Around the Forest: 4th Round of the U.S. Open Cup starts tonight

Portland

Timbers midfielders David Guzmán, Andy Polo named to final rosters for 2018 FIFA World Cup | Portland Timbers
Midfielders Andy Polo and David Guzmán will represent the Portland Timbers at the 2018 FIFA World Cup this summer, with both players being named to the final 23-man rosters for Peru and Costa Rica, respectively. As each participating nation was required to finalize its 23-man roster by Monday, their inclusion marks the first time that both players have been named to a FIFA World Cup roster.

Quick Strikes | Timbers take on San Jose for the fourth time in U.S. Open Cup | Portland Timbers
The Portland Timbers begin their 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign Wednesday when they host the San Jose Earthquakes on at Providence Park (7:30pm PT, Stream: Timbers.com, TICKETS). Here are five numbers to know in a special U.S. Open Cup edition of Quick Strikes.

Major League Soccer

Seattle Sounders off to worst MLS start in club history | MLSsoccer.com
Brian Schmetzer's team has scored just seven goals this season, by far the fewest of any team in the league, and started right back Kelvin Leerdam in an attacking position on Saturday. Of course they have dealt with a massive amount of injuries, including the loss of Jordan Morris for the season.

Meltdowns, Zlatan problems, youth movements: What you missed in MLS Week 14 | MLSsoccer.com
It was a busy week across MLS, including a full slate of four midweek games on Wednesday. Here’s a few crib notes.

Previewing Wednesday's early Fourth Round U.S. Open Cup matchups | MLSsoccer.com
It’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup time for Major League Soccer teams and all 20 United States-based teams are in Fourth Round action on Tuesday and Wednesday. Here’s a look at Wednesday’s early matchups:

Previewing Tuesday's Fourth Round U.S. Open Cup matches | MLSsoccer.com
It’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup time for Major League Soccer teams and all 20 United States-based teams are in Fourth Round action on Tuesday and Wednesday. Here’s a look at Tuesday’s three matches:

Minnesota's Heath breaks down Sporting KC rout: "They just keep coming" | MLSsoccer.com
Not much went right for Minnesota United in Sunday night’s 4-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park, a venue in which the Loons are now 0-3-0 – with just one goal scored and a whopping 11 conceded – since joining MLS last year.

Cristian Roldan: "Lackluster" Seattle Sounders aren't showing up to games | MLSsoccer.com
“Disappointing, lackluster. Just felt that there wasn’t a sense of bite within our team,” said the influential Roldan. “The morale of the team is obviously low right now, it’s down. But this is MLS. You win three games in a row, you’re right back in it.

Sporting KC sharing the scoring load, to considerable success | MLSsoccer.com
Sporting KC have the third-most goals in the league right now, with 28. Through their 14 games, that puts them at a two goals per game average. For comparison, in 2017, their goals per game rate was roughly 1.18. So is this a better attacking team? Vermes wasn’t ready to give them that crown yet, even if he acknowledged the attack was deeper than in past seasons.

United States

Preseason Battle Preview: Antonee Robinson - Stars and Stripes FC
Welcome to part one of my summer preseason battle preview. Over the next few weeks, I will preview some of the big storylines heading into next season in terms of players trying to win first team spots at their clubs. This summer offers a unique opportunity for our players. While other countries have their players away on World Cup duty, Americans will be readily available for selection by their clubs in the preseason.

Schalke’s Haji Wright to return early from loan | SBI Soccer
Haji Wright’s loan move from Schalke to Sandhausen was frustrating to say the least, with the American forward struggling for goals.

World

Liverpool's Loris Karius suffered concussion in Champions League final
Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius suffered a concussion in the Champions League final against Real Madrid that may have impacted his performance, Massachusetts General Hospital confirmed on Monday.

Paul Pogba: Lionel Messi isn't criticised for playing style but critics won't change me
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has said criticism of his personality and style of play will not make him change. Pogba recorded 10 assists in the Premier League last season -- bettered only by the Manchester City quartet of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling -- but has found his place in the France team questioned ahead of the World Cup.

Manchester United agree deal to land Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk for the transfer of Brazil international midfielder Fred, the Premier League club confirmed on Tuesday.

Yaya Touré’s agent: Yaya is available for £1-a-week and African shamans will curse Pep Guardiola – City Watch
“Nothing good can be said about the human qualities of Pep Guardiola,” Seluk remarked. “You can start with the fact that he came to Manchester City in a nasty way. The transfer was announced at a time when [Manuel] Pellegrini was still at the helm of the team.