Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. GERRARD JOINS GALAXY
The rumors began this weekend and on Wednesday it was official: Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is joining the LA Galaxy as their newest Designated Player and will join the defending MLS Cup champions during the July transfer window, following the current English Premier League season.
2. MLS SCHEDULE OUT TODAY
The wait is over. On Wednesday afternoon the complete 2015 MLS regular season will be released along with national TV details for every weekend of the new campaign. Check back on MLSsoccer.com for all the dates.
3. RED BULLS STARTING OVER?
Both of MLS' New York teams are making waves when it comes to news of late. On Tuesday night it was learned that the the New York Red Bulls were set to fire head coach Mike Petke, and that news was confirmed on Wednesday morning.
4. PICK N’ MIX
Across the river, New York City FC are certainly keeping themselves in the limelight, as a new report indicates that NYCFC are currently finalizing a deal with US international midfielder Mix Diskerud, who has had multiple near-misses with other MLS clubs in the past.
5. LAGERWEY’S NEW JOB
Garth Lagerwey was unveiled on Tuesday as the Seattle Sounders' new general manger and president of soccer. The former Real Salt Lake GM revealed that, after being given permission to talk to other clubs the day before Thanksgiving, the opportunity to work for the Sounders was too good to pass up.
6. TFC SWOOP IN
While Toronto FC have hired Stuart Neely as the new head coach of their senior academy team and assistant for their USL PRO side, reports suggest TFC are set to make an even bigger coaching hire, with New York Red Bulls assistant coach Robin Fraser rumored to be heading to Toronto to take the same role under Greg Vanney, reversing the roles the same duo once held with Chivas USA.
7. ROGER'S RETURN
Roger Espinoza has completed his return to Sporting Kansas City. The MLS side officially announced the move on Tuesday, with Espinoza insisting that he’d had his heart set on a return to his former side since watching their MLS Cup success in 2013.
8. MACMATH HEADS WEST
Zac MacMath’s immediate future has become a little more clear after the Philadelphia Union sent the young goalkeeper on a year-long loan to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for the Rapids' late second-round selection in next week’s SuperDraft. Should the loan become a permanent transfer, the Union would receive the Rapids' first-round selection in 2016.
9. ANOTHER FORWARD FOR THE FIRE
Following the recent signing of David Accam, the Chicago Fire have added another new striker, Brazilian Guly do Prado, who played with English side Southampton until last May. However, it seems the Fire aren’t done yet either, with head coach Frank Yallop stating the club are looking to make a big-name signing.
10. IMPACT GETTING STRONGER
The Montreal Impact roster continues to grow, as Re-Entry Draft selection Bakary Soumare has now officially signed a contract with his new side. Soumare mignt not be the only one joining the club either, as reports have Enzo Concina becoming an Impact assistant coach, replacing the outgoing Nick Kounenakis.
11. RSL STAY BUSY
On the day former GM Garth Lagerwey was introduced in Seattle, Real Salt Lake had plenty on their own plate, hiring Tyrone Marshall as an assistant coach under Jeff Cassar, with the RSL head coach describing his new assistant as “a young hungry coach who wants to prove himself.” RSL also sold defender Carlos Salcedo to Chivas de Guadalajara, and FOX Deportes reported that RSL will receive Mexican national-team midfielder Angel Reyna as part of the deal. Salt Lake midfielder Cole Grossman, meanwhile, clearly did enough on trial with Bob Bradley’s Stabaek side to earn a contract with the Norwegian club.
12. GORDON’S GALAXY
Alan Gordon’s second spell with the LA Galaxy is set to continue after the 33-year-old striker re-signed by the current MLS Cup champions. Gordon helped the team on their way to a record fifth MLS Cup with a number of important appearances after rejoining the side in August, and the forward hopes this is his final club.
13. TIMBERS STILL READY TO SPEND
Merritt Paulson, owner and CEO of the Portland Timbers, took to Facebook on Tuesday to field questions from fans and, among the many interesting topics covered, Paulson revealed that the team is actively looking to add another big player, potentially someone from the US national team.
14. CHANGES AHEAD FOR ARRIOLA
Paul Arriola’s main focus right now is on helping the US win the CONCACAF U-20 Championship but, when that tournament is over, it seems the young striker could be looking for a move from Mexico to MLS, possibly on a year-long loan from Club Tijuana, in a bid for more playing time.
15. MATTOCKS IN ENGLAND
As many MLS players do in the offseason, Vancouver Whitecaps striker Darren Mattocks is currently on a week-long training stint with Championship leaders Bournemouth, but there are the usual rumors that there could be more for Mattocks to gain than just some training experience.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
San Jose Earthquakes announce new assistant coaches
Former Colorado Rapids leader named new NWSL Commissioner
MLS NOW: Recapping a story packed holiday season
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