Around the Forest: Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez ties MLS record with 5 hat tricks

Portland

Despite extending unbeaten streak to seven, Timbers frustrated chances don't lead to full three points | Portland Timbers
This is why, when defining a team, you need to look at more than one result. It’s why you look at the process in addition to the score, when you’re evaluating performance. It’s also why, when a goalkeeper spills a ball to Cristhian Parades or a late foul is drawn by Samuel Armenteros (as happened against Los Angeles FC and San Jose, respectively), you remember: not every break is going to go your way.

Major League Soccer

Atlanta United's Josef Martinez ties MLS record with 5th hat trick | MLSsoccer.com
MLS fans had a pretty good idea how explosive Josef Martinez was after he had a hat trick in just his second game with Atlanta United last March. But few could have realistically expected just how many more three-goal games he’d accrue over the next 15 months.

Reports: Wayne Rooney has agreed in principle to a D.C. United move - Black And Red United
In news that has developed very quickly, D.C. United has gone from interested in Wayne Rooney last year, to in serious talks with him earlier this week, to now an agreement in principle with the all-time leading scorer for the English men’s national team.

True colors: Crew's Josh Williams does 'not want the team to go anywhere' | theScore.com
The truth is, Akron has developed some illustrious names in North American sports and is the birthplace of arguably the most recognizable of all in LeBron James. The Zips have ushered numerous defensive players into American football, including six-time all-star Jason Taylor, and those who emerged from the university's soccer setup include DeAndre Yedlin, Darlington Nagbe, Darren Mattocks, and Williams' Crew colleague Wil Trapp. Not bad for a population of under 200,000.

Vermes' last words to Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal before subbing on: You'll score | MLSsoccer.com
The 19-year-old midfielder made his first appearance with Sporting KC last week when he was subbed on late in the second half in Sporting’s 0-0 draw against Columbus Crew SC. He made the bench again on Sunday night and was called upon to replace Yohan Croizet in the 18th minute. 17 minutes later, he scored his first goal.

Marsch hoping subpar performance vs. Revs doesn't turn into habit | MLSsoccer.com
The New York Red Bulls were flying high two weeks ago after beating MLS frontrunners Atlanta United 3-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and leading the league in points per game heading into Week 13.

Crew SC recover to save point with "uncommon" comeback against Toronto FC | MLSsoccer.com
Columbus Crew SC earned a point at home Saturday night in dramatic fashion, mounting a dramatic three-goal comeback in the final 23 minutes of the match to level the score at 3-3 against rivals Toronto FC.

Union head coach Jim Curtin: Bedoya did not deserve second yellow | MLSsoccer.com
The Philadelphia Union entered their match against Atlanta United on Saturday night on a four-game unbeaten run and having just beaten the Chicago Fire 3-1 on Wednesday night. Had they been able to come up with three points at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Union would have jumped above the playoff line.

Crew SC recover to save point with "uncommon" comeback against Toronto FC | MLSsoccer.com
“I’m really proud of the guys for that type of comeback,” said head coach Gregg Berhalter. “It’s very uncommon, in soccer, to come back from three goals down and get anything out of the game. So I’m really proud.”

Armchair Analyst: RSL, FC Dallas make their charge & more from Week 14 | MLSsoccer.com
Week 14 of the 23rd MLS season has now entered the books. We're now solidly into mid-season, with nearly 40 percent of the year completed.

United States

USA v. Ireland: What we Learned - Stars and Stripes FC
Well that wasn’t great. The US fell late against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin 2-1. It wasn’t a successful endeavor, but this represented a more significant test of the midfield and defense. This was basically a full strength Ireland side, more comparable to a team that the US would play in the Hex or knockout stages of the Gold Cup. Also, there was no Pulisic.

Rose Lavelle added to USA vs China roster - Stars and Stripes FC
Lavelle was initially left off the 24-player roster announced on March 29, but after putting together an energetic if sometimes sloppy 30-plus minutes for the Washington Spirit on a rainy Saturday night, Lavelle has been called into camp.

World

Leroy Sane dropped from Germany's final World Cup squad but Manuel Neuer in
Sane, the Premier League Young Player of the Year, was expected to made the final squad but was left out. While Low initially did not explain his decision, he later told reporters that Leverkusen forward Julian Brandt edged the winger.

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini mugged at gunpoint in Chile
New West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini has thanked the police in Chile for its "prompt and brave response" after he and his wife were reportedly mugged at gunpoint at the weekend.

Man City news: Yaya Toure accuses 'cruel' Guardiola of hating African players | Goal.com
Yaya Toure has hit out at Pep Guardiola, claiming the Manchester City coach has a problem with players from Africa. The Ivory Coast international left City at the end of the season after playing a limited role under the Catalan. It is the second time Toure has been moved on by Guardiola, having left Barcelona while the coach was in charge.