There is a report emerging from Portland that NCAA Player of the Year Darlington Nagbe does not want to play in Vancouver. But the potential No. 1 pick isn’t speaking until Wednesday.
We know that the diminutive Joao Plata has impressed at least one MLS coach at the Combine: Portland technical director Gavin Wilkinson.
Timbers manager John Spencer hopes a team will pick up Wayne Rooney’s younger brother, John Rooney, in the SuperDraft but says it will be difficult to escape the pressure that comes with the last name.
According to a report, Spencer and the Timbers will be involved in a four-team preseason tournament in Arizona as a tuneup to their first MLS season. Find out the other names here.
The other expansion side say they still may draft Omar Salgado despite a FIFA rule that says he may not be able to play for the Whitecaps until he’s 18.
The Philadelphia Union will be announcing the club’s first ever jersey sponsorship, which is one tasty deal. But be careful how you pronounce this one.
Meanwhile for LA Galaxy assistant Cobi Jones says that fans will be surprised at the plans the New York Cosmos have in store. But they’re a secret for now.
Talk in the English papers this morning is that David Beckham is still trying to push through a Tottenham loan and that Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has not lost hope.
Meanwhile, in Spain the media is lashing out at FIFA president Sepp Blatter after two players who starred for the champs at the World Cup were denied the Balon d’Or as player of the year.
There will be a new American player to watch in Holland as Oguchi Onyewu officially joins Twente on loan.
A former FC Dallas forward is looking to jumpstart his European adventure at Norway’s IK Start.
In addition to the final MLS Player Combine doubleheader on MLSsoccer.com, Jonathan Spector’s West Ham will face Birmingham City in a Carling Cup semifinal (2:30 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Plus).
The newest club name on the American soccer scene comes from San Antonio, where the identity of the new NASL team takes shape.
Lastly, NFL star Chad Ochocinco has reiterated that he would one day want to try his hand in Major League Soccer. (SPANISH)
MLSsoccer.com Must-Reads:
Players’ stock rising and falling after Day 2 of MLS Combine
Sporting KC’s Peter Vermes drops hints at potential draft strategy
Ecuadorean Joao Plata says he’s not done yet impressing at Combine
