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Around the Forest: Zlatan Ibrahimovic says that he’ll play on turf in the playoffs

Also: Las Vegas Lights to drop $5,000; Jorge Villafana feels like he’s home; Tales of the Cascadia Cup and more!

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MLS: Colorado Rapids at Los Angeles Galaxy Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Portland

Jorge Villafana on rejoining Portland Timbers: 'It's like I'm home' | OregonLive.com
Jorge Villafana is extremely happy to be back with the Portland Timbers and is ready to contribute on the field.

The Tale of the Cascadia Cup: As told throughout history | MLSsoccer.com

Major League Soccer

LeBron James isn’t LA’s most outspoken star. That’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The Galaxy’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic has some things to say, like he always does, and it includes a message for LeBron: ‘He needs to win, just like me.’

What Austinites say about the city’s MLS team name, colors and badge

Stejskal: How Bob Bradley built a unique, effective midfield for LAFC | MLSsoccer.com

Besler, Zusi and Espinoza’s Unique Contract Situation - The Blue Testament
Peak MLS: Free agency doesn’t actually exist for players that should otherwise qualify.

(12) Zlatan Ibrahimović thinks LeBron James needs to win, like him. - YouTube

'He's a big player': Real Salt Lake's Albert Rusnak distinguishes himself as a leader | Deseret News
Albert Rusnak had the performance of his career with two record-setting goals in stoppage time against Houston. The young Slovakian player is establishing himself as an emerging leader for Real Salt Lake.

Among D.C. United players, a new team-building drill: Spanish lessons - The Washington Post
A group of English-speaking players pushed for the team-provided lessons to improve communication with Latino team members and to strengthen bonds on a diverse roster.

Atlanta United’s Martinez atop world’s goal-scoring list
Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez has scored more goals this calendar year than any other player...

Villalba in form of his life for Atlanta United

LA Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimovic I'll only play on turf in MLS playoffs
LA Galaxy striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he won't take a risk by playing on artificial turf unless it is "life or death."

Barcelona, Argentina … Atlanta: How Tata Martino came to thrive in MLS | Football | The Guardian
The Atlanta United coach has managed Argentina and Lionel Messi’s Barcelona. But he has relished the opportunity of a blank canvas in MLS

Roundtable: Should RSL retain Craig Waibel? - RSL Soapbox
It’s a question without a clear answer. Here are four distinct takes.

USL

Las Vegas Lights FC to Drop $5,000 from Helicopter as Fan Promotion | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
Anyone who has been to live sporting events in recent years has dealt with rising prices of tickets, parking and concessions, but some fans of the Las Vegas Lights FC will leave a Sept...

United States

Tyler Adams sounds like he expects to leave for Europe soon - Stars and Stripes FC
Might not be long now.

NWSL

NWSL expansion could see teams added in USL cities :: WRALSportsFan.com
The on-and-off-field success of the North Carolina Courage provides a template for other USL owners interested in adding a women's team.

World

Spanish players union 'united' against La Liga plans to play in U.S. - Sergio Busquets
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets says the Spanish footballers' union (AFE) is united in opposition to La Liga's plans to play in the U.S.

Barcelona and Bielsa: Five Things You Need to Know About European Soccer - The Ringer
We’ve barely had any games, but Benjamin Mendy looks brilliant, Barcelona look beautiful, and Marcelo Bielsa looks like he never left

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend | Football | The Guardian
Jack Wilshere returns to Arsenal, Tottenham can compound José Mourinho’s misery and Newcastle fans’ philanthropic T-shirts

Report: Liverpool rejects $2.5 billion ownership bid – ProSoccerTalk
The prospective buyer is a cousin of Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour.

Sergio Agüero embraces defending to erase Pep Guardiola’s doubts | Jonathan Wilson | Football | The Guardian
Argentinian’s strike rate is up there with the best but only now is Manchester City’s all-time top scorer convincing his manager he is the finished article.