Around The Forest: Kaka makes ESPN’s World Fame 100 List

Portland

Portland Timbers, Thorns, T2 set to kick off Stand Together Week Sunday | OregonLive.com
The Portland Timbers, Thorns and T2 are set to kick off their sixth-annual Stand Together week Sunday. Stand Together Week is a "week-long community initiative to support dozens of nonprofit projects and volunteer opportunities across the city." It will run from June 4-10.

MLS

Ryan Hollingshead continues to improve after being hit by car
Ryan Hollingshead would be the first to say he’s not a hero. Yet the humble midfielder for FC Dallas keeps playing that role, whether it’s for his brother’s church, for kids at a Haitian orphanage or for an accident victim in a North Texas ice storm.

Kaká makes ESPN ‘World Fame 100’ list - Orlando Sentinel
The Brazilian soccer star ranked 18th on ESPN’s 2017 World Fame 100, a list of “the most famous athletes on the planet” that was topped by Cristiano Ronaldo, followed by LeBron James and Lionel Messi.

Garza wants to make Atlanta United move permanent
Fullback Greg Garza said Wednesday that he hopes his loan to Atlanta United can be made permanent. Garza, 25, said he has two years remaining on his contract with Tijuana in Mexico’s first division, but he and his family are enjoying Atlanta, describing it as a wanted journey.

Fire ham it up with new food deal - Chicago Tribune
The Fire announced Krakus Polish Ham as the team's official deli meat for the season on Thursday.

Colorado Rapids president Tim Hinchey to depart club on July 1 | MLSsoccer.com
Colorado Rapids president Tim Hinchey will be leaving his post July 1, the club announced on Thursday. Hinchey will take over as president and CEO of USA Swimming this summer, which is headquartered in Colorado Springs.

Metro exploring two spots at Nashville fairgrounds for MLS stadium
More than four months after Mayor Megan Barry announced she wants a future Major League Soccer stadium in Nashville to go at the city's fairgrounds, her administration still hasn't decided where on the site the stadium would be built.

FourFourTwo: More MLS clubs will follow NYCFC's eSports lead | MLSsoccer.com
It’s a safe bet that others will follow New York City FC’s lead in signing a professional eSports athlete to the club’s payroll, according to a feature from FourFourTwo's Jack Williams.

US Open Cup

US Open Cup: Amatuers Christos FC set up MLS clash; 4th round draw | ProSoccerTalk
Minnows Christos FC upset Chicago FC United in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night to advance to the fourth round where they’ll meet D.C. United of Major League Soccer.

United States

7 USMNT players with the most to gain in the Americans' crucial June matches | FOX Sports
The thing about Bruce Arena being early into his stint as the new U.S. national team coach is that every player is getting a chance to break into the USMNT picture right now. Unlike Jurgen Klinsmann, who was pretty set in his ways after a while, Arena seems very open-minded about his player pool.

FC Dallas DF Matt Hedges looking to make the most of 2nd chance with USMNT | MLSsoccer.com
When listing off the best defenders in MLS over the past two seasons, Matt Hedges is most likely near the top of anyone's selection.

Bobby Wood aims to provide attacking spark for USMNT in qualifying | SI.com
As a youngster in Hawaii, the significance of the World Cup never dawned on forward Bobby Wood. Full disclosure: He didn't even know what it was. He understands now.

9 players who missed the USMNT roster, but could make an impact soon | FOX Sports
While Bruce Arena called up a strong roster for the World Cup qualifiers and friendlies this month, there is even more talent that didn’t make it. In most cases, the best players left off the USMNT roster are less experienced options who will likely get a chance at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July.

Rising U.S. soccer prospect Jesse Gonzalez chooses Mexico national team
Jesse Gonzalez was born and raised in United States, but he intends to follow his roots in soccer and play for the Mexican national team.

World

Why Francesco Totti is so special - 7500 To Holte
Aston Villa will probably never have their own Francesco Totti. That’s okay, no club other than Roma will.

Jorge Sampaoli confirmed as new Argentina coach - Goal.com
The former Chile boss has officially cut his ties with Sevilla and will sit on the bench for the first time against Brazil on June 9.

UEFA approve use of fourth substitute in extra time | MARCA in English
With the intention of preserving player fitness and health, UEFA have signed off on a rule change which will allow teams to make a fourth substitution in matches which go all the way to extra time

UEFA Champions League

Keylor Navas: Beloved in Costa Rica, still faces Real Madrid doubts | SI.com
Keylor Navas carries the flag for Costa Rica with his standout play for Real Madrid and can add another Champions League title to his resume....

Champions League final more than a game for Gigi Buffon - Black & White & Read All Over
Twenty-two years ago, at the young age of 17, Gianluigi Buffon’s career started. It was at home against eventual league champions AC Milan — who had conquered Europe the year before — and the debuting goalkeeper had managed to keep the likes of Roberto Baggio at bay. It was a sign of things to come for Buffon, facing up against the best goal scorers the sport had to offer, matching them every step of the way

Real Madrid vs Juventus, Champions League Final 2017: Q&A with the Enemy - Managing Madrid
The anticipation ahead of this Saturday’s Champions League final is almost unrivalled in recent years. The champions of Spain face the champions of Italy. These are truly the two best teams on the planet right now squaring off in Cardiff, and that’s something that we don’t always get in a final.