VENRAY, Netherlands – The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series and Raceway Venray have signed a three-year extension to bring the European NASCAR Series to the Netherlands through at least 2022.

CEO Jerome Galpin agreed with track owner Harry Maessen on the contract extension right after the NASCAR GP Netherlands on July 13-14.

“We had some really good races at Raceway Venray this year with cars racing at 160 kph average speed on this 800m high-banked race track. This is totally unique in Europe and our teams and drivers really enjoyed it!” declared Jerome Galpin, NWES President – CEO. “We are proud to offer our teams, drivers and fans a very eclectic calendar mixing F1 and MotoGP tracks alongside legendary circuits. Adding this unique oval makes the Euro NASCAR one of the biggest challenges in European racing!”

In 2019 Raceway Venray hosted the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series for the fourth time and thousands of fans enjoyed pure NASCAR short-track racing at the high-banked half-mile oval. A U.S. car meeting, NASCAR memorabilia and a kids zone also highlighted the first editions of the American Car Fest.

Featuring a new racing format, the weekend saw the ELITE 2 Division take the track on Saturday and Vittorio Ghirelli edged Myatt Snider for the win in the 70-lap feature. On Sunday it was the ELITE 1 Division’s turn and Loris Hezemans grabbed the checkered flag in the 100-lap race.

Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku has called on his fellow footballers to make a stand after being the subject of racist abuse from Cagliari fans.

Monkey chants could be heard as the Belgium international stepped up to take a penalty and continued after he scored the spot kick for Inter's second goal in their 2-1 victory.

- Mata: Football has a responsibility to help society
- Mata slams 'cowardly' racist abuse toward Pogba

The issue has been prevalent in football recently with Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham as well as Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba having suffered racist abuse on Twitter after missing penalties.

"Many players in the last month have suffered from racist abuse," Lukaku posted on Instagram on Monday. "I did yesterday too.

"Football is a game to be enjoyed by everyone and we shouldn't accept any form of discrimination that will put our game in shame. I hope the football federations all over the world react strongly on all cases of discrimination!!

"Social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) need to work better as well with football clubs because everyday you see at least a racist comment under a post of a person of color we've been saying it for years and still no action.

"Ladies and gentlemen it's 2019. Instead of going forward, we're going backwards and I think as players we need to unify and make a statement on this matter to keep this game clean and enjoyable for everyone."

After the match, Inter boss Antonio Conte said: "I did not hear anything but, having said, while I can't comment on this because I did not hear it, on many other issues, in Italy we need to improve and be more educated and respectful to those doing their job."

Cagliari condemned the racist abused suffered by Lukaku in a statement, but rejected "the outrageous charge and silly stereotypes addressed to Cagliari supporters and the Sardinian people, which are absolutely unacceptable."

Cagliari fans also racially abused Juventus forward Moise Kean during a Serie A clash last season but the club faced no punishment from either Serie A or the Italian FA.

In the previous season, their supporters had aimed racist chants at Juve midfielder Blaise Matuidi, while during his time at Pescara, Sulley Muntari walked off the pitch following abuse from supporters of the Sardinian club.

Matteo Darmian has become the latest player to leave Manchester United this summer, after signing a four-year contract with Parma in a deal worth €4 million.

The Italy full-back is the third first-team player to leave following the closure of the Premier League transfer window on Aug. 8, after loan moves for Alexis Sanchez to Inter Milan and Chris Smalling to Roma.

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It has been a busy summer of outgoings for the Old Trafford side with Ander Herrera and Antonio Valencia having left on free transfers, signing for Paris Saint-Germain and L.D.U. Quito respectively, while Romelu Lukaku joined Inter.

Darmian, 29, joined United from Torino in 2015 and made 28 appearances in his first season, with Louis van Gaal as manager.

However, after playing 18 Premier League matches in the following campaign, he failed to hit double figures again at United, featuring just six times last season.

He was a second half substitute in United's 2016 FA Cup triumph over Crystal Palace and was one of the standout performers in the win over Ajax in the following campaign's Europa League final.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is close to sealing a move away from Arsenal, with Roma in talks with the London club over a season long loan deal for the Armenia midfielder, sources have told ESPN FC.

Mkhitaryan, 30, came off the bench during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham at the Emirates, but it could turn out to be his final contribution in an Arsenal shirt if he completes the move to Roma.

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Having signed from Manchester United in a swap deal with Alexis Sanchez in January 2018, Mkhitaryan has struggled to make an impact at the Emirates under Arsene Wenger or his successor, Unai Emery.

