In explaining his decision to fire Dominic Kinnear, Quakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli said, "I think that we can achieve more." The Quakes have missed the playoffs four straight seasons, the last two under Kinnear, who grew up in Northern California and as a head coach won two MLS Cups and reached another two finals with Houston.

I've often been told that I am very fortunate to have the job of soccer journalist, and I agree, for several reasons. One very important one is that I've gotten to know people like Tony DiCicco.

MLS is an ideal testing ground to supply additional data for use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, even if it means moving the goalposts halfway through the season.

Though the end is valuable in itself, the means of the U.S. Open Cup continues to vary wildly for its MLS participants.

On any other field, Michael Bradley's goal would still have been considered a work of art, but Azteca Stadium providing the canvas made it all the more magnificent.

What will Christian Pulisic do next? That question alone makes every U.S. national team game something to look forward to.

Longtime Colorado resident and former U.S. international Marcelo Balboa is looking forward to the Hexagonal match against Trinidad & Tobago at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, where four years ago the USA beat Costa Rica, 1-0, during a heavy snowfall that etched some vivid images into the history of U.S. Soccer.

In about a month, the domestic transfer window will re-open, all 22 MLS teams will sign the perfect players to fill their needs, and all the fans shall rejoice. In the real world, more teams will fail in their quests to land the ideal midseason additions than will succeed and a few of them will edge into the playoffs anyway.