Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. IT’S TIME FOR THE SUPERDRAFT
Dreams will come true today for 42 players who will be selected in the annual MLS SuperDraft, presented by adidas. The two rounds will be streamed live MLSsoccer.com (12:30pm ET) and simulcast on SiriusXM FC Channel 94. Rising Canadian star Cyle Larin is widely expected to be the first selection in the draft, currently held by Orlando City. But who else might be worth keeping an eye on? Here's the list of the 257 players eligible for selection.
2. ARRIETA JOINS UNITED
Having only recently acquired Jairo Arrieta from Columbus Crew SC via the Expansion Draft, Orlando City were involved in a trade on Wednesday which saw the Lions send the Costa Rican forward to D.C. United in exchange for an international roster spot.
3. RODRIGUEZ ARRIVES
The Vancouver Whitecaps were also active on Wednesday, adding Uruguayan defender Diego Rodriguez on a year-long loan from Juventud De La Piedras, with an option to make the signing permanent at the end of the year.
4. O’BRIEN DEPARTS
Despite Andy O’Brien recently declaring he would be willing to take a pay cut to stay with the Vancouver Whitecaps, it seems the two parties couldn’t agree to terms on a new deal, with the ‘Caps announcing that the Irishman has left the club along with Honduran Johnny Leveron.
5. BUNBURY’S NEW DEAL
After really coming into his own towards the end of the 2014 season, the New England Revolution have signed Teal Bunbury to a new multi-year contract. The forward himself seems delighted with the news: “I always wanted to stay here in New England.” Could there be more signings for the Revolution?
6. JOZY & JERMAIN
With Jermain Defoe completing a medical at Sunderland, the latest on Jozy Altidore has TSN reporting that the US international will be joining Toronto FC. The same report also offers an update on the club’s supposed pursuit of Italian midfielder Sebastian Giovinco.
7. YALLOP TALKS ALL THINGS FIRE
While it appeared that the door had closed on the Chicago Fire’s chances of signing Shaun Maloney, head coach Frank Yallop has said the club is still waiting for official word on that matter. Yallop also discussed the Fire's interest in Javier Hernandez, the timeline for Mike Magee’s return and the possibility of filling the third Designated Player spot.
8. SOUNDERS KEEN ON SACHA?
With Mix Diskerud signing for New York City FC and Jozy Altidore seemingly on his way back to MLS. It appears the only other US international whose immediate future is still in question is Sacha Kljestan. The Galaxy are still the rumored favorites to land the midfielder, but could the Seattle Sounders also be contemplating a move?
9. HANSEN ON RSL CHANGES
While Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen has labelled former general manager Garth Lagerwey “a genius,” he also feels it was the right time for him to move on and praised the work new technical director Craig Waibel is already doing for the club, including a new contract extension for one of their stars.
10. KLINSMANN SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT
US national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has made it clear he is supportive of Diskerud and, potentially, Altidore joining MLS. Klinsmann also moved to clarify his comments from late last year concerning MLS and addressed the absence of Robbie Rogers in this year’s January training camp.
11. US UNDER-20’S FINALLY WIN
The US U20’s finally got a win under their belt in the CONCACAF Championship and, while Aruba may not have been the most challenging opponent, the 8-0 win, including a first half hat-trick for Columbus Crew SC’s Romain Gall, will help rebuild confidence amongst the young squad. Check the latest standings here.
12. HEADING TO THE ALAMO
We knew the US national team was set to take on Mexico in April, but now we also know where. US Soccer Federation confirmined on Wednesday that the game will take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The match is widely expected to be a sellout, but could that in turn into a boost San Antonio’s MLS hopes?
13. A CHAT WITH THE COMMISSIONER
It's a big year in MLS: Two new teams, a new logo and new television deals. It's also the league's 20th season and MLS Commissioner Don Garber sat down with beIN Sports Phil Schoen to discuss the state of the league as it enters a milestone season.
14. AZTEX MAKES A STATEMENT
With the Austin Aztex moving up to USL PRO this year, the Columbus Crew SC affiliate has signalled their intentions for 2015 by signing two players who AmericanSoccerNow.com considered potential MLS targets, including former FC Dallas academy product Michael Ambrose.
15. DID SOCCER SAVE THE SEAHAWKS?
The Seattle Seahawks will play host to the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field on Sunday in the NFC Championship game as they attempt to defend their Super Bowl title. However, did you know that, according to this story from the Guardian, the Seahawks as we know them might not exist without the help of soccer.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Mock Draft: The experts give their final verdict of how it will go in Philly
Todd Dunivant ready to get back in action after injury plagued 2014
MLS WORKS: SuperDraft prospects lend a hand in Philadelphia
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