Emery has made it clear to the former Borussia Dortmund player that he does not figure in his plans this season and Mkhitaryan is now prepared to follow former Old Trafford teammate Chris Smalling to Rome on loan.

Sources have told ESPN FC that Roma have not secured an option to buy at the end of the season, but Mkhitaryan is likely to be made available for sale once the loan expires.

The Premier League transfer window has closed, but the rest of Europe remains open for business until Monday. Plus, it's never too late to look forward to January! Click here to view the latest transfers and keep up to date with the latest gossip below.

All major completed transfer deals | Champions League: All you need to know | Europa League: All you need to know

TOP STORY: Juventus to land Rakitic?

Juventus still harbour hopes of landing a big signing before transfer windows across Europe's major leagues close on Monday, and Calciomercato suggest that Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic could be swapping Spain for Italy.

The Croatia international doesn't appear to be in Ernesto Valerde's immediate plans after the disappointment of losing out at the semifinal stage of the Champions League last season, and despite making 269 appearances for the club, Juve could offer him a fresh start.

Juventus are keen to strengthen their midfield and the Bianconeri's sporting director has already admitted that the club considers him a good fit.

Despite already bringing in Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot on free transfers this summer, could Juve add yet another top-class midfielder?

Barcelona sources have told ESPN that there is a "40 percent chance" of Rakitic leaving, with negotiations ongoing.

One to watch as the transfer countdown nears a climax.

Transfer deadlines in Europe's top leagues

Germany: 12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST
Italy: 4 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. BST
Spain: 6 p.m. ET / 11 p.m. BST
France: 6 p.m. ET / 11 p.m. BST
Scotland: 7 p.m. ET / 12 a.m. BST

LIVE BLOG

15.21 BST: And another one...Sevilla have completed their summer transfer window with the signing of Girona goalkeeper Bono on loan for the 2019-20 campaign.

The Morocco international joins on a season-long loan, with Sevilla holding a buy-out option on the 28-year-old.

Bono is Sevilla's 13th summer signing and he arrives to the Sanchez Pizjuan as a replacement for Sergio Rico, who joined Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan on Sunday.

15.00 BST: Sevilla have loaned centre-back Simon Kjaer to Atalanta for the 2019-20 campaign, the Spanish club have announced.

Kjaer joined Sevilla in the summer of 2017 from Fenerbahce and played 37 games for Sevilla last season.

The move to Bergamo will allow the Denmark captain to play in the Champions League this campaign.

Atalanta were drawn in Group C along with Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Zagreb.

14.54 BST: Barcelona midfielder Rafinha is set to join Celta Vigo on a season-long loan move and is expected to join later today... and striker Iago Aspas can't quite hide his excitement!

The Brazil international has featured in all three of Barcelona's games so far this season but has found playing time hard to come by at Barcelona in an injury hit career at the club.

Announce ?? @RCCelta

— Iago Aspas Juncal (@aspas10) September 2, 2019

14.33 BST: Chelsea left back Baba Rahman has signed a one-year extension at the London club before joining Mallorca on a season-long loan, the club have announced.

14.00 BST: Almeria have signed 18-year-old Nottingham Forrest forward Arvin Appiah on a permanent deal, the club have announced.

Sorry @ManUtd Arvin Appiah is red and white ?⚪?? #UDAlmeria #F5DAY pic.twitter.com/qVdFxmveM2

— UD Almeria (@UDAlmeria_Eng) September 2, 2019

Meanwhile, Liverpool forward Bobby Duncan has arrived in Florence ahead of a move to Fiorentina, according to Sky in Italy.

13.15 BST: Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has joined Azerbaijan champions Qarabag, sources have told ESPN FC.

12.31 BST: As expected by ESPN FC, Rangers have made their move with an offer in the region of £7m for Liverpool's Ryan Kent following interest from Club Brugge.

12.15 BST: Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has been unveiled as a Sevilla player, having signed a three-year deal with the club.

"Few times have I spoken to a player and he has transmitted the enthusiasm in our project as Chicharito has done when I first spoke to him," Sevilla sporting director Monchi said in a news conference on Monday.

"I've never seen a player cut his wages the way he has done in order to come here. That's a sign. He has made an important financial sacrifice to come here and when I think about that, I realise it can only be down to his true desire to play for Sevilla.

"I think he is among the best strikers in the world. Javier has goals, has quality, he is fast and he is a good finisher."

? Here he is! @CH14_ ❤ ??#vamosmiSevilla #WeareSevilla #ChicharitoSevillista pic.twitter.com/VGjNCtPfoc

— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) September 2, 2019

Monchi confirmed that defender Simone Kjaer is undergoing a medical with a view to joining Atalanta from Sevilla but the deal is not completed.

