The Daily Dirt, August 7: Making Some Noise

Soccer Sunday is three games deep in MLS today. The fun starts at 4:00 p.m. on ESPN in Portland as the Timbers host Sporting Kansas City in a rematch from last weekend. That one became pretty chippy with Fanendo Adi catching Ike Opara with an elbow that split open his chin. We’ll see if both teams pick up where they left off.

Orlando and Jason Kreis host Seattle at 7:00 p.m. on FS1 in a battle of two teams who have made coaching changes this year. Orlando is still in the mix in the Eastern Conference playoff race and won in Kreis’ debut last week. Brian Schmetzer drew with the Galaxy in his first match last weekend. Nicolas Lodeiro had a huge impact for the Sounders in his own debut.

The Galaxy host the New York Red Bulls in the nightcap tonight at 9:30 p.m. on FS1. Both teams are in fourth place in their conference, with both teams starting to round into form for a playoff run. LA is unbeaten in their last seven games, NY is unbeaten in their last five. It will be a battle between the Galaxy’s stingy defense (giving up less than one goal per game) and the Red Bulls’ pressing style.

Domestic

Tobin Heath took over in the second half, her shot off the post fell for Carli Lloyd and the USWNT defeated France 1-0 to remain undefeated in the Olympics (Stars and Stripes FC)

Steve Birnbaum rescues a point for DC with a late goal against Philadelphia (Black and Red United)

Sebastian Giovinco’s hat trick leads Toronto FC to a big win over New England (Waking the Red)

Montreal gets a late winner from Matteo Mancosu to defeat Houston (Dynamo Theory)

The Rapids rebound from their first loss in sixteen games with a dominant 2-0 win over Vancouver (Burgundy Wave)

Real Salt Like keeps Chicago’s road winless streak active with a 3-1 win (RSL Soapbox)

Nick Rimando set a MLS record with his 181st win in the league:

Mark August 19 down for an announcement in Minnesota:

@MNUnitedFC

Detroit is not bothered by the increased MLS expansion fees on the way (Crain’s Detroit Business)

Sigi Schmid could be tempted by LAFC in 2018 (FourFourTwo)

Joe Bendik having a very strong season in Orlando (The Mane Land)

International

Liverpool win 4-0 over Barcelona in the International Champions Cup (Liverpool Offside)

Manchester United announces that Paul Pogba is preparing for his physical with the club (Manchester United)

Grant Ward, formerly of the Chicago Fire, had a hat trick for new club Ipswich on opening day in the Championship (Sky Sports)

Andre Pierre-Gignac scores the winner for Tigres against Chiapas in Liga MX action:

Local

Matt Ryan discusses leadership (The Falcoholic)

Catch up with the Braves of the future (Talking Chop)