lay for third place.The U.S. will face Brazil on Sunday

It seemed somehow serendipitous that on a day when we turned the calendar to June, the Vancouver Whitecaps were establishing a litany of new “firsts” as they overturned the Portland Timbers in a pulsating, enthralling encounter in the Rose City. Vancouvers first ever win over their expansion cousins (and, obviously, a first at Providence Park) came after nine attempts. That seems hard to believe given the Whitecaps run of results leading up to the two Cascadian rivals joining MLS from North Americas second tier. Equally amazing, the 4-3 loss at home was Portlands first in 23 games, a remarkable record stretching all the way back to March 9, 2013 when the Montreal Impact took all three points at the then Jeld-Wen Field. The win extended Vancouvers unbeaten run to six games, another first for the young MLS franchise. That may not pop off the page like a 22-game unbeaten run at home, but when you also include a road game at the Columbus Crew and home games with the LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders in that period, the achievement seems a bit more noteworthy. Two converted penalties was a Whitecaps first on the road. (They did score twice from the spot against Real Salt Lake at home, late in the 2011 season). While referee Kevin Stott put himself in terrific position to see both first-half incidents in Portland, its hard not think about the penalty gods who somehow erased a dubious decision from a week ago with the Whitecaps leading Seattle. Erik Hurtado scored his first ugly goal of the season. The Beaverton, Oregon boy came home to bury a psychologically punishing chance that completely changed the complexion at half-time. The predatory instinct of Vancouvers fifth-overall pick from 2013 was clearly on display after he forced a great save from Donovan Ricketts before bundling the ball home by anticipating a rebound. Its a difficult feat to score four goals in four-straight games, but Hurtado has done it four different ways and, for good measure, showed a different quality by beautifully setting up Kekuta Manneh leading to the second penalty. Goals at Philadelphia on Saturday and Montreal after the World Cup break would tie and then break the five-goals-in-five-MLS-games record held by Camilo over June and July of last year. But perhaps the most exciting “first” of all was the two goals and two assists from Whitecaps midfield maestro Pedro Morales, who, with each passing game, looks like an odds-on early season choice for MLS Newcomer of the Year. The Chilean conductor out “number 10d” last years recipient of that award, Diego Valeri, by quite some margin. His vision to pick out Hurtado on the first-half stoppage time 3-1 goal was incisive and impossible to defend. But his delay, recognition, and then exquisite ball to Jordan Harvey early in the second was even better and it proved to be the game winner. Morales is a bona fide superstar and one who seems to be relishing his role with the club. It looks likely that hell provide some more milestones before this season is done. The Whitecaps will now get a chance to cross another couple of “firsts” off their list - a first goal and victory at PPL Park in Philadelphia, where the Caps visit the Union this Saturday. Judging by their current form, and their ability to “feast on the East” that seems like a pretty safe bet. Jose Martinez Cardinals Jersey . At this rate, the Flyers captain is set to be remembered more for a fantastic finish. Albert Pujols Jersey . Gomes drove in all three runs, including a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning, and Cleveland rallied for a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. http://www.authenticcardinalspro.com/cardinals-michael-wacha-jersey/ . The Missouri Tigers Defensive End and SEC Defensive player of the year is eligible for the upcoming NFL draft in May. Matt Wieters Cardinals Jersey . According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, the deal will pay Schenn $2.25 million in the first year and $2.75 million in the second year. In 82 games with the Flyers in 2013-14, Schenn scored 20 goals and added 21 assists. Marcell Ozuna Jersey . -- The Florida Gators are first yet again this season.CLEVELAND - Once LeBron James gets his knee and back healthy enough to play again, the superstar will rejoin a Cavaliers team that has undergone some rehabilitation as well.The Cavs have started the new year with yet another new look.On Monday night, general manager David Griffin addressed his teams sore need for bench scoring and a defensive stopper by acquiring guards J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert from the New York Knicks in a three-team trade that sent mystifying guard Dion Waiters from Cleveland to Oklahoma City.With the Cavs underachieving — they lost to the 5-32 Philadelphia 76ers on Monday without James and Kyrie Irving — and amid ongoing chemistry issues, injuries and concerns about coach David Blatt, Griffin pulled the string on a deal that should have immediate, short-term impact and perhaps set the table for another roster move.The Cavs remain in search of a rim-protecting centre and have made inquiries about Denvers Timofy Mozgov and Memphis Kosta Koufos. Cleveland used its disabled player exception for losing centre Anderson Varejao (torn Achilles) for the season and still has a $5.2 million exception to obtain a big man.Griffin, who also got a protected first-round pick from the Thunder, has shown a fearlessness when it comes to doing whatevers necessary to improve his team This trade was his second involving a first-round pick since James re-signed this summer. In July, he swapped Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett — both No. 1 picks to get Kevin Love.In dealing Waiters, the No. 4 pick in 2012, Griffin again made it clear hes not averse to risk.For now, Smith and Shumpert, when he recovers from a dislocated left shoulder, can help Cleveland get back on track.Assuming, that is, James can get back on the floor. Hes missed the past five games with back and knee strains, injuries that have deprived him of the explosiveness that made him the games best player and may explain why he chose to lose weight coming into his 12th season as a pro.On Jan. 1, thee Cavs announced a minimum two-week timetable for James return.ddddddddddddBut if hes not ready, and the 30-year-old knows his body better than anyone, James wont rush back and risk further damage.As he recovers, the Cavs retooled their roster to help in his quest to deliver a championship to championship-thirsty Cleveland.Smith is a talented scorer who also has a reputation for being self-centred and a less-than-ideal teammate. Smith was at his best in 2012-2013, when he was named the leagues top sixth man playing on a Knicks team with Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler — all established veterans. Smith embraced his role coming off the bench, averaging 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists.Hell have to accept a similar supporting role with Cleveland, which has an abundance of scorers in James, Irving and Love. What the Cavs need is someone to lead the second unit for Blatt, who couldnt get Waiters to buy in and doesnt have anyone else with Smiths talent on his bench.James knows Smith, who has a $6.4 million player option for next season, well as the two worked out together during past offseasons. Their relationship should help with Smiths transition to a team that needs him to drop his ego and some shots.Shumpert earned his reputation as a relentless perimeter defender, something the Cavs desperately need to handle bigger guards and small forwards. The 6-foot-5 Shumpert should start alongside Irving, who has been dealing with back tightness and skipped the teams trip to Philadelphia.The Cavs are about to enter one of the seasons most challenging stretches.After hosting Houston on Wednesday, Cleveland will head to the West Coast for five games in seven nights, during which they must integrate two new players and hope their best one has healed. It will be another tough test in a season that hasnt gone according to plan for this unfinished team.Were down, Love said after the ugly loss in Philadelphia. But not out. ' ' '