Here are the top 14 soccer stories we’re following today.
1. WHERE’S JUAN?
The New England Revolution could be on the verge of making two signings. Firstly, it seems that Danish club Randers will allow Charlie Davies to join the Revs on a permanent deal, while the club is also close to adding Esmaël Goncalves, a 22-year-old from APOEL who can play as either a striker or winger. But as players come in, could Juan Agudelo finally be on his way out? The player tweeted a picture of his bags all packed and while it seems French side Lorient are no longer in the running, is Valencia the American's destination? SoccerByIves.net says no.
2. JONESING FOR A NEW CHALLENGE
It became clear on Thursday that Jermaine Jones wants out at Schalke 04 after it was revealed that the US international would not travel with the German club to its winter training camp in Qatar. So, with a transfer looking likely, it seems MLS is a very real possibility for Jones, but should MLS clubs proceed with caution?
3. THE BRADLEYS
Bob Bradley is now first American to coach in a European first division, as Norwegian club Stabæk introduced him as their new man in charge on Friday. But while one Bradley completes his big move, another who doesn’t seem to be going anywhere is Michael Bradley, with the US midfielder set to stay at Roma.
4. RED BULLS PART WAYS WITH DEFENDER
The New York Red Bulls have parted ways with Swedish defender Markus Holgersson. According to Red Bulls sporting director Andy Roxburgh: “…Taking into account our salary cap situation, we mutually decided it would be in everyone’s best interest for us to part ways.” The 28-year-old still had a year left on his contract, but was one of the club's higher earners and found himself largely replaced by Ibrahim Sekagya at center back towards the end of the year.
5. ZACH IS BACK
While FC Dallas may not have a new head coach yet, they have taken one hugely positive step for next season by re-signing Zach Loyd. According to the club's technical director Fernando Clavijo, “It was always a priority for FC Dallas to sign Zach to a new agreement.” The 26-year-old defender has since been sharing his excitement about the season ahead.
6. FROM PORTLAND TO ARGENTINA
It seems that while the Portland Timbers continue to add Argentinian players to their squad, they could be about to lose one of their own to the South American country. According to a report from ESPN Deportes, Sebastián Rincón will chose not to re-sign with the Timbers and instead join Argentine side Club Atlético Tigre. For those who are coming into the squad, though, here’s a sneak peak of what they’ll be wearing next year.
7. TALKIN’ ‘BOUT MY GENERATION
MLS and adidas have released the names of the four players who will enter the MLS SuperDraft as Generation adidas players, along with two college seniors the league has signed. While these players will all head straight into the SuperDraft, the league has also invited a further nine college seniors to take part in the MLS Combine, which begins next Friday in Ft. Lauderdale.
8. SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO
It seems the Camilo Sanvezzo to Mexico story is set to continue, because even though Vancouver Whitecaps officials have rejected the reports, there are those in the Mexican media who insist that it is still happening. Depending who you ask, Camilo’s contract and status offers more confusion than answers.
9. EXPLORING WITH ETHAN
In what could be the single greatest piece of soccer journalism ever, join Ethan White as he talks about D.C. United’s past season and what lies ahead, all while being taken around an abandoned tuberculosis sanitarium. White talks about how he’s grown as a player and what it’s like facing up against players such as Thierry Henry. He also asks important questions such as, “Why did they put the kitchen next to the morgue?” Why indeed Ethan, why indeed.
10. THE VETERAN
When the new season kicks off, it will mark Zach Scott’s 13th with the Seattle Sounders, and the 33-year-old isn’t showing any signs of slowing down just yet: “I still feel like a starter on this team and I’m going to continue to push and play hard and hopefully improve year after year.”
11. JOZY AND THE BLACK CATS
After a great season with AZ Alkmaar, Jozy Altidore secured a big-money move to English Premier League side Sunderland last season. However, with just one Premier League goal, his time in the northeast of England probably hasn’t gone quite the way he would have liked so far. Is it too early to call the transfer a bust?
12. HEADING TO CAMP
U.S. Soccer may have delayed the announcement of the 26 players to be selected for US national team January camp until today, but news is emerging about some of the players selected to other US camps. This includes three New York Red Bulls selected to the U-20s and Sporting Kansas City’s Homegrown defender Erik Palmer-Brown being selected to the U-18s.
13. CANADA MAKING CHANGES
The Canadian Soccer Association has faced some criticism in the past over various things, but it looks like the organization has been paying attention. The CSA is set to unveil its new strategic plan for 2014-18 and it could have wide ranging implications for the domestic game in Canada.
14. SNDRS1
What do you get the Seattle Sounders fan who has everything? Well, as of Thursday you could buy them a Sounders license plate. Specialised plates went on sale in Seattle for both the Sounders and Seahawks with many fans queuing up to get the exclusive items, the proceeds of which go towards helping three non-profit groups.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
ExtraTime Radio: What's next for Jermaine Jones?
The Throw-In: Demanding greatness from MLS and US soccer
Things to look forward to in 2014: Transfers, expansion, CCL
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