Sevilla's sporting director also announced that Girona goalkeeper Bono will be Sevilla's 13th and final signing this summer.

The Morocco international is undergoing a medical with a view to joining the club on a season-long loan, with an option to buy included in the deal. Bono arrives to replace Sergio Rico, who joined PSG on Sunday on loan.

12.00 BST: It has been a long summer for Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, who looked certain to leave the club earlier in the window, but the Wales international now looks to set to stay in the Spanish capital and prove manager Zinedine Zidane wrong say the ESPN FC panel.

11.50 BST: More on Ryan Kent....

Club Brugge's enquiry over Liverpool winger Kent, who are understood to be putting together a proposal to buy the player outright, is likely to force Rangers into action, sources have told ESPN FC.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard privately held out hope that a loan could still be secured for the player, but with the Belgian side willing to make a permanent commitment, Rangers have to match it or miss out on the 22-year-old.

Kent scored six goals in 43 appearances in all competitions while on a loan at the Scottish club last season.

11.30 BST: Henrikh Mkhitaryan is close to sealing a move away from Arsenal, with Roma in talks with the London club over a season long loan deal for the Armenia midfielder, sources have told ESPN FC.

Mkhitaryan, 30, came off the bench during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham at the Emirates, but it could turn out to be his final contribution in an Arsenal shirt if he completes the move to Roma.

As one Arsenal departure looks increasingly likely, another appears to be off. Defender Shkodran Mustafi, who is surplus to requirement at the London club, is unlikely to sign for Juventus as the the Italian champions continue to search for a centre-back to replace captain Giorgio Chiellini who suffered a serious knee injury in training, according to Sky in Italy.

Juve are reportedly unsure as to whether they can get a deal done ahead of the Serie A window closing on Monday at 9 p.m.

Club Brugge, who recruited Simon Mignolet from Liverpool this summer, are one of the clubs to register late interest in Ryan Kent, sources have told ESPN FC.

As is the case with Rangers, Liverpool want a permanent offer rather than a loan deal to let the winger leave.

11.07 BST: DONE DEAL! Mexico international Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has signed for Sevilla, ending his two-year spell at West Ham, the Premier League club have announced.

Good luck, @CH14_!https://t.co/OWOZajBVHE

— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 2, 2019

10.49 BST: Bobby Duncan's £1.8m move to Fiorentina is expected to be Liverpool's only headline-worthy transfer business ahead of Monday's deadline unless there is a late shift.

Dejan Lovren, now Liverpool's fourth-choice centre-back, has wanted to depart the club in search of regular game time but there have been no suitable offers. Talks with Roma were called off as the Serie A outfit reneged on agreements and tried to negotiate a cheap loan deal through intermediaries.

Rangers remain keen on Ryan Kent, but Liverpool are averse to sanctioning another temporary move for the 22-year-old as they want him to have stability. He has been valued at £7m, but the Scottish giants do not want to commit to such an outlay.

"Nothing has changed on the Ryan Kent situation," Rangers manager and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard said late last week. "We'd love to have him here but Liverpool's stance hasn't changed. So we move on and move forward. Unless we were to get a phone call on that one, it's as it was.

"But everyone knows what we think of Ryan and how much we'd love to have him here."

10.32 BST: Matteo Darmian has left Manchester United permanently after signing for Serie A club Parma.

Darmian, 29, joined United from Torino for £12.7m in 2015, and was initially a first-team regular at Old Trafford as he made 39 appearances in his debut season.

However, the Italy international fell out of favour, and he returns to his homeland having played a total of 92 matches for the club in four years.

10.12 BST: Liverpool teenager Bobby Duncan is due to complete a £1.8m move to Fiorentina, sources have told ESPN FC.

The forward, who is set to sign a three-year deal with the Italian side, joined the Anfield club in August last year for a compensation fee of £200,000 from Manchester City, where he had been since the age of 11.

The player, cousin of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, scored 32 goals for the under-18s in his debut campaign.

The deal includes a 20% sell-on clause for the European champions, sources said.

09.59 BST: Juventus have failed in their bid to sign Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng, according to Sky.

The German arm of the broadcaster reports that the move for the veteran defender, who was being lined up to cover for Giorgio Chiellini's long-term absence with a knee injury, broke down after the player failed to agree terms with the Italian champions.

09.40 BST: Real Madrid are working to sign French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, with no buy-out option included in the deal. Areola is set to join Los Blancos as part of the agreement that will see Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas join PSG on a permanent basis on a reported €15m transfer.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is set to complete his transfer to Sevilla from West Ham. Sevilla have agreed to pay West Ham €8m to land the 31-year-old striker. The Mexico international will sign a three-year deal and will return to La Liga, where he played for Real Madrid on loan from Manchester United in the 2014-15 campaign.

