/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60360761/usa_today_10927228.0.jpg)
Portland
The many sacrifices of Thorns FC's Ellie Carpenter | Portland Timbers
Eighteen-year-old phenoms are supposed to be gifted. They're not supposed to be products of hard work. Their skills are supposed to be natural, the result of a genetic lottery that we missed out on, one where they just happened to draw the right numbers. When you're that young, there hasn't been enough time for hard work, let alone have that work paid off.
Major League Soccer
From pupusas to riverfront vistas: 10 Things About DC United's Audi Field | MLSsoccer.com
After a long wait, it’s finally here: Audi Field will open its doors on Saturday night for its first match, when D.C. United host the Vancouver Whitecaps (8 pm ET | TSN – Full TV & streaming info). But just what should you expect if you’re making the pilgrimage for the opener, or for any of D.C.’s 15 remaining home matches this season? Here’s 10 things you should know about Audi Field.
Sporting KC’s Khiry Shelton Out 2-3 Months - The Blue Testament
On Thursday, Sporting Kansas City announced that striker Khiry Shelton would be out two to three months. He suffered a MCL tear and a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee in last Saturday’s match-up with Toronto FC. He underwent surgery early on Thursday.
LAFC take up Omar Gaber's option, transfer him to Egyptian side Pyramids FC | MLSsoccer.com
Los Angeles Football Club announced Thursday that the club has exercised Omar Gaber’s contract option from Swiss side FC Basel, then transferred the defender to Pyramids FC of the Egyptian Premier League.
Orlando City say showdown vs. fellow strugglers Toronto FC a "must-win" | MLSsoccer.com
James O’Connor isn’t concerned about Toronto FC’s own struggles this season. As obvious as that sounds, the new Orlando City boss said he’s more interested in turning around the club’s current misfortunes when both sides meet at Orlando City Stadium on Saturday (8 pm ET | TSN4 - Full TV & Streaming Info).
Player Playlist: What kept Kendall Waston "energized" at the World Cup | MLSsoccer.com
One MLSer boasts arguably the best World Cup outing so far for 2018: Vancouver Whitecaps defender Kendall Waston. Featuring for the lovable Ticos of Costa Rica, this summer marked his first showing at the tournament, "a dream that [he] wanted," he told MLSsoccer.com.
World Cup
The World Cup final should double as a head-to-head battle for Golden Ball
It almost always goes to the sexy name. For better or worse, the World Cup Golden Ball just does. It has become a crapshoot, supposedly awarded to a World Cup’s best player, instead based on the powers of narrative and fame.
FC Yahoo Mixer: Will France or Croatia win the World Cup final?
Joey Gulino: Welcome back to the FC Yahoo Mixer, everyone! This is possibly our last of the 2018 World Cup. I don’t know. We can’t predict the future. So … let’s predict the future!
United States
Update: Tyler Adams set for Bundesliga transfer - Stars and Stripes FC
One of the USMNT’s brightest prospects could be headed to Germany. According to Kristian Dyer of Metro New York, Tyler Adams is on the verge of joining RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
World
Liverpool trigger Xherdan Shaqiri's release clause sources
Liverpool have triggered the release clause in Xherdan Shaqiri's contract and he is undergoing a medical ahead of a £13 million move to Anfield, sources have told ESPN FC.
Manchester United to call up several youngsters for United States tour
With the bulk of the senior squad still participating in the World Cup or on holiday, Jose Mourinho will turn to several youngsters for a U.S. tour.
Barcelona's Clement Lenglet would love Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot to join
Clement Lenglet "would love" Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot to join him at Barcelona after becoming the second new arrival at Camp Nou this summer.