Here are the Top 15 soccer stories we’re following today.
1. ROGERS: “I WANT TO STAY HERE WITH MY FAMILY”
Robbie Rogers gave the biggest indication yet that the LA Galaxy will be his next club. The former Leeds United and Columbus Crew star has received huge support since announcing he was gay and is hoping to land with the Galaxy. “It's just kind of being worked out," Rogers told GayStarNews.com. “It feels amazing to be back in California and obviously back on the soccer field. I told [Chicago] I want to stay here with my family. Hopefully it works out. I think it should be sorted out in the next few weeks.”
2. MLS + FANS = SMARTEST LEAGUE EXPERIENCE
With a new partnership with Microsoft Windows 8 announced during Sunday’s New York vs. LA game, just what does it mean for Major League Soccer and its smart fans? It is huge. Check out the details of the groundbreaking deal between MLS and Microsoft that will enhance the technology for fans, players and coaches. Tablets on the sidelines, new apps and plenty more is coming. Get excited. We are.
3. LIGA MX MAKING MOVES
Huge changes are taking place in the Liga MX. Three first-division teams may be on the move this summer. Querétaro were relegated, but their owner bought Jaguares and is moving them to the city of Querétaro. San Luis have asked to relocate and La Piedad (whose fans were celebrating promotion a few days ago) also want to move. The other huge news is that owners can’t own more than one club by 2018. All this intensifies Carlos Slim’s interest in the Chivas Guadlajara brand further. Watch this space.
4. CHELÍS “BROKEN” AT CHIVAS
Looking for answers, El Chelís is quickly becoming a “broken man,” according to NBC Pro Soccer Talk's Richard Farley. With reports of unrest, upheaval and confusion at Chivas USA, Farley speculates that Chelís may not see out the season at the struggling Goats. Sympathy is sure to follow the Mexican manager, but after the 4-1 defeat to Real Salt Lake on Sunday, how can they turn things around?
5. MAN. CITY TO ANNOUNCE NEW KIT DEAL ON US TOUR
Manchester City are keying up for their friendly vs. Chelsea at Busch Stadium on Thursday by announcing a new $105 million six-year kit deal with Nike. That's big money. What will it mean for the Citizens' jersey design?
6. TITUS BRAMBLE, ANDREI ASRHAVIN TO MLS … BUT WHAT ABOUT OMAR?
Rounding up a few rumors from the EPL now, with Sunderland defender Titus Bramble and Arsenal winger Andrei Arshavin both linked with moves to MLS. Arshavin is, once again, rumored to be heading to the LA Galaxy. Steve Davis at NBC Pro Soccer Talk takes a gander at the Omar Gonzalez/DP situation. Could Gonzalez be heading to Europe or could he be the first American defender in MLS on a DP contract?
7. NEW YORK’S JUNINHO: DONOVAN “GETS ADVANTAGE WITH THE REFEREES”
Staying with LA, the long-time rivalry with the New York Red Bulls is cranking up a notch. New York's Brazilian midfielder Juninho took a bit of a swipe at Landon Donovan: “He’s a good player, one of the best in US history. He gets a little bit of advantage with the referees. He’s very respected, I feel like I have a bit of a disadvantage because I don’t speak English.”
8. MLS IS ON THE UP … THESE GUYS SAY SO
LA legends Chris Klein and Peter Vagenas agree on one thing: “MLS is getting better and better.” The duo spoke with the Sporting News as they examined Major League Soccer’s progress, on and off the field. One man who had a big part to play in that was their former teammates David Beckham. Soccer America breaks down any potential MLS franchise bid from Becks.
9. ORLANDO STADIUM UPDATE
Let’s get an update from Orlando, as the latest news in the Orlando City stadium plans came out yesterday. The guys over at The Scoring Third take up the story and report that Orlando City chiefs met with MLS officials in NYC on Friday and discussed their new $95 million stadium plan. The club took a big hit after failing to gain public funding from the Florida senate, but they’ve now adopted similar plans to Houston’s BBVA Compass Stadium. WFTV also take a look at the local support for the proposed MLS stadium.
10. MLS ON LOAN
Staying in USL PRO, Orlando City continue to dominate news on the field, too. Sporting KC loanee Dom Dwyer has scored 12 goals in 10 games, already breaking the Orlando single-season record. Check up on all the other MLS loanees and more.
11. US OPEN CUP SECOND ROUND BEGINS
We are nearly there, folks. One more round of Open Cup action until MLS teams join the fun. Tonight, the second round of the competition kicks off, with Soccer America focusing on the two USASA teams left in play. Icon FC from New Jersey and the Dearborn Stars from Michigan caused upsets in the first round, as they hope to emulate Cal FC’s fairytale run from last season. Icon are making their first-ever appearance in Open Cup and have former US youth sensation Danny Szetela as their main man. Check out all the fixtures for tonight.
12. KLINSMANN TO EVERTON?
The terms “Paddy Power” and “serious” don’t really go hand in hand when mentioned in the UK and Ireland. But they are pretty serious about Jurgen Klinsmann becoming the next Everton manager. The Irish bookmakers who have a penchant for the obscure — remember Roy the Redeemer? — and having a good laugh at themselves, claim Klinsi is the 7/2 second favorite behind Roberto Martinez for the Toffees job. Meanwhile, Avi Creditor breaks down Klinsmann’s latest USMNT roster on behalf of Goal.com.
13. ROSTER SURPRISE FOR US U-20
Staying on the US scene, Tab Ramos explained why he left Hertha Berlin star John Anthony Brooks out of his US Under-20 national team squad for the World Cup in Turkey this summer. The 6-foot-4 center back is still eligible for the German national team but wants some time off after the grueling 2.Bundesliga campaign. Should the US cap-tie him before it’s too late?
14. AMERICAN EXPORTS XI, DO YOU AGREE?
With the domestic seasons wrapping up in Europe and all over the globe, now would be a good time to examine how the many USMNT players have done. So here it goes. The American Exports Team of the Season includes plenty of star names … and some you may not have heard of. Do you agree with the selections?
15. MOURINHO OUT AT MADRID
Big news filtering out of the Santiago Bernabéu overnight: José Mourinho is officially out at Real Madrid. He has mutually agreed to leave, with Chelsea now favorites to land the enigmatic Portuguese manager. Thoughts? PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti is the favorite for the Madrid job as the managerial merry-go-round continues. Here's one more, Rafa Benítez to Napoli?
MLSsoccer.com Musts
ExtraTime Radio: MLS player of the Week Eddie Johnson is confident up in Seattle
AT&T Goal of the Week: Watch and vote for your favorite
Instant Replay: Blood Red in Seattle, Headbutt in Houston
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