Sevilla will also announce the signing of Girona goalkeeper Bono on loan for the 2019-20 campaign. The Morocco international arrives as Sergio Rico's replacement. Rico joined Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday from Sevilla.

Atletico Madrid are hopeful of strengthening their attack before the transfer deadline. Valencia forward Rodrigo came close to signing for Atletico earlier this month but the deal did not materalise. However, the Rojiblancos have not given up hope to land the Spain international but have to offload Angel Correa to make space for Rodrigo.

AC Milan are the club most interested in signing Argentine forward Correa but despite weeks of negotiations, the deal has not been completed.

Argentina forward Mauro Icardi is also in Atletico's radar. Icardi is widely expected to leave the San Siro following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez to Inter.

09.25 BST: Barcelona's deadline day business is more likely to feature outgoings than incomings now that the Neymar deal is off, for the time being at least.

Rafinha is expected to join Celta Vigo on loan, but not before signing a new contract. That way, Barca protect their asset and will look to sell him next summer.

Elsewhere, sources at the club have told ESPN there's a "40 percent chance" of Ivan Rakitic leaving, with negotiations are ongoing with Juventus.

With no Neymar, Barca aren't actively looking for any other new signings. However, sources add they are "open to any late opportunities" which may pop up, especially in the attacking positions.

09.13 BST: Some big names in Germany are set for a move on Bundesliga deadline day. All incoming transfers must be completed by 5 p.m. BST, while players can still be sold to leagues with a longer deadline.

Bayern Munich's legendary defender Jerome Boateng, who turns 31 on Tuesday, looked set to stay at the Allianz Arena for another season. However, following Giorgio Chiellini's major knee injury, Juventus turned their attention to the 2014 World Cup winner. Kicker reported early on Monday that negotiations were still ongoing, but all sides have agreed on an initial one-year loan.

Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig, meanwhile, are closing in on AS Roma attacker Patrik Schick, who could replace Jean-Kevin Augustin, 22, who joined Monaco on loan yesterday.

While Dortmund have said they expect Raphael Guerreiro to stay, full-back Marius Wolf could move on after just one season and join Hertha Berlin following their horrendous start to the campaign.

At Frankfurt, Ante Rebic will become the latest star to leave Die Adler. His former teammates, Luka Jovic and Sebastian Haller, joined Real Madrid and West Ham respectively and the Croatia international is set to join AC Milan, Eintracht confirmed on Sunday. Portugal international Andre Silva, 23, will move in the opposite direction.

09.02 BST: As we enter the final 48 hours of the Italian transfer window, there are still plenty of potential deals to get excited about.

Mauro Icardi has been told he has no future at Inter and has even sued the club due to a lack of playing time -- but he is still at the club, despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Napoli.

Meanwhile, Juve forward Paulo Dybala has been told he will not be leaving this summer, despite talks with Manchester United and Tottenham, but would their stance change with another big money bid?

Giorgio Chiellini's torn ACL could force the reigning champions to sign a defender, despite having already brought in three this summer, with Jerome Boateng among the most liketly arrivals.

Napoli's business appears to be done following the arrival of Fernando Llorente, though it remains to be seen if they will reignite their interest in Real Madrid's James Rodriguez.

Roma are set to add Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who is in the Italian capital to finalise a loan move from Arsenal, while Milan will likely confirm the signing of Ante Rebic, with Andre Silva moving to Eintracht Frankfurt.

08.49 BST: Paris Saint-Germain could be busy on deadline day with Real Madrid's Keylor Navas expected to arrive on a permanent deal and Alphonse Areola set to move the other way on loan.

On top of Navas, the French champions brought Sergio Rico in on loan on Sunday. That potentially pushes summer signing Marcin Bulka, who debuted away at Metz in Ligue 1 last Friday, down to No. 3 in the pecking order.

PSG have also been offered unwanted Inter Milan man Mauro Icardi and a potential loan deal is being worked towards by all parties.

Although it is expected to be too late to move Leandro Paredes on and secure a replacement, the Ligue 1 giants are still in the market for a right-back as they look to complete their squad after sources told ESPN that Neymar is staying after negotiations over his return to Barcelona ended at the weekend.

08.38 BST: Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has travelled to Italy to complete a loan move to Roma, according to Sky.

The Armenia international's appearance as a second-half substitute in Sunday's north London derby is set to be his last for the club he joined in January 2018 as part of the deal that took Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United. Sanchez joined Inter Milan on a season-long loan last week.

