Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. THE FINALISTS
The finalists have been announced for all the 2015 MLS awards, with Sebastian Giovinco, Kei Kamara and Benny Feilhaber the final candidates for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP trophy. Winners will be announced in the run-up to MLS Cup. Who do you think should win each category?
2. KREIS SAYS GOODBYE
Following his departure from New York City FC, Jason Kreis penned an emotional goodbye to the fans of the new club, but what comes next for both the coach and the team?
3. TFC TO STICK WITH VANNEY
One club Jason Kreis has been linked with is Toronto FC, but new TFC president Bill Manning has insisted that Greg Vanney will be returning in 2016 to continue what he started.
4. IS GERRARD HEADING HOME?
While the Montreal Impact have confirmed that Didier Drogba will not be playing for Italian side Bologna, could another Designated Player be on the move? Reports say the LA Galaxy’s Steven Gerrard is rumored to be returning to Liverpool during the MLS offseason.
5. WHAT'S UP WITH CUBO TORRES?
With reports that Cuban striker Ariel Martinez is training with the Houston Dynamo, could the Texan club be in position to trade Erick Torres? According to a report from SI.com, MLS clubs have contacted the Dynamo about the Mexican international.
6. RED BULLS ADD A NEW PLAYER…
Having made a strong impression during friendlies earlier in the year as well as with the club’s USL team, Tyler Adams has officially joined the New York Red Bulls senior squad. The 16-year-old won’t be available until 2016 though, as he’s not eligible to join the team’s postseason roster.
7. …AND LOSE PERRINELLE TO INJURY
While the New York Red Bulls have bolstered their ranks for next season, they’re going to have to make do with a diminished squad for the remainder of 2015 following the news that Damien Perrinelle has suffered a leg injury and will miss 5-7 months. However, it seems the Red Bulls are prepared for the setbacks ahead of Sunday's second leg vs. DC (3 pm ET on ESPN).
8. JONES SEEKING GUARANTEES
While the New England Revolution’s season may be over, there are a few bits of business still left to resolve. The biggest may be Jermaine Jones’ contract situation: The 34-year-old US international is apparently seeking a longer deal from his next contract, but will it be with the Revs?
9. PLAYOFF REPERCUSSIONS
What will the Seattle Sounders look like in 2016? According to Sounders general manager Garth Lagerwey the answer to that question may well depend on what happens this Sunday. The club will likely still have some injury concerns heading into the second leg of their series against FC Dallas (7:30 pm ET on FS1 and FOX Deportes; TSN1 in Canada), meaning veteran Zach Scott may once again be called on.
10. EARNSHAW WANTS TO PLAY
As the Vancouver Whitecaps get set to host the Portland Timbers on Sunday (10 pm ET on FS1 and FOX Deportes in USA; TSN1 and RDS1 in Canada), 'Caps striker Robert Earnshaw is desperate for a chance to play against their Cascadian rivals: “If I’m out there, I’m going to be a threat.”
11. HAIL TO THE CHIEF
As their offseason begins, Orlando City SC have decided to shake things up in their front office, bringing in former Benfica general director Armando Carneiro as their new Chief Soccer Officer, overseeing all soccer operations at the club.
12. A HOME IN THE DISTRICT
D.C. United’s new stadium has moved another step closer to reality after the District of Columbia made its latest land acquisition for the new venue.
13. JOHNSON’S HUGE GOAL
Tuesday was a big day for US national teamer Fabian Johnson as he netted his first UEFA Champions League goal in Borussia Monchengladbach’s 1-1 draw with Juventus. It also happened to be the first UCL goal scored by an American in over two years.
14. IRWIN LOOKING AHEAD
Clint Irwin’s season may be over, but the 26-year-old isn’t sitting back and relaxing, with the Colorado Rapids ‘keeper instead continuing to develop his talents in other areas of the soccer industry.
15. SAD DAY FOR RED BULLS
It wasn't all great news for the Red Bulls after their victory vs. D.C. United on Sunday. Long-time supporter and former staff member of EmpireofSoccer.com Mike Vallo passed away. He had a weekly column for EoS before moving on to work for Barron's.
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