MLS

Tim Howard’s presence in MLS was clearly felt during his return on Monday as the American goalkeeper registered a shutout in the 0-0 draw between Colorado Rapids, Howard’s new club, and the reigning MLS champion Portland Timbers.

Howard’s debut electrified Colorado’s fanbase — the club typically averages 14,978 spectators per match but had a season-best 18,759 attend Monday’s July 4th matchup.

Rapids fans were keen to see Howard and Jermaine Jones, both returning from Copa America action with the United States, take the field together for the first time for the club.

Andrea Pirlo, one of the most interesting men in the world, has had a cookout. We know this because he posted a picture of it on social media, and we are sad. Not sad that he had a cookout, but sad that we weren't invited.

The MLS did its reputation no favors in the US Open Cup the other day, by doing itself a favor. The LA Galaxy faced off against La Maquina FC, what a mounts to a 5th division club, and needed a despicable goal to win.

That was perfectly legal, by the way.

The Galaxy went on to win the game 4-1 in extra time, but really, are they the winners here?

It's safe to say that NYCFC fans are not completely impressed with Frank Lampard so far. He's been booed by his own supporters, he's been called the worst MLS signing in history and he's only managed to play 14 times for NYCFC in just under a year. 

Could Andres Guardado and Carlos Vela be headed to Atlanta United in the near future? It's possible, according to ESPN.

SB Nation's Atlanta United Blog, Dirty South Soccer, reported that John Sutcliffe, ESPN's Mexico National Team insider, had said that ATL United is interested in the two Mexico standouts (ESPN has evidently removed the video).

Jurgen Klinsmann’s record and accomplishments with the United States national team are well known. After winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2013, his fortunes have gradually taken a turn for the worse. The 2016 Copa America represents a massive chance for Klinsmann and the US squad to make the country proud again, but of the highest importance is the continued buildup to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Italy have announced their provisional squad for Euro 2016, and it’s one of the worst in recent memory. Gone are Antonio Di Natale, Mario Balotelli, Sebastian Giovinco, and Andrea Pirlo. Italy’s staunch defense is still there, but the class of their attack appears to be completely absent. 

Highlights are fun, and highlights are even more fun when narrated by the WWE's Jim Ross. Because of the massive beatdown New York Red Bulls put on New York City FC, and because of the Internet, we've ended up with one of the great match highlight videos of our time, with professional wrestling commentary overlaid on Red Bulls' 7-0 trouncing of their "rivals."