08.23 BST: Napoli have signed Fernando Llorente as a free agent after the Spanish striker's contract with Tottenham expired.

Sources told ESPN last week that Llorente, 34, had agreed a two-year with the Serie A side Clubs from Russia and Mexico expressed an interest as well as Brazilian side Flamengo, Argentina's Boca Juniors, Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, Schalke from the Bundesliga and Napoli's Serie A rivals Fiorentina.

However, he has opted for a move to Napoli because of his desire to continue playing Champions League football, having helped Spurs reach the final last season.

08.00 BST: Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says he is confident that Christian Eriksen will remain at the club beyond today's European deadlines.

Denmark international playmaker Eriksen said earlier in the summer that he was looking for a new challenge, and even name-checked Real Madrid as a potential destination. however, Pochettino believes he will keep hold of one of his most important players.

"His mind was clear that he wanted to play," Pochettino said after Eriksen started only his second game of the season in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Arsenal. "It's nearly impossible for something to happen [with a transfer], that's why it was clear.

Pochettino added: "I was a little bit worried about the situation, because we knew very well what was going on. I am optimistic, happy. What is most important is to all be on the same page, with the club.

"That players have a clear idea where we want to arrive and how we want to move, clear minds like today, Christian and different players. (On Monday) they're only going to be focused on Tottenham, not on thinking about different things that make management so difficult."

PAPER TALK (by Nick Judd): Mandzukic eyes Qatar move

Meanwhile, Rakitic's fellow countryman Mario Mandzukic is still waiting to see where his future lies, and Calciomercato is suggesting the Juventus striker could be off to Qatar.

Mandzukic has been the focus of intense transfer speculation all summer and it would appear as though he doesn't figure in Maurizio Sarri's plans. However, while the 33-year-old has been linked with a move back to Bayern Munich, among others, he is still yet to secure his future either in Turin or away from the club.

The report states that Mandzukic is prepared to wait and see if he'll be included as part of Sarri's Champions League squad, which is announced on Tuesday, the day after the transfer window closes. Which means, if he decides to leave, Mandzukic will have to consider offers from transfer windows still open, including Qatar.

Mandzukic hasn't appeared in the last three Juve line-ups and his four-year stay in Turin would appear to be coming to an end.

Man City rebuff Roma, Rangers bids for Foden

Manchester City heard proposals from Roma and Rangers for Phil Foden but ultimately decided to keep the youngster, the Sun reports.

After a breakout season in City's Premier League title-winning campaign, Foden has yet to start for Pep Guardiola's side.

Despite advances from the Italian and Scottish sides to take in the England U21 star on a season-long loan, it appears though Foden will commit his near future at the Etihad.

Guardiola remains a big fan of Foden, praising him as one the most talented players he has worked with. Pretty high remarks from the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss.

Tap-ins

- Roma are looking to sign Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mikhitaryan on loan, according to the Daily Mirror. The Italian giants have enquired about taking the Gunners misfit on a season-long loan, with the Armenian unable to nail down a place in the starting XI. Mikhitaryan was on the bench for the London derby and Arsenal are keen to trim their wage bill, with Mikhitaryan on £200,000 a week. Nacho Monreal and Mohammed Elneny have already left the club this weekend to Real Sociedad and Besiktas, respectively.

- Galatasaray are negotiating a loan deal to send Mbaye Diagne to Belgian side Club Brugge, the Turkish club announced on Sunday. The news comes on the heels of the Super Lig side announcing the arrival of Colombia star Radamel Falcao, who greeted by 25,000 fans in Istanbul on Sunday.

It's that time of year. The kids are going back to school, the leaves are just beginning to show the first signs of autumn, and MLS teams are clinching playoff spots. Pumpkin spice-flavored everything is here.

We knew LAFC was in, but Week 26 added two more teams to the list and the first to lock up berths in the Eastern Conference. NYCFC and Philadelphia still have work to do in terms of seeding (not so much of LAFC), but at least they know they'll get a chance to play for the Cup.

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The next few weeks should bring plenty more clinching, which is great because "clinch" is such a fun word to say.

Previous rankings: Week 25 | Week 24 | Week 23 | Week 22 | Week 21 | Week 20 | Week 19 | Week 18 | Week 17 | Week 16 | Week 15 | Week 14 | Week 13 | Week 12 | Week 11 | Week 10 | Week 9 | Week 8 | Week 7 | Week 6 | Week 5 | Week 4 | Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1

1. LAFC (19 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses)

Previous ranking: 1

Next MLS match: Saturday Sept. 7 at Orlando City, 7:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

Bob Bradley rotated his squad against the Loons, including leaving Carlos Vela out of the proceedings altogether. Will the Minnesota win crack LAFC's confidence? Losing without Vela won't dent the narrative that they are overly dependent on the Mexican star, but don't overlook Mark Anthony Kaye being left out of the first half.

