Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. IS MAGEE GOING BACK TO CALI?
Reported free-agent target Jeff Larentowicz might not be the only former Chicago Fire player heading to the LA Galaxy, as new reports have linked 2013 MLS MVP Mike Magee with a return to his old club, less than three years after departing.
2. MORE JANUARY CAMP CALL-UPS REVEALED
More reports have emerged regarding which players will be part of Jurgen Klinsmann’s January camp. While it appears that MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Luis Robles is set for a return to the squad, several veteran players will not be getting the call.
3. EASTERN CONFERENCE MOVES
Columbus Crew SC boss Gregg Berhalter has been rewarded for his efforts in leading his squad to the 2015 MLS Cup, while their East counterparts at New York City FC are set to welcome a new club president with an interesting resume.
4. BLISS RETURNS TO KANSAS CITY
Sporting KC have a new director of player personnel after hiring former Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew SC technical director Brian Bliss to fill the new position. Bliss knows the club quite well, having previously played and served as an assistant coach for the team during their Kansas City Wizards days.
5. NYARKO ON THE MOVE?
Could D.C. United be set to pick up another bargain this offseason? New reports have linked the club with a move for long-serving Chicago Fire winger Patrick Nyarko, who is apparently looking to leave the Windy City for a new opportunity.
6. DALLAS’ NEWEST HOMEGROWN
FC Dallas have signed a new Homegrown Player, the 14th in club history, adding Florida Gulf Coast University’s Aaron Guillen to their roster after the 22-year-old center back finished a standout four-year college career.
7. WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE QUAKES?
With the opening of Avaya Stadium and the return of coach Dominic Kinnear, 2015 was a big year for the San Jose Earthquakes, but what does 2016 have in store? Who better to answer than the club’s owner himself: Dave Kaval, discussed the team’s performance in part one of an interview with Center Line Soccer.
8. NYCFC HAVE COMPETITION
New York City’s preseason plans appear to have leaked on Tuesday, thanks to one of their opponents in a tournament set for Bradenton, and the club is also rumoured to be in competition with Brazilian side Flamengo for the signature of Standard Liege defender Jorge Teixiera.
9. PERQUIS EYEING TFC EXIT?
Could Toronto FC defender Damien Perquis be looking to leave the club? Rumors have emerged suggesting the 31-year-old could be looking to return to Europe in order to maximize his chances of making Poland’s Euro 2016 squad this summer.
10. IS THIS BECKHAM’S NEW HOME?
Could this be the design for David Beckham’s new soccer stadium in Miami? The first rendering of the venue was revealed at the prospective expansion team’s townhall meeting back in December and, while far from a final design, it does offer an interesting glimpse at the prospective facility.
11. SOUNDERS PROSEPCTS HEADING OVERSEAS
As Jordan Morris officially declares his intention to turn pro, the destination remains uncertain. The Stanford striker is set for a training spell in Germany with Bundesliga club Werder Bremen. Another Seattle Sounders prospect – this time an already-signed Homegrown Player – is set for a stint in Europe this winter.
12. BIG IN GERMANY
Morris isn’t the only US player who appears set for a big opportunity with a Bundesliga team. Youth international Christian Pulisic is said to have been promoted to first-team training with Borussia Dortmund, while former LA Galaxy academy star Haji Wright is apparently set to join Schalke 04. Conversely, Emmanuel Pogatetz’s time in the US looks definitely over now, as the former Crew SC defender has signed a short-term deal with 2.Bundesliga side Union Berlin, where he will be playing alongside US international striker Bobby Wood.
13. WHATS IN STORE FOR CONCACAF?
With a big year on the cards, there are plenty of questions still surrounding CONCACAF, with Goal.com taking a look at five of the most interesting ones set to be answered in 2016.
14. RHINOS NEED NEW OWNERS
Just months after winning the 2015 USL championship, the Rochester Rhinos have found themselves thrown into turmoil after the USL elected to terminate the ownership of Adirondack Sports Club for failure to meet league standards, temporarily taking control of the franchise themselves to ensure the future of the team.
15. ‘THE MAGIC WAS REAL’
Want to relive the Portland Timbers' successful run to the MLS Cup? The club is planning to release a documentary charting their run this Thursday.
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