Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. ALTIDORE IN, GIOVINCO TO FOLLOW?
Following Jozy Altidore’s return to MLS on Friday, Toronto FC president Tim Leiweke has promised there will be more moves still to come, the next of which looks set to be officially announced today. The club has a 1 pm ET special announcement (WATCH LIVE HERE) and reports indicate that the Canadian side has successfully reached a deal with Italian star Sebastian Giovinco.
2. BRADLEY HERE TO STAY
While Jermain Defoe may not have lasted in Toronto, one player who remains completely resolute on succeeding with the Reds is Michael Bradley, who reportedly restructured his deal with the side to enable the Altidore signing.
3. UPDATES FROM CAMP
Now that Altidore is back in MLS he has since been added to the USMNT January training camp. It's a case of one MLS star arriving while another leaves, as Seattle Sounders veteran Brad Evans was forced to withdraw after being diagnosed with tendonitis in the knee.
4. RED BULLS STILL SHOPPING
The New York Red Bulls' busy offseason continues. In addition to meeting with supporters in a town hall meeting on Friday, the club also managed to successfully lock down highly rated SuperDraft selection Leo Stolz and are said to be in discussions with French defender Ronald Zubar.
5. ROBINSON HERE TO STAY
Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson sat down for a conference call with the press on Sunday to reveal that he and his staff have signed multi-year contract extensions with the Canadian side, as well as discussing what that might mean for the club in the long term.
6. KLUTE ON THE MOVE
On Friday, the final part of the Colorado Rapids' SuperDraft trade with Columbus Crew SC was revealed, as the Rapids sent defender Chris Klute to Crew SC as part of the deal that allowed them to trade up and sign Axel Sjoberg with the 14th pick on Thursday.
7. NEW IMPACT DP?
While Toronto FC’s new signings are stealing the show, the Montreal Impact could be about to add a new Designated Player of their own as reports indicate the club has captured 29-year-old Belgian defender Laurent Ciman from Standard Liege. The Impact have also parted ways with former TFC midfielder Issey Nakajima-Farran.
8. QUAKES CLOSE TO DEALS
The San Jose Earthquakes are said to be close to deals for Re-Entry Draft selections Marvell Wynne and Sanna Nyasi, as well as Leandro Barrera, selected from Chivas USA in the Dispersal Draft. However, one player that seemingly won’t be returning appears to be Yannick Djalo.
9. REAL SALT LAKE COMPLETE SIGNINGS
Real Salt Lake have had a busy few days, completing the signing of Brazilian midfielder Wellington “Pecka” Paeckart as well as finalising a deal for HomeGrown signing Phanuel Kavita, who is likely to spend plenty of time working with Real Monarchs head coach Freddy Juarez.
10. MEULENSTEEN’S ROLE
Rene Meulensteen is currently working as a consultant for the Philadelphia Union, but what exactly does that work involve? The Dutchman has finally clarified some of his duties with the MLS side as well as discussing where he sees the future of youth development heading.
11. FIRE KEEPS GROWING
Shaun Maloney could still be on his way to the Chicago Fire after the Scottish midfielder’s proposed move to Leicester City collapsed. In the meantime though, the club has announced a renewal of their shirt sponsorship deal with Quaker Oats and spoken of their plans for 2015 with supporters at the Section 8 AGM meeting.
12. NEW AFFILIATIONS
The Chicago Fire were also one of two clubs to officially announce new USL PRO affiliations on Friday as they partner with Saint Louis FC. New York City FC will be linked with former Toronto FC affiliates the Wilmington Hammerheads.
13. FERNANDES HEADING TO NEW YORK
While Leo Fernandes may be one to watch in the future, the 23-year-old midfielder won’t play any part in the Philadelphia Union’s immediate plans after being sent to the second-division New York Cosmos on a year-long loan.
14. US UNDER-20’S STILL ON COURSE
While they can’t win the CONCACAF Championship, the US U20’s look to have gotten things back on track in their hopes of reaching the FIFA U-20 World Cup following a 2-0 win over hosts Jamaica, thanks to two penalties successfully converted by Columbus Crew SC midfielder Romain Gall.
15. CANADA COMES CLOSE
Despite a late goal from substitute Dwayne De Rosario, who is hoping to show MLS teams he still has it, the Canadian national team fell 2-1 to Iceland down in Orlando, Florida on Friday. Canada will be hoping for a better result when the two sides meet again today in the second match of their friendly series.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Transfer Watch: Revs after Cape Verde international
Commentary: Big things brewing beneath the surface for Canada
Reflections on an Export: Jozy Altidore’s European stops
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