2. Philadelphia Union (15-6-8)

Previous ranking: 3

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 14 vs. LAFC, 7:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

In any normal season, Jim Curtin would be leading the race for Coach of the Year. The performance the Union laid down in Saturday's win over Atlanta was what we like to call a "State of Serious Intent Game," or SSIG. We're not saying the acronym is good, we're just saying Philly is a club to watch out for.

3. New York City FC (14-8-5)

Previous ranking: 4

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. New England Revolution, 3:55 p.m. ET

If it's possible to be quiet and also from New York, then NYCFC pulled off the trick for the better part of three months. Scheduling quirks meant the club lagged behind the East's top teams on points but could close the gap. Now, the gap is essentially gone.

4. Minnesota United (13-6-9)

Previous ranking: 4

Next MLS match: Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Houston Dynamo, 8:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

Mason Toye led the Loons to an incredible, confidence-boosting win in Los Angeles. For their purposes, it doesn't matter that Vela didn't play: Adrian Heath got his tactics right, Toye took his chances and Minnesota United looks to be more than just a "playoff qualifier."

5. Atlanta United (15-3-10)

Previous ranking: 2

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 14 vs. Columbus Crew, 7:00 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

One moment you're winning a U.S. Open Cup title and threatening to claim first place all by yourself and the next you're dropping into third place. It's a safe bet that the Five Stripes will still have something to say about the ultimate finish despite taking a 3-1 loss on the chin in Chester.

6. San Jose Earthquakes (13-5-10)

Previous ranking: 5

Next MLS match: Wednesday, Sept. 11 vs. Real Salt Lake, 9:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

The Quakes are fascinating: An all-action team, led by a man with a penchant for ancient Japanese codes of honor, featuring an MLS legend who gets too little of the respect he's earned. Something amazing is happening out by the San Jose airport, and that's not a thing people say very often.

7. Seattle Sounders (13-7-8)

Previous ranking: 8

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. Colorado Rapids, 9 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

The Sounders were good, then bad, then good again and pulled off a wild 4-3 win over the Galaxy on Sunday. There's not much more we can say that will do the game justice, though Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris rightfully earned themselves an extra bit of the spotlight.

8. Portland Timbers (12-4-11)

Previous ranking: 11

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. Sporting Kansas City, 10:50 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

The most reductive observation possible about the West's playoff picture is that the Timbers are playoff-bound if they can just make their back-loaded home schedule count. It doesn't matter how they do it, just that it gets done. Saturday's un-pretty win against RSL was about the win, not the lack of pretty.

9. New England Revolution (10-9-9)

Previous ranking: 7

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. NYCFC, 3:55 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

Draws at this time of year rarely making anyone happy. That's definitely the case for the Revs, though Bruce Arena and his boys will also be relieved to even scrape a point at home after going down with 16 minutes left. Sure, Gustavo Bou scored the equalizer, but that won't be one that makes the end-of-year highlight reel.

10. LA Galaxy (13-3-12)

Previous ranking: 9

Next MLS match: Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Colorado Rapids, 9 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

There's really no telling which Galaxy team is going to show up on any given weekend and that fact is coming to a head with the regular season coming to a climax. The loss in Seattle, a game in which the Galaxy defense gave up four goals, puts LA just two points up on eighth place in the West.

11. Real Salt Lake (13-4-11)

Previous ranking: 10

Next MLS match: Wednesday, Sept. 11 vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 9:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

RSL is one of several teams bouncing around the Western Conference standings based on single round of results. They have the look and feel of a playoff team, but with the Timbers bearing down on the field and points at a premium, it's too early to be sure.

12. FC Dallas (12-7-10)

Previous ranking: 13

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 14 at Chicago Fire, 3:30 p.m. ET

First, let's just acknowledge that FC Dallas was supposed to win this week and anything but a win would have been a disaster. That said, FCD kept their playoff dreams on track with a convincing win set in motion by a remarkable player who don't talk enough about: Ryan Hollingshead.

13. Sporting Kansas City (10-7-11)

Previous ranking: 15

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 7 at Portland Timbers, 10:50 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

Slim hopes are still hopes. Sporting's win over Houston was hardly impressive (no one in MLS wants the season to end more than the Dynamo) but any result that staves off the little "e" next to the club's name in the standings is an unqualified success.

