Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. RETURN TO THE REVS?
Remember Juan Agudelo? The forward left the New England Revolution at the end of the 2013 season to pursue a career in England but, after failing to gain a work permit and having not played professionally in over six months, a report on Monday claims Agudelo could be on his way back to the Revolution.
2. BRINGING OUT THE BEST
While the Chicago Fire introduced Shaun Maloney to the press on Monday, with the Scotsman also talking to ExtraTime Radio about why he chose the Fire over other offers, there was another new addition at the Fire’s first day of preseason training in the shape of goalkeeper Jon Busch, a veteran whose presence is designed to help Sean Johnson get even better.
3. MORE SIGNINGS FOR ORLANDO
It was another busy day for Orlando City SC as, on top of securing a loan deal for Northern Ireland striker Martin Paterson, the club also officially signed Colombian duo Cristian Higuita and Carlos Rivas.
4. BUILDING AT THE BACK
Fresh on the heels of the Damien Perquis signing, Toronto FC added another new defender on Monday by trading with the Seattle Sounders for experienced defender Eriq Zavaleta, who also happens to be the nephew of TFC head coach Greg Vanney. Meanwhile, a former TFC defender is once again singing MLS’ praises.
5. CANADIAN ROUND-UP
In other news out of Canada, the Vancouver Whitecaps have signed Ben McKendry as their latest Homegrown Player, the Montreal Impact’s Maxim Tissot is keen to earn more caps for the Canadian national team and former Toronto FC player Andrew Wiedeman has signed for the Ottawa Fury.
6. NEW RED BULLS?
Has Jesse Marsch found his new Robin Fraser? Denis Hamlett is the man being touted to become Marsch’s top assistant coach at the New York Red Bulls and, as the team gets their preseason training underway down in Florida, there may be one or two familiar faces joining the side on trial.
7. IS CAHILL ON THE WAY OUT?
While Tim Cahill-led Australia easily marched past the UAE into the Asian Cup final, could the New York Red Bulls DP soon be plying his trade in that country? It’s looking more and more likely that his time in New York is coming to an end and a report from an Emirates newspaper on Monday had the DP linked with a move to Al Wahda FC.
8. GOING ITALIAN
Could DC United be set to gain some added Italian flavor? Erick Thorir, who owns both United and Italian side Inter Milan, believes there’s potential for young Italian prospects to gain valuable minutes in DC, stating “It will be a great opportunity to play in a big league like MLS.”
9. PLATA INJURED
There was good news and bad news for Real Salt Lake on Monday. First, a deal was reached for their new USL PRO stadium on the Utah State Fairgrounds, but that was somewhat overshadowed by the fact that Joao Plata has been sidelined for 3-4 months after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his left foot.
10. NEGOTIATIONS FOR VALDES
Is Carlos Valdes going out on loan again? The defender didn’t take part in the first day of the club’s preseason training on Monday, with technical director Chris Albright confirming there is “a negotiation ongoing” over the Colombian’s future.
11. NEW LOOK QUAKES TAKE THE FIELD
A much changed San Jose Earthquakes got their own preseason training underway on Monday, with defender Clarence Goodson stating: “I see it as a brand new team.” Yet one player who it seems won’t be joining the Quakes is Re-Entry Draft selection Andy Grunenbaum.
12. CITY VS CITY?
While a summer game at Yankee Stadium is nothing new to Manchester City, reports late on Monday suggest that this year could see them face-off against sister side New York City FC. It also seems as though NYCFC may be close to securing their first Manchester City player on loan.
13. ATLANTA’S GROWING FANBASE
If reserved seats successfully translate into season ticket holders, then Atlanta’s 2017 MLS expansion team is already looking as though it will enjoy a solid fan base, as the latest figures show that 17,500 seats have already been reserved for the club's inaugural season.
14. CASILLAS EYES US MOVE
“I have no problem saying that I would like to play in the USA.” Those are the words of Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, and although the World Cup-winning Spanish 'keeper didn’t give any timeframe for such a move, it still highlights MLS’ growing stature in the eyes of the game’s biggest stars?
15. CURRENT U20s THE BEST YET?
With the US Under-20s successfully qualifying for this year’s FIFA World Cup, Tab Ramos believes his current group are even better than the one he had in 2013. Indeed, Columbus Crew SC starlet Romain Gall was named to the CONCACAF Best XI, as well as sharing the Golden Boot. And with Ramos’ own son having just signed with Pachuca in Mexico, could we also see him playing for the team soon?
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Darlington Nagbe ready to lead the Portland Timbers
DeAndre Yedlin explains lack of playing time at Spurs
Robbie Keane excited about midseason addition of Steven Gerrard
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