ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: USA make history, reach Copa semis

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Kick Off: USA make history, reach Copa semis | Full MLS slate for Week 15

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

Moving On!

Clint Dempsey scored a goal and set up the winner in the US national team's 2-1 Copa America quarterfinal win over Ecuador on Thursday night. Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle and our USMNT player ratings were in agreement that Deuce was the star of the show. As for Dempsey, he says to forget coach Jurgen Klinsmann's stated (and achieved) goal of reaching the semis; according to him, the Nats are here to win it all.

Looking Ahead

So who will the US need to tackle in the semis? That would be either Argentina or Venezuela. Whoever they face, Jurgen Klinsmann will have some lineup decisions to make. Our Benjamin Baer explores the coach's options for replacing the suspended trio of Alejandro Bedoya, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood.

Quarterfinal No. 2

On Friday night in New Jersey, Colombia and Peru will battle to see who joins the USMNT in the Copa America final four -- albeit on the other side of the bracket.

Win, Lose And Draw

The US Open Cup round-of-16 has been drawn, and it will feature clashes between the top two MLS sides from both the East and the West.

The Sigi 500

When Seattle visit the New York Red Bulls on Sunday (7:30 pm ET; FS1 in USA, MLS LIVE in Canada) Sounders boss Sigi Schmid will manage his 500th MLS game.

Under The Knife

Following his hernia surgery, Columbus Crew SC will be without attacking ace Federico Higuain for 5-7 weeks. They'll start making do without him when the Montreal Impact invade on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE).

Lame Lion

It appears rather likely that Orlando City will be forced to go without Kaka when they welcome San Jose to town on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE) in what is expected to be an emotional match as OCSC players vow to "fight back with love" after last weekend's mass shooting.

Gio's Back

While some MLS teams struggle to get their stars fit, Toronto FC is delighted to have ace Sebastian Giovinco back in the fold for Saturday's visit from the LA Galaxy (7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE).

Head Scratchers

Folks around Yankee Stadium are wondering what NYCFC have to do to get better results. Head coach Patrick Vieira and the Bronx boys will get their next chance to find some answers when East leaders Philadelphia visit on Saturday afternoon in the first match of what will be a full MLS slate (1 pm ET, MLS LIVE).

You Again

Various European reports claim Toronto FC are again looking at Germany attacker Lukas Podolski, who flirted with MLS interest before signing with Galatasaray last summer.

More Market Talk

Recently linked with an FC Dallas offer, Alajuelense's Costa Rica forward Nathan McDonald reportedly now has a D.C. United bid. Meanwhile, Leon's veteran Mexico defender Johnny Magallon is said to be looking for an MLS job.

Set The Record Straight

Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson has revealed that Boca Juniors wanted a Lucas Melano loan for free and the defending MLS champs refused.

Parting Ways

Due to an undisclosed health issue, Philadelphia Union and midfielder Vincent Nogueira have mutually terminated his contract.

It's A Date

The New York Red Bulls have announced a friendly with Club America set for July 6.

Scavenger Hunt!

Atlanta United may not start MLS play until next year, but their games begin on Friday; the expansion outfit has placed 800 club flags around town for fans to find and keep, with one attached to the added bonus of a pair of tickets to Chicago's Copa America semifinal tilt.