ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Local clashes abound as MLS enters US Open Cup

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Kick Off: Local clashes abound as MLS enters US Open Cup | USWNT look to top their group

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

1. US OPEN UP

Round 4 of the US Open Cup gets underway tonight and this marks the stage where MLS sides enter the action. The geographical pairings make for some interesting encounters, including a clash between the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers. And with 14 of the 16 ties being streamed live, you can check out all the details right here

2. HOSTS GO THROUGH

Back to USOC action in a second, right after a Women's World Cup update. Canada's women's national team secured first place in their Women's World Cup group following a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands. That positioning now means they'll face one of the third-place finishers from Group C, D OR E on June 21.

3. CAN THE USWNT DO THE SAME?

Now it's the turn of the US women's national team, who take on bottom of the group Nigeria today (8 pm ET, Fox, NBC Universo) at BC Place in Vancouver. A win will be enough to top their group, however, despite their current position, the African opposition won't be an easy game for the USWNT.

4. NYCFC SET FOR NEW SIGNINGS?

New York City FC will take on the neighboring New York Cosmos in their inaugural US Open Cup encounter (Tuesday, 7:30 pm ET, YouTube). NYCFC are promising to take this match more seriously than the New York Red Bulls did last year. But with their MLS season finally starting to turn around, could one of the league's two newest teams be on the verge of adding some reinforcements?

5. DAX MCCARTY CELEBRATES HISTORY

With Thierry Henry now retired, Dax McCarty has proven himself a more than worthy replacement as team captain and is also continuing a tradition started by the Frenchman. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls host the Atlanta Silverbacks tonight (7:30 pm ET, YouTube) in what could be Ronald Zubar's first appearance since the opening day of the MLS season.

6. MYERS READY TO RETURN

Sporting Kansas City are gearing up to take on Saint Louis FC in the US Open Cup tonight (8:30 pm ET, YouTube) in the first professional, competitive soccer match between the two cities in more than 40 years. Could the game mark the return of Chance Myers? After more than a year out with injury, the defender is certainly ready to return.

7. CAN LARIN BE A HOMETOWN HERO?

Canada host Dominica tonight in the second leg of their World Cup qualifier (7.30 pm ET, CanadaSoccer.com). Although the Canadians hold a 2-0 lead from the first leg, Dominica are hoping to produce an upset on enemy soil. If Cyle Larin gets the start in Toronto, it'll mark a hometown international debut for the Orlando City striker.

8. MEXICO DRAWS AGAIN

Mexico now have two draws from their opening two Copa America games, this time earning an impressive 3-3 result against host country Chile. It leaves the CONCACAF nation in third place in their group with one game – against Ecuador on Friday – left to play.

9. TURNING TO PANAMA

The Pacific Northwest could be set for an influx of Panamanian talent soon: Not only are the Vancouver Whitecaps being linked with a move for Luis "Coco" Henriquez, but it seems the Seattle Sounders currently have fellow Panamanian international Jairo Jimenez in on a trial.

10. IS HERC COMING HOME?

Could Herculez Gomez finally be on his way back to America? According to reports on Monday, the former US international is set to leave Club Tijuana and has apparently been in discussions with MLS over a return.

11. NEW DM FOR THE UNION?

Are the Philadelphia Union looking to add a new defensive midfielder to their squad? Possibly, as Honduran international Wilson Palacios is currently training with the side after being released by Stoke City. Speaking of players released by English clubs, according to his agent,American defender Zak Whitbread is said to be drawing interest from MLS sides.

12. FIRST OF ITS KIND

Orlando City's game against D.C. United on Sunday made history as the first in MLS to feature an official hydration break. On the field though, as the team starts to find its feet, it's getting more difficult for at least one member of the squad to earn some playing time.

13. QUICK TURNAROUND

When Orlando hosted D.C., you would have never guessed that the Citrus Bowl had played host to a Rolling Stones concert just two nights before. Check out this cool time-lapse video to see how the venue transformed.

14. SOCCER IN SAN DIEGO?

Could MLS be on its way to San Diego? Not at the minute, no, but as the city attempts to secure a new stadium for their NFL side, the San Diego Chargers, it seems they're considering how it might look if it also playing host to an MLS side.

15. STADIUMS FOR EVERYONE?

In other stadium news, despite being out of the running for an MLS franchise until after 2018, it seems Las Vegas hasn't given up on dreams of a new sports venue just yet. Over in Minnesota, a deadline is fast approaching for their own stadium plans.

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