Brotherly Game Daily Links: Union battle DC in Tampa

Philadelphia Union News

Know your (preseason) enemy: DC United
Lucas Rodriguez’s arrival means DC can now play with three uber-talented young Argentinians behind Rooney or deploy the bustling Paul Arriola on either wing.

MLS News

Mistakes cost Toronto FC in disastrous CCL opener
The Union’s first regular season opponent fell apart in their first competitive game of 2019.

DaMarcus Beasley lifts Houston Dynamo to late win over Guastatoya
The 36-year-old veteran turned back the clock with a pretty goal to lead the U.S. Open Cup champions to a 1-0 road win in their first Champions League game in Guatemala.

Colorado signs Kellyn Acosta to new three year deal
Sources told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday that Acosta and the club recently agreed to a new three-year contract that will pay Acosta an average of $800,000 per season. The deal includes club options for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, keeping the US international under Rapids control through the 2022 World Cup.

MLS resume quest to conqueror the Champions League
After more than a decade of being dominated by Mexican teams, MLS clubs will be looking to lift the league’s first title.

US Soccer News

Concacaf reiterates commitment to Gold Cup
In the wake of comments by U.S. Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro that cast doubt on the future of the Gold Cup, CONCACAF released a statement indicating it remains committed to putting on the confederation’s championship and said the 2023 edition is already part of the FIFA calendar.

Rest of the World News

Liverpool, Bayern Munich battle to scoreless draw at Anfield
Liverpool wasted a number of good opportunities in front of goal on Tuesday night to leave the tie evenly poised at the halfway stage.

Lyon frustrate Barcelona in another 0-0 draw
Lionel Messi failed to add to his six goals so far in the competition, while Luis Suarez had the goal gaping but sliced a shot wide with 20 minutes left after latching on to Jordi Alba’s pass from the left.