ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: It's MLS vs. Arsenal in AT&T MLS All-Star Game tonight at 7:30ET

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Kick Off: It's MLS vs. Arsenal in AT&T MLS All-Star Game tonight at 7:30ET

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

The Main Event

Nearly a week's worth of activities in San Jose will wrap up with Thursday's AT&T MLS All-Star Game against Arsenal (7:30 pm ET on ESPN, UniMás, TSN2, RDS), which Gunners winger Theo Walcott promises will not be a typical friendly. While Quakes stars Chris Wondolowski and David Bingham will be living a dream come true as All-Stars in their home park, NYCFC goal ace David Villa is amped to have the chance to link up with Montreal table-setter Ignacio Piatti.

American Gooners

All-Star Game foe Arsenal is among the most popular English clubs here in the States, so we've taken a look at the stateside fans who've pledged allegiance to the EPL giants.

Which Way To Go?

While Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is tipping young midfielder Gedion Zelalem to enjoy a successful career, the US youth international is still unsure about exactly where he'll play during the upcoming season.

Thinking Big

One MLS All-Star, Sacha Kljestan has some lofty ambitions for what will come after Thursday's exhibition contest: help win the Red Bulls' first MLS Cup crown and then return the US national team frame.

Homegrown Lesson

The Chipotle MLS Homegrown Team went down in a 2-0 loss to Mexico's U-20 national team on Wednesday, with both goals scored by the second cousin of El Tri legend Rafa Marquez. Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle puts the microscope on three of the MLS players to provide a scouting report for their potential.

Sound On

Following Seattle's acquisition of Uruguay playmaker Nicolas Lodeiro, Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey says the team is headed in a new direction. In his weekly Q&A session, the Armchair Analyst examines how Lodeiro can help Seattle's attack.

Sound Off

American soccer analysts Alexi Lalas and Taylor Twellman have offered their takes on Sigi Schmid's departure from Seattle.

Ready To Pounce?

Speaking of Twellman, he reports that other MLS clubs are monitoring the situation of Colorado head coach Pablo Mastroeni, who is out of contract at season's end.

Getting Stoked

In Jason Kreis' first game in charge, Orlando City suffered a 2-1 friendly loss to affiliate partner Stoke City on Wednesday night. Nevertheless, Lions skipper Kaka believes the new boss can still lead them to the playoffs.

Hitting Back

While most of the league's eyes are on Thursday's All-Star Game, Vancouver striker Blas Perez already has his laser focus on Sunday's visit to former employers and league leaders FC Dallas (6 pm ET on TSN, MLS LIVE in USA). The wily veteran has his sights set on scoring in what he considers a special occasion.

Close To Home

The Philadelphia Union have inked a deal with Homegrown midfielder Derrick Jones, who comes with a real Philly underdog story.

They're Lining Up

Canadian reports have Impact attacker Johan Venegas drawing interest from an MLS rival, as well as from old club Alajuelense and teams in Italy and France.

Trial Time

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has begun an audition with Sporting KC.

The Other Football

Though the NFL team has moved back to Los Angeles, some former Rams (including Chris Long and Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams) are in talks to join a group of prospective owners seeking to bring an MLS expansion team to St. Louis.

Gio-Synchronous

After sitting out Copa America, Galaxy ace Giovani dos Santos says he is eager to make an El Tri return for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Roll Out The Boro

A local daily claims that Middlesbrough will finally clinch the capture of Aston Villa netminder and US national team goalkeeper Brad Guzan in the coming days.