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Happy 20th anniversary of the very first MLS Cup. We've got something special planned for it that will be coming out later today, but first, here are the links!
United to stream first MLS Cup on Facebook | D.C. United: D.C. United will stream the very first MLS Cup on Facebook this evening; we will have something to go along with it that will be coming later this morning, so keep your eyes open for that!
Lloyd Sam helped the New York Red Bulls clinch the MLS Eastern Conference - Once A Metro: Our frenemies over at Once A Metro pen a long thank you to Lloyd Sam for helping United help the Red Bulls by beating NYCFC and Toronto FC. Hopefully Sam can make it three for three and make the Red Bulls pay in the playoffs.
Goal USA Podcast: Patrick Nyarko embracing long-awaited postseason return with D.C. United: Nyarko has finally been getting some long-awaited love for his performance for D.C. United this season, with this piece here and with Matt Doyle of MLSSoccer.com calling him one of the best wingers in MLS.
Audi Player Index: Who are the best right backs in MLS? | MLSsoccer.com: I am a little surprised to not see Sean Franklin on this list, but those are the vagaries of the Audi Player Index. The list requires a minimum of 15 games played at right back, but Nick DeLeon would be 8th with an average score of 171.75; he has also improved his score in every match at right back so far this season.
FC Dallas midfielder Mauro Diaz has surgery to repair torn Achilles tendon | FC Dallas: Dallas' treble chances have taken a big hit with Mauro Diaz out for the rest of this year and probably part of next year.
Insider: Thomas Muller's horse breeding: Changes to CONCACAF events | SI.com: Some Concacaf non-news, with the federation looking to merge with the Copa America and looking to give smaller countries more meaningful games.
Jermaine Jones expected to return soon, could make Rapids even more dangerous in playoffs – The Denver Post: Jermaine is finally back, or will be soon, and that could turn the Rapids back into real dangerous MLS Cup contenders.
That's all I've got today. What's up?