14. Toronto FC (10-8-10)

Previous ranking: 16

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 7 at FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

No Jozy Altidore, no Justin Morrow, no win on the road in New England in a massive playoff six-pointer. The Reds have a lead on Montreal and Orlando in the race for the playoffs, but it's worth wondering if they'll rue dropping two points from a winning position via Quentin Westburg's howler.

15. D.C. United (11-9-10)

Previous ranking: 18

Next MLS match: Sunday, Sept. 15 at Portland Timbers, 7:30 p.m. ET

There's a much-needed win and there's a season-saving win and it's quite possible D.C.'s victory in Montreal was the latter. No Wayne Rooney, no momentum, but three points that could A) ensure United gets into the playoffs at all and/or B) gets a home game when they get there.

16. Colorado Rapids (8-6-14)

Previous ranking: 20

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. Seattle Sounders, 9:00 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

A tip of the Power Rankings cap (it's a bowler) to Robin Fraser, who ran in from Toronto to take the Rapids over on short notice and scored his first win for his new club on the road in Harrison. Here's hoping Fraser gets the support needed in the offseason to remake the Rapids.

17. New York Red Bulls (12-5-12)

Previous ranking: 10

Next MLS match: Sunday, Sept. 15 at Seattle Sounders, 3:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN

Last week, the Red Bulls were forced to address a noxious smell that descended on Red Bull Arena. This week, Chris Armas was forced to address unhappy fans calling for his ouster after a noxious performance against Colorado. Everything stinks in Harrison at the moment.

18. Orlando City (9-7-13)

Previous ranking: 12

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. LAFC, 7:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

The Lions got the double-whammy in their trip out to Northern California. A loss that damages their chances in the East's playoff race and an injury to Nani. If Nani misses any time, especially with the club short-handed thanks to the international window next weekend, the loss might be a 2019 death knell.

19. Chicago Fire (8-10-12)

Previous ranking: 14

Next MLS match: Sept. 14 vs. FC Dallas, 3:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

Still alive mathematically, the Fire did themselves no favors with a draw against Columbus. Chicago didn't do a good job putting the ball in the net when they had chances to do so, which (checks notes) is really hard to overcome when you're trying to win a soccer game.

20. Columbus Crew (8-7-15)

Previous ranking: 19

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 14 at Atlanta United, 7:00 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

One goal, one point, one more step towards the end of the season for Columbus.

21. Montreal Impact (11-4-15)

Previous ranking: 21

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 14 vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

The Impact scored a midweek win over Vancouver in controversial fashion, but lost a massive game to DC United in the race for the playoffs. Here's a question: What exactly is Wilmer Cabrera expected to do with a mediocre roster he's had no time to work with this late in the season?

22. Vancouver Whitecaps (6-9-15)

Previous ranking: 22

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 14 vs. Houston Dynamo, 10:00 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

Vancouver lost to Montreal on Thursday, then Vancouver lost to NYCFC on Saturday. That second officially eliminated the club from postseason contention. More news as events warrant.

23. Houston Dynamo (9-4-15)

Previous ranking: 23

Next MLS match: Wednesday, Sept. 11 vs. Minnesota United, 8:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

There's a pretty good chance you've stopped reading by now and if you haven't, it might be because you're a Dynamo fan. In the interest of not pouring salt in an open wound...let's just say there's always next season.

24. FC Cincinnati (5-3-20)

Previous ranking: 24

Next MLS match: Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN+

FCC was officially eliminated from playoff contention after the loss against Dallas. The math going bad is usually what pushes a team to start looking ahead, but there's every reason to believe that the 2020 project for Cincinnati started months ago.

Nitin Menon will make his debut as a Test umpire when Afghanistan host West Indies in Dehradun from November 27 this year, making him the 62nd Indian to be an on-field official in the longest format.

Menon, who represented Madhya Pradesh at the age-group levels as a batsman, had a brief spell in List A cricket, playing two games for Madhya Pradesh in 2004 and scoring just seven runs in total. He then became a state-panel umpire in Madhya Pradesh in 2005, like his father Nadrendra Menon. He cleared the BCCI all-India umpiring exam in 2006 and started officiating in domestic matches from the 2007-08 season.

Over the years, Menon has officiated in 57 first-class games and 40 games in the IPL, as well as 25 ODIs (three as TV umpire) and 12 T20Is (three as TV umpire).

"The reason behind my smooth transition to international cricket is mainly because of the robust, competitive and professional structure of the BCCI domestic matches," Menon was quoted as saying on the BCCI website. "The experience that I gained from officiating in our domestic tournaments and the opportunity given to me by the BCCI for officiating in the IPL, as well as in first-class matches in Australia, England and South Africa as part of umpires' exchange programme, has helped me in my development as an umpire.

