Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. FRONTRUNNER
Minnesota United appear to be the frontrunner for the next MLS expansion spot after a league statement on Monday confirmed advanced talks with the Bill McGuire-led group, while also announcing that MLS will evaluate options for expanding beyond 24 teams.
2. STAYING PUT
You can forget those rumors of the Seattle Sounders building their own stadium, as the club have signed a CenturyLink Field lease extension that will keep them in their current home through 2028, with the stadium's artificial turf being replaced at least every four years as part of the new deal.
3. IMPACT PLANNING CHANGES
With the Montreal Impact set for the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League semifinal on Wednesday (8 pm ET, FOX Sports 2, Univision Deportes), taking advantage of the home leg is crucial. As such, the Impact plan to change their game plan a little for the game against Alajuelense and, with Justin Mapp unavailable, the club have some room to experiment. Perhaps, having exorcised some demons from their 2009 elimination, they can become the first Canadian club to reach the regional final.
4. VALUABLE EXPERIENCE
Montreal Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush knows the CONCACAF Champions League better than most. Before taking over from Troy Perkins as starter, the goalkeeper was largely limited to CCL and Canadian Championship action. Speaking of reserve goalkeepers, would cup games be enough for the Philadelphia Union’s Andre Blake? According to Jamaica’s national team coach, the youngster just needs to play.
5. GIOVINCO EYES FUTURE CALL-UPS
It’s fair to say that, while Sebastian Giovinco played well, his second competitive game for Toronto FC didn’t go as well as his first. But the Italian midfielder is hopeful he can still have an international future with the Azzuri. Meantime, things are looking up for TFC, especially as their stadium upgrades hit an important milestone.
6. KREIS GETS BACK TO WORK
New York City’s first game at Yankee Stadium was a big success, both on and off the field. Having guided his team to victory in their home debut, Jason Kreis is just thrilled to be back doing what he loves.
7. RED BULLS MAKING MOVES
The New York Red Bulls made a couple of moves on Monday, not only bringing in Jamaican international Kemar Lawrence to help shore up the left back position, but also reportedly hiring a new academy coach as well.
8. BROWN AND OUT?
Oft-repeated rumors have picked up lately about Jamaican forward Deshorn Brown possibly moving from the Colorado Rapids to Norwegian side Valerenga. Brown and his agent, former MLS Rookie of the Year Damani Ralph, commented on the potential move.
9. ADDED EXPOSURE
Orlando City made a big off-field move on Monday as they look to become Florida’s team, signing a deal with Fox Sports Florida/Sun Sports which will see their regionally televised games broadcast across the state.
10. QUAKES HIT A LANDMARK
The San Jose Earthquakes will be opening their new stadium this weekend, and on Monday the club announced it has reached and subsequently capped season tickets at 12,000.
11. PRAGMATIC PORTER
Anyone who watches the Portland Timbers regularly may have noticed a subtle change in the team’s style this season, one that has apparently been brought about by head coach Caleb Porter adopting a new attitude. Will it help lead the Timbers to success?
12. SENDING A MESSAGE
On Friday, Columbus Crew SC announced they’d taken up the option year on head coach Gregg Berhalter’s contract. Yet with that option not coming into effect until 2017, club owner Anthony Precourt has explained that it’s more of a statement of intent. Winger Justin Meram, meanwhile, was profiled on FIFA.com, discussing his pride in playing for Iraq, the country of his heritage.
13. PLEASED TO PLAY
Jordan Allen made his home debut for Real Salt Lake on Saturday and, having missed the better part of a year through injury, the versatile Homegrown Player is happy to play whatever role the team asks of him.
14. PLAY NICE
When is a friendly not a friendly? When the visiting team abandons the game in the second half in front of a sellout home crowd. That’s what happened when the USL’s Sacramento Republic played at NCAA team UC Davis last weekend. Republic head coach Preki pulled his team off the field shortly after one of his players received a red card, stating, “It got out of control … we can’t afford any injuries.”
15. COLD ON TOP
When D.C. United take the field against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday (5pm ET, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN), some of their players might be looking a little different after shaving each other’s heads … all for a good cause, of course.
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