Here are the top 15 soccer stories we’re following today.
1. COMING OR GOING? THE CAMILO STORY
The Camilo Sanvezzo saga took another interesting turn on Monday. The Brazilian playmaker was pictured wearing the shirt of Mexican side Querétaro with the Liga MX club announcing it had signed the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner. This was followed by the Vancouver Whitecaps explaining that Camilo is actually still under contract with the MLS side, and they have the paperwork to prove it. Strangely enough, any mention of the Camilo signing has since been removed from the Querétaro website.
2. WHAT ABOUT PAREJA?
The Oscar Pareja era in Colorado may be at an end but, as Goal.com reports, the battle between FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids might just be getting started. Yet, has Pareja actually left? Depending who you talk to, it appears he’s still going about his job with the Rapids.
3. QUAKES SECURE NEW SIGNING
It seems the San Jose Earthquakes are closing in on a new player after the club agreed terms with French side AC Ajaccio for the transfer of their captain, Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi. The defensive central midfielder now seems set to join the MLS side on a free transfer. While the Earthquakes continue to celebrate their 40th anniversary, it seems they have one eye on the past and one on the future.
4. KEEPING IT ON THE DERO
After picking up his rights in the second round of the Re-Entry Draft, it seems that Toronto FC and Dwayne De Rosario have come to terms on a deal that will see the Canadian international return to his native Ontario. De Rosario spent just over two seasons for TFC between 2009-11 and started his career with A-league side the Toronto Lynx (now of the USL PDL).
5. DC LOOK TO THE FUTURE
With Oguchi Onyewu again looking for a club, some have wondered if the US international could be on his way to MLS, with D.C. United a possible destination. However, the club seems content with a different route with Homegrown defender Jalen Robinson. The 19-year-old Robinson is the seventh academy player to sign such a deal and it seems United are on the lookout for more potential talent as well, after it was announced they plan to host open tryouts with USL PRO affiliate the Richmond Kickers.
6. SOUNDERS EXTEND DEAL FOR HOMETOWN HERO
The Seattle Sounders made another move on Monday by signing Washington native Lamar Neagle to a contract extension. The midfielder had a strong season with the Sounders last year and sporting director Chris Henderson believes the player offers plenty going forward: “Lamar has a tremendous work capacity and has proven to be a threat in our attack … He is a leader in our community and a great teammate.”
7. WYN-ING
It seems former US international Eric Wynalda, recently voted to the US all-time Best XI, is closing in on a return to coaching. According to sources, the FOX analyst is set to be named as head coach of the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks on Tuesday, replacing the dismissed Brian Hayes. It's a job Wynalda held on an interim basis last season but there seems to be some question over his complete commitment to the new role.
8. FRASER EYES JAMAICA ROLE
Robin Fraser has seen his name linked with all sorts of vacant positions this offseason, but is the New York Red Bulls assistant coach more interested in a job with the Jamaican national team? It seems that Fraser is eying a position similar to his role at the Red Bulls, saying “I have interest in the senior team, but would love to be involved in player development.”
9. ARENA & SON
The LA Galaxy have added Kenny Arena to their staff as an assistant coach. The son of current head coach Bruce Arena, Kenny has previously worked as a coach with the Galaxy Academy and spent the last two years as head coach at Florida International University.
10. GUARDING THE FLANKS
Brad Evans has become one of the US national team’s best options at right back over the past year, but the Seattle Sounders defender isn’t taking anything for granted. “From Day 1, I’ve been trying to prove myself," he says. "It’s my job now to make sure I do whatever is possible to put my best foot forward…” Meanwhile, on the left hand side, Greg Garza isn’t in the January camp, but he is hoping the new Liga MX campaign can help propel him into the USMNT.
11. YOUNGSTERS GETTING REAL
At just 20 years old, Luis Gil is the youngest player in the US national team’s January camp. But the Real Salt Lake midfielder isn’t fazed by that: “I’ve been playing professionally since I was 15, so I’ve always been with older guys.” Gil could serve as a good example to new RSL player Jordan Allen, who certainly gives new meaning to the term "Homegrown."
12. GENERATION GAME
With the SuperDraft getting closer, a report by Business of Soccer suggests this year’s Generation adidas class are likely to be a big hit. That class could also soon include Christian Dean, who certainly knows how to win MLS fans over.
13. CONCACAF TOURNAMENTS TAKING SHAPE
CONCACAF has finalized the dates for March’s Champions League clashes, with the San Jose Earthquakes playing on Feb.11 before a Sporting Kansas City, LA Galaxy double header on March the 12th. Meanwhile, could a Copa América in the US still be a possibility? According to a report from Spanish paper Marca, CONMEBOL and CONCACAF are still in talks but, if it does come to be, six venues have apparently already been selected for the tournament.
14. BORDER CROSSING
When Club Tijuana line up against the LA Galaxy in the Champions League, forward Paul Arriola could well take the field against the MLS club he turned down in favor of a move to Mexico. It’s an option the player suggests other Americans consider as well, saying, “Sometimes in [the United States] we’re not given the opportunity so there are other options and places to go.” Indeed, with Liga MX set to relax its quotas on non-domestic players, could Mexico suddenly see an influx of American talent?
15. ORLANDO’S STADIUM SYMPOSIUM
Orlando City’s stadium was approved back in October, but as of yet we still have no idea what it will look like. That could be about to change though, as club officials are meeting with architects in Kansas City to discuss the design of the club's new home. Orlando City have also been busy in the local community, with the club announcing it will support three non-profit charities in 2014.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
January of hope for players looking to advance careers
ExtraTime Radio: Discussing the US camp and Camilo's "transfer"
Paralyzed teen to perform first kick at 2014 World Cup.
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