Portland Timbers riding the wave

The Portland Timbers won again and have picked up 10 points of a possible 12 since returning from the World Cup break. Interim head coach Jack Cassidy has handled the team as the Timbers wait for newly-hired Martí Cifuentes to take over, and it is safe to say he is enjoying the ride.

"I've heard I won't have to buy a drink anymore," Cassidy, who has beaten rival Seattle twice in 16 days during this span, said with a smile. "That's the rumor."

The run launched the Timbers above the playoff line, and ahead of Seattle on goal difference. Portland made a coaching change with the belief this season was salvageable, and it is one reason why talks with Jim Curtin did not find a breakthrough, as Portland would not wait for the winter. Curtin was named Austin FC head coach instead, and he will start this offseason.

Former Tottenham forward Vincent Janssen leads the summer recruitment so far, but the club may add more.

Philadelphia Union's remarkable turnaround

Speaking of turnarounds, how about the Philadelphia Union? Two goals deep into stoppage time stunned Atlanta United and made it three straight wins since the World Cup break. Those nine points are more than the seven the club collected in its first 15 matches.

Evander runs the show in Cincinnati

It was Evander time in Cincinnati. A stunning long-range goal plus three assists gave FC Cincinnati a 4-2 win over the San Jose Earthquakes. The Brazilian's goal from almost 38 yards came a few days after coach Pat Noonan told his team to stop taking so many long-range shots. Evander joked that because he was at the All-Star Game and so missed the meeting concerned, it did not apply to him.

Son Heung-min continues unstoppable form

Son Heung-min scored for the fourth consecutive game, as LAFC and the Vancouver Whitecaps drew 1-1 in a rematch of last year's wild Western Conference semifinal. Thomas Müller did his part for the hosts by beating Hugo Lloris on the equalizing penalty kick. Denis Bouanga provided the assist for Son's goal.

Coupled with his MVP, two-goal showing at the MLS All-Star Game, there are few attacking players in better form than Sonny.