Here are the top 15 soccer stories we’re following today. Oh, and don't forget to cast your vote for the Etihad Airways Player of the Month for May.
1. VILLA THE PERFECT FIT
They promised a top signing and New York City FC certainly delivered, with Spanish international David Villa becoming the club's first-ever player. Director of football operations Claudio Reyna believes Villa will be the perfect fit for the club both on and off the field, but what will the striker do while he waits for NYCFC’s first season to begin?
2. LAMPARD SET TO FOLLOW?
With David Villa now officially on board, attention turns to whom New York City FC might sign next. And after Frank Lampard bid farewell to Chelsea FC on Monday, could the English international be set to move to the Big Apple?
3. TIMBERS TRADING UP?
After chalking up an impressive win this weekend, the Montreal Impact took steps to further strengthen their backline by acquiring Futty Danso from the Portland Timbers in exchange for a 2015 draft pick. It’s a move that may have surprised many Timbers fans, that is until you hear whom they’re reportedly chasing as a replacement.
4. HUMBLE HURTADO
Erik Hurtado has burst onto the scene in a big way this seasos. Yet despite his recent performances for the Vancouver Whitecaps, the 23-year-old remains humble, and the story of how he made it to this point makes for a moving tale.
5. EXPLAINING AN ABSENCE
Real Salt Lake fans may have noticed Sebastian Velasquez’s unexplained absence over the past couple of weeks, and it seems we now know the reason why. According to a story published in TheSalt Lake Tribune, Velasquez was arrested for a DUI on May 19. However, RSL GM Garth Lagerwey insists, “These matters are being addressed internally.” In slightly better news for RSL fans, Alvaro Saborio underwent a successful operation on Monday.
6. RAPID GROWTH
The goals are starting to flow again for the Colorado Rapids, and with them has come an attendance increase. Yet, according to Rapids president Tim Hinchey, there’s still a long way to go, both on and off the field, before the Rapids are where they want to be.
7. SAN JOSE PARTNERSHIP
The San Jose Earthquakes will open the San Francisco 49ers' new stadium in August with a game against the Seattle Sounders, and now the two California-based franchises have teamed up to use both of their soon-to-be-completed venues in a bid to secure top international soccer.
8. ROSELL REMAINS A TRANSFER TARGET
Uri Rosell may be an injury doubt for Sporting Kansas City right now, but there's no doubt the Catalan midfielder has become a crucial part of the club. So what to make of the rumblings that SKC have agreed a $1.4 million transfer fee with Sporting Clube de Portugal?
9. FINISHING WHAT HE STARTED
Monday marked exactly seven months left in office for Washington mayor Vincent Gray. In that time, the outgoing politician has a list of things he still wants to accomplish, and it seems none take more precedence on that list than securing a new stadium for D.C. United, even though its fate will likely rest with his replacement.
10. THE EXECUTIVE VIEW
As both a member of the FIFA Executive Committee and president of US Soccer, Sunil Gulati is better qualified than most to talk about what the USMNT can expect going into Brazil, as well as the benefits of Jurgen Klinsmann’s new contract.
11. LITTLE PEA'S BIG CHANCE
With Mexico getting ready to play a warm-up game against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday evening (9:30 pm ET, UniMas), manager Miguel Herrera revealed that Javier Hernandez will start up front as the Manchester United forward looks to put a disappointing domestic season behind him and score his first international goal since last summer.
12. JOHNSON STAKES HIS CLAIM
Fabian Johnson scored his first international goal for the US national team on Sunday and that, combined with another solid performance, may have been enough to earn the 26-year-old a starting place at right back.
13. RISING SON
With Jurgen Klinsmann locked in to his 23-man squad, there were no surprises on World Cup roster deadline day. The US Unnder-18 national team, however, had a roster reveal for its upcoming tournament in Portugal, and it includes a place for goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, Jurgen’s son, most famous for his controversial tweets regarding Landon Donovan.
14. ROSTERS FINALIZED
With the deadline passing on Monday, all nations competing in this summer’s World Cup have now announced their 23-man squads. There was no place on Italy’s team for New Jersey-born Giuseppe Rossi, who doesn’t quite understand why, but Steven Beitashour will be making the trip to Brazil with Iran and the defender has been reflecting on how he arrived at this point.
15. WHERE TO WATCH THE WORLD CUP
As the tournament gets closer and closer, many fans here in the United States may be wondering exactly where they can go to check out all the matches. Well, with a little more than a week to go, here’s everything you need to know along with a chance to reflect on what SI.com called the most significant goal in US soccer history.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Goal of the Week & Save of the Week – vote now!
Instant Replay: A closer look at Caleb Porter’s penalty claim
ExtraTime Radio: Jorts, Karaoke & Handballs – USMNT’s 2002 Journey
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