Around the Forest: Jorge Villafana earns Team of the Week honors

Also: Julian Gressel suffers no discipline for slap, Timbers happy to win ugly; Dynamo receive European offer for Manotas and more!

By Timm Higgins@bckdoorslider Sep 3, 2019, 8:52am PDT

PTFC

Team of the Week presented by Audi: Ibrahimovic conjures magic in Week 26 | MLSsoccer.com
Week 26 was full of goals, stout defensive performances and everything in between, something reflected in the Team of the Week presented by Audi.

Sources: Beckham's Miami eyes River Plate star
Inter Miami CF is in talks to acquire River Plate midfielder Exequiel Palacios but there is "a long way" to go to get a deal done.

MLS Power Rankings: Philly, Portland form new top three behind LAFC; NYRB take big tumble
Philadelphia and NYCFC clinched spots for the postseason but the Western Conference -- aside from runaway leaders LAFC -- is still wide-open.

Houston Dynamo receive hefty transfer offer for Mauro Manotas from Europe | MLSsoccer.com
The Houston Dynamo have received a significant transfer offer for star forward Mauro Manotas from an unnamed European club, sources confirm.

LA Galaxy bemoan recurring inability to close out games after Seattle loss | MLSsoccer.com
The LA Galaxy's playoff hopes are on tenuous ground as they continued their season-long trend of late letdowns in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Seattle Sounders.

MLS in the global market | US Soccer Players
MLS is facing new competition in the global player market with established stars now considering offers from Brazil and Argentina.

D.C. United’s Russell Canouse in right spot for much-needed MLS victory - The Washington Post
Midfielder provides cover on the back line in helping end a three-game losing streak and boost MLS playoff hopes.

What A Save! Check out all the top stops from MLS Week 26 | MLSsoccer.com
From one-on-ones, to penalties, to wicked deflections, the goalkeepers around MLS were put to work in Week 26.

Sporting KC signs Felipe Hernandez to homegrown contract | The Kansas City Star
On the Major League Soccer roster freeze date, Sporting Kansas City signed midfielder Felipe Hernandez to a homegrown contract, sources told The Star.

MLS players show union solidarity with #IAmTheMLSPA campaign | Pro Soccer USA
MLS players shared posts and changed their Twitter and Instagram avatars in a collective action that coincides with Labor Day weekend.

How Chris Wondolowski went from DII to the MLS record book | NCAA.com
Chris Wondowloski became the MLS all-time leading goal scorer in 2019. It's a journey that began by playing DII men's soccer with Chico State from 2001-04.

Four Reasons Why Sporting Can Make the Playoffs and Four Reasons They Won’t - The Blue Testament
Kansas City has a hill to climb to make the playoffs, but it isn’t impossible. That said, it’s a big hill.

MLS lets Atlanta United’s Julian Gressel off the hook for face slap, angering Union and others
When the word got to the Union that Atlanta United midfielder Julian Gressel wouldn’t be suspended for slapping Orlando City’s Nani in the face last Friday, there was quite a bit of angst.

Wayne Rooney, MLS players tweet their travel grievances | Pro Soccer USA
As MLS players attempt to better their travel conditions in the next collective-bargaining agreement, they are airing their grievances on social media.

Mason Toye surprises many, but not himself, with star turn for Minnesota | MLSsoccer.com
Minnesota forward Mason Toye was the star of his team's win over LAFC with two goals. Toye, his coach and his teammates explain the reasons for his success.

Dome Torrent will not rotate despite congested New York City FC schedule | Pro Soccer USA
Following a successful trip to the Pacific Northwest, New York City FC is bracing for a congested homestand that includes three matches in seven days.

Was there ever faith in Chris Armas? - Once A Metro
Armas was set up to fail by Red Bull Global, and he’s on the verge.