans ahead of his summer move to the Dynamo. With his playing time thus far limited in his loan spell at Chivas de Guadalajara, could Torres make the move to Texas sooner than expected?

5. VALDES DEPARTS; REPLACEMENT INBOUND?

Carlos Valdes has departed the Philadelphia Union once again, this time joining Uruguayan side Nacional on loan for the whole of 2015. However, the Union could already have a replacement on the way as a report on Friday claims the club is close to signing Portuguese defender Steven Vitoria on loan.

6. GIOVINCO HERE TO WIN

Giovinco was officially introduced as a Toronto FC player on Friday, in person this time, and the Italian international stated his intentions uncategorically insisting, “I came here to win.” Meanwhile, will the friendship between the club's other two DPs provide a boost for both TFC and the US national team?

7. UNITED ROCKED BY INJURIES

D.C. United unveiled their brand-new secondary jersey on Sunday. But the club and their fans will have been concerned over the fact that, while 2014 rookie of the year finalist Steve Birnbaum was fitting in just fine at the USMNT’s January camp, injury subsequently ruled him out of Sunday’s game. Yet, while Birnbaum's injury is minor, it looks like star striker Eddie Johnson could be out for some more time.

8. TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

Defender Sean St. Ledger recently wrapped up a trial with DC United. However, the Republic of Ireland international hasn’t given up on his hopes of a move to MLS and is now on trial with Orlando City SC.

9. HEAR THE LIONS ROAR

Orlando City will be more than pleased with their growing fanbase after a crowd of nearly 7,000 flocked to see the team in action on Saturday in an open training session at the Citrus Bowl. The focus this season will naturally be on Kaka, yet David Estrela is another player looking to make his mark with the team.

10. NYCFC STILL GROWING

New York City FC added Colombian midfielder Javier Calle to their roster on Friday on loan. Meanwhile, the season ticket holder base is growing just as fast with the club announcing that season tickets have now climbed over the 13,000 mark.

11. MONTREAL MAKING MOVES

The Montreal Impact made some interesting moves over the weekend. The club announced a contract for SuperDraft selection Cameron Porter, but chose to waive Canadian international defender and Homegrown product Karl Ouimette. Plus, as the dispute over his contract rumbles on, the Impact have suspended new acquisition Ambroise Oyongo.

12. TRIAL BY FIRE

Alou Diarra, a former French international and West Ham midfielder, has joined the Chicago Fire’s preseason camp in England on trial. Elsewhere, with Brian McBride set to enter the US Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday, the former Fire star has been talking about how it feels to be honored in such a way.

13. SOUNDERS JUMPING FOR JOY(A)?

After undergoing surgery on his groin, will the Seattle Sounders’ linchpin midfielder Osvaldo Alonso be fit in time for the start of the regular season? His team also lost a preseason rematch against the LA Galaxy following their epic 2014 Western Conference Championship clash. But there's a new face that was spotted wearing the rave green of Seattle.

14. SETTLING FOR SECOND

While Columbus Crew SC’s new signing Cedrick Mabwati helped lead his DR Congo side to a third-place finish in the African Cup of Nations, Chicago Fire forward David Accam could only watch as his Ghana side lost the final via a heartbreaking penalty-kick shootout vs. the Ivory Coast.

15. CALLING FOR AN EARLY VOTE

CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb has reiterated his support for bringing the World Cup back to the region in 2026, while also suggesting he believes FIFA needs to start the bidding process now so that a decision can be announced by 2017.

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