"I am happy to repay the trust shown in me and looking forward to facing the new challenges of Test cricket so that I can achieve my goal of becoming an ICC Elite Panel umpire."

When he makes his maiden appearance in a Test, Menon will become the first Indian to officiate at that level since S Ravi in October 2013 in Chattogram in a Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand, and also carry forward a long tradition that began with Dattatraya Naik and Jamshed Patel, who stood in the first Test during West Indies' tour of India in 1948-49 in Delhi.

The ECB have revealed 11 venues which will host women's matches for The Hundred, along with the selection process that will determine the make-up of each team.

Player registration for the new competition starting next July is open this month but, while the men's edition will have a player draft on October 20, the women's version will have a two-stage "bespoke player selection process", according to the ECB.

During stage one, which runs until the end of September, each team is obliged to sign two players from the current England Women's central contract list. During stage two, from October 1 until May 30 next year, each team will sign their remaining 13 players from three different player pools; remaining England Women's centrally contracted players, overseas players and domestic players.Teams can sign a maximum of one further England women's centrally contracted player during stage two and can sign a maximum of three overseas players.

The head coach of each team will lead their respective player selection process.

Former England captain Charlotte Edwards, recently appointed head coach of the Southampton-based women's team, said: "It's really exciting that we'll have an open market system and that all of the teams will be recruiting their own players for the first time. It shows how the women's game has evolved and developed.

"The depth of the women's game isn't yet at a stage where a draft would be the best way forward, and it's important that we don't just match the template of the men's game. There are areas in which the needs of the women's game are different and it's right that we find the right approach for them."

The women's venues have been "paired" with the host grounds for men's matches, with Old Trafford's partner ground yet to be announced.

Women's competition head for The Hundred Beth Barrett-Wild said: "The venues for the men's and women's competitions respectively are working together incredibly closely and that connection will help The Hundred inspire more people to attend, watch and play cricket.

"It's particularly exciting that the Women's Competition will be seen by fans across all 18 First-Class counties, this represents a huge opportunity to grow women's cricket - while the double-headers at the men's venues provide another chance to present the men's and women's teams on the same platform."

Men's venues - paired women's venues:

Sophia Gardens - The Bristol County Ground, The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton

Edgbaston - Blackfinch New Road, Worcester

Headingley - York CC, South Northumberland CC

Lord's - The Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford, The County Ground, Northampton

The Oval - The County Ground, Beckenham

Old Trafford - TBC

Trent Bridge - The Pattonair County Cricket Ground, Derby, The Fischer County Ground, Leicester

Ageas Bowl - The 1st Central County Ground, Hove

Stories of superstitious cricketers not moving round the dressing room during tense moments are not uncommon, but Joe Denly took the fear of bad juju to extremes when he found himself confined to to the loo during Ben Stokes' historic knock at Headingley.

Denly said while some of his team-mates were enjoying the best seats in the house as Stokes and Jack Leach carried England to the most unlikely of victories, the only throne available to him was of the porcelain variety.

"I'm not a very good watcher of cricket when I get out," Denly told BBC Radio 5 Live. "The first 10-15 minutes is sulking and reliving how I got out. That last hour I was stuck in the urinal - toilet area of the changing room.

"There were a few guys out back in the physio room, a few guys in viewing area and we all stayed in our position and patrolled our area for the final hour. I felt every time I sat down and watched a bit of cricket we seemed to lose a wicket. I took myself off to the lovely urinals and paced around there for the last hour."

Denly confirmed he would open the batting in place of Jason Roy, who will drop down to No. 4, as reported by ESPNcricinfo last week.

"I got a call from Joe Root after a bit of time off and he said he'd like me to go at the top of the order and try to get us off to a good start," Denly said.

"Obviously Jason is going to bat four and that's great for English cricket. With Jason Roy in the team we are a better team and with him coming in at four, hopefully with the new ball worn off and myself and Rory Burns doing our job at the top, it allows him to come in and play his way. He's a great player to have there."

Denly was England's top-scorer with 12 in their woeful first innings of 67 all out while his 50 in the second innnings was overshadowed by Stokes' match-winning 135. But Denly didn't mind.

"Obviously it was a proud moment but as any top-order batter you come off after getting out wanting more runs," Denly said. "Having made 50 it would have been nice to go on and get a bigger score, but thankfully we had 'King Stokes' coming in and finishing it for us.

"I don't think it's going to sink in for a while. It was a remarkable day and one that will be remembered forever, so to be part of it was very special."