Around the Forest: MLS All-Stars to face Atletico Madrid

Also: Blanco can’t wait to return to Portland; Cristian Roldan red card rescinded; Carlos Vela could end up at Chivas and more!

By Timm Higgins@bckdoorslider May 2, 2019, 9:07am PDT

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Timbers

Don't worry about Portland: The Timbers have the tools, and the return home, to get them back on track
A 12-game road stretch to start the season has left Portland off the pace in MLS. There are, however, signs of a revival within the Timbers' ranks.

Colorado Rapids fire Hudson name assistant Casey as interim manager
The Colorado Rapids have fired manager Anthony Hudson, with assistant coach Conor Casey taking over on an interim basis, the club announced.

Cristian Roldan has red card rescinded - Sounder At Heart
Team goes out of its way not to spike the proverbial ball.

D.C. United has Wayne Rooney, Luciano Acosta and a frustrating scoring drought - The Washington Post
Injuries and the fatigue from a busy stretch of matches have helped sap the attack despite its star duo.

Orlando City not worried about past May swoons, confident it can handle heat | Pro Soccer USA
The month of May has not been kind to Orlando City since the club joined Major League Soccer. The Lions are 4-9-8 in 21 league matches played in May since 2016.

Pity Martinez in Atlanta's system | US Soccer Players
Expecting an elite player to outplay his club's system doesn't work in the contemporary era of soccer, something that's an issue for Atlanta United.

Minnesota United wants to use transfer windows to get younger
MN United FC, the second-oldest team in MLS, wants to use transfer windows to get younger.

Orlando City goalkeepers share close bond, backups stay ready | Pro Soccer USA
Grinwis and MLS newcomer Greg Ranjitsingh have served as the Lions two backup goalkeepers this season and both said the goalkeeper union at Orlando City is strong.

Seven Ailments of Sporting KC’s Defense - The Blue Testament
We break down many of the things going wrong for SKC defensively and suggest some solutions.

Ronaldinho to play Patrice Bernier, former Montreal Impact players | Pro Soccer USA
World Cup winner Ronaldinho will feature in a legends game against Patrice Bernier and former Montreal Impact players on June 23 at Stade Saputo.

Atlético Madrid looks forward to unique chance to play MLS All-Stars | Pro Soccer USA
Storied Spanish La Liga side Atlético Madrid will be the opponent for the 2019 MLS All-Star Game, which will be hosted July 31 in Orlando City Stadium.

Zlatan's game causes issues for the Galaxy | US Soccer Players
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's interactions with Real Salt Lake defender Nedum Onuoha became the story of the Galaxy's 2-1 win in Week 9 of the 2019 MLS season.

Backpass: Can anything save the Colorado Rapids this season? Here are 4 ideas. – The Denver Post
With only nine games behind them and still three-quarters of the season left to play, the Colorado Rapids already look like a team careening toward disaster.