MLS expansion, James Rodriguez loaned to Bayern Munich: Brotherly Game Daily Links 7/12/17

Philadelphia Union News

Union's Jack Elliott quietly playing himself into Rookie of the Year conversation
When Montreal and Real Salt Lake passed in the third round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, the Union kept looking for that late-round gem.

Grading the offseason signings
With the Gold Cup break comes a time to reflect on the Philadelphia Union season so far.

MLS News

An updated, tiered look at the MLS Expansion race
Where will the next MLS team play?

Chicago Fire in line to land Juan Quintero with talks ongoing; Orlando City out
MLS remains in negotiations with Porto over midfielder Juan Quintero, with the Chicago Fire still first in line to land the Colombian, sources say.

Reports: MNUFC very close to signing New Zealand defender
Fifty-Five One and the Star Tribune are reporting that CB Michael Boxall is going to sign.

Columbus Crew SC waive Dilly Duka
The little-used winger will now have an opportunity to find a new home.

US Soccer News

Blessing brace helps Sporting KC beat FC Dallas in U.S. Open Cup
Sporting Kansas City beat FC Dallas 3-0 in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday night in a wild match that saw the hosts finish with 10 men and the visitors with just nine and Ike Opara stretchered off in the first extra-time period.

Gold Cup Acosta 'upset' with play vs. Panama expects bounce back against Martinique
Acosta and the U.S. face Martinique in their second match of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, with the team hoping to make amends on Wednesday night for a subpar performance in last weekend's 1-1 tie against Panama.

Rest of the World News

Real Madrid's James Rodriguez joins Bayern Munich on two-year loan
Bayern Munich have signed Real Madrid star James Rodriguez on a two-year loan deal with an option for a permanent transfer.