Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. FIRE GET THEIR MAN
It’s official: Scottish international Shaun Maloney has joined the Chicago Fire as their newest Designated Player. At one point it looked like the Fire were about to miss out on the 32-year-old, but they ultimately got their man and officially presented him on Monday morning: Check out the video from the event here.
2. GILBERTO'S FUTURE
Toronto FC get their own training camp underway today and they do it with a bang after announcing the signing of center back Damien Perquis on Monday morning. Meanwhile, questions still surround the status of DP forward Gilberto with reports suggesting the club is looking to move the Brazilian.
3. MLS - THE PLACE TO BE
An important reaction to Sebastian Giovinco’s move to Toronto FC came from the coach of the Italian national team, Antonio Conte, who suggests that “in a few years players will elbow each other to go there.”
4. SOMETHING NEW IN SALT LAKE CITY?
First reported before Christmas, Real Salt Lake have finally completed the signing of Jamaican left back Demar Phillips. The 31-year-old is just the latest new addition to RSL’s, squad and the team is hoping an extended preseason camp will give them plenty of time to gel and perhaps even try something different.
5. NEW ARRIVAL(S) IN NEW YORK
New York City FC added another new player on Friday with the arrival of young midfielder Kwadwo Poku from the Atlanta Silverbacks. And the signings look to keep coming, as FC Union Berlin, who play in the Bundesliga 2, seem to have revealed an NYCFC move for their Slovakian striker Adam Nemec.
6. GOING OUT IN STYLE
The Montreal Impact kicked off preseason training last week, lifted by plenty of new additions to the squad. Their latest one, defender Laurent Ciman, signed off with now-former club Standard Liege in style before explaining another of his reasons for joining the Impact. Midfielder Patrice Bernier will be back as well, with the Canadian international stating he never even considered retirement.
7. BUILDING A DEFENSE
Columbus Crew SC have added even more depth in defense following the signing of Argentine right back Hernán Grana, with Crew SC head coach Gregg Berhalter suggesting that the 29-year-old will be an asset for the club both on and off the field.
8. COMPETITION IN THE NET
Owen Coyle secured the final missing piece to his coaching staff on Friday, adding goalkeeper coach Phil Hughes to the Houston Dynamo’s 2015 technical staff. On the subject of ‘keepers, with two experienced starters both signed for 2015, the Colorado Rapids are planning to have an open competition to see who’ll be their No.1.
9. TIMBERS TARGETS
As Diego Valeri continues his return from a torn ACL, the Portland Timbers Designated Player spoke about the moment the injury occurred and, while the Argentine is still targeting May for his return, fellow Designated Player Fanendo Adi is looking forward to his first full season with the Timbers.
10. EJ’S ABSENCE
D.C. United opened their own preseason training camp with plenty of new faces, as eight non-roster players were invited to train with the club in Bradenton, Florida. However, one noticeable absentee was Eddie Johnson, who is apparently set to miss three weeks of training.
11. UNION BRING BACK THE VETERANS
The Philadelphia Union have elected to bring back a number of popular faces for 2015 after agreeing deals to re-sign Conor Casey, Brian Carroll and Fred, the latter of whom will serve in a new role as a player-coach for the team.
12. WORLD CUP SPOT SECURED
The US U-20 national team successfully secured their place at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup thanks to a 2-0 win over El Salvador on Saturday via goals from two former MLS academy players. Mexico, meanwhile, won the CONCACAF U-20 Championship for the 13th time, thanks in no small part to FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez.
13. MIAZGA HEADING TO QATAR?
With a U-20 World Cup spot in the bag, Matt Miazga is now focused on a good showing in New Zealand. Meanwhile, the New York Red Bulls defender is apparently heading to Qatar for a training spell with sister club Red Bull Leipzig.
14. YEDLIN RETURNS … TO USMNT
With the US national team in South America ahead of Wednesday’s game against Chile, Jurgen Klinsmann revealed which 23 players made his travel squad and, while 22 of them came from the January camp, there was also a surprise return for DeAndre Yedlin.
15. AIMING FOR THE OLYMPICS
The US U-23s frustratingly missed out on a place at the 2012 London Olympics. Looking to avoid a repeat of the debacle, US Soccer has appointed US national team assistant Andi Herzog as head coach of the U-23 side that will attempt to qualify for the 2016 Games.
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