Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. PLAYING WITH FIRE
The Chicago Fire have named Veljko Paunovic as their new head coach. Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez believes Paunovic, who spent one season with the Philadelphia Union and most recently coached Serbia to the FIFA U-20 World Cup title, is the man to help turn the club around, given in part that he’s already well prepared for life in MLS.
2. MARSCH REAPS REWARDS
Jesse Marsch was named MLS Coach of the Year on Tuesday following a season in which he not only helped the New York Red Bulls restructure their identity, but also led them to the Supporters' Shield. Having done all that, Red Bulls general manager Ali Curtis hopes to keep Marsch at the club for a long time to come.
3. RED BULLS STILL PROVING THER POINT
The New York Red Bulls players were back to work on Tuesday, knowing they face a steep climb to reach – and subsequently host – the MLS Cup final, carrying a 2-0 deficit into Sunday's home leg against Columbus Crew SC (7:30 pm ET; FS1, FOX Sports Go, FOX Deportes in US | MLS LIVE in Canada). For the players, it follows this season's theme: Proving people wrong. And that fits in perfectly with one of their leaders, who went virtually unrecruited out of high school.
4. WILL TIMBERS FARE WELL IN DALLAS AGAIN?
Dairon Asprilla’s stunning goal against FC Dallas on Sunday caught a lot of people’s attention, and the Colombian has finally made his mark for the Portland Timbers. They still have to travel to Dallas this Sunday (5 pm ET; ESPN, WatchESPN, ESPN Deportes in US; TSN2 in Canada), though that locale has been good to the Timbers in recent years.
5. A DIFFERENT APPROACH FOR FCD
FC Dallas’ approach to spending might be similar to that of the other remaining MLS Cup contenders, but the Texan team stands apart from their competition thanks to their unwavering commitment to developing young talent, something head coach Oscar Pareja has helped instill at all levels of the club.
6. ARE THE RAPIDS IN FOR VELA?
Are the Colorado Rapids set to make a huge winter signing? According to the MLS team’s Sporting Director, Claudio López, they could well be, with López apparently indicating that the Rapids are in negotiations with Real Sociedad to secure the services of Mexican international Carlos Vela.
7. POWERS TRIAL EXTENDED
Dillon Powers must be doing something right during his trial in England, as Championship side Reading have decided to extend his trial by a week. While Powers is busy overseas, two Irish Rapids tried their hand at match commentary with, um … mixed results.
8. DYNAMO SET FOR A CHANGE?
Could the Houston Dynamo be set for a change in ownership? According to a new report on Tuesday, Dynamo co-owner Gabriel Brener is on the verge of gaining a controlling stake in the club, working to bring in two outside investors and buy out the 50-percent interest held by LA Galaxy owners Anschutz Entertainment Group. Brener has held his stake in the club since 2008.
9. PRESEASON PLANS
Nine MLS teams have been confirmed for MLS preseason games in Tucson, including the 2016 FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup, with the western preseason hub hosting games running Jan. 24-Feb. 27. The LA Galaxy, meanwhile, have lined up a preseason friendly against Armenian side Shirak.
10. MARTINS HAS ADMIRERS
Brad Evans has played several positions for the Seattle Sounders this year and, if it’s up to him, he’d like to stay at center back next season. However, the Sounders captain is also aware that isn’t likely to happen. Obafemi Martins, meanwhile, still seems to have admirers in the Premier League.
11. CASSAR SAYS THANKS, PROMISES MORE
As Real Salt Lake prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, head coach Jeff Cassar issued an open letter to the fans, addressing a difficult year and promising greater things in 2016.
12. STADIUM TALK
Minnesota United have found their stadium architects, opting to go with renowned stadium designers Populous, the same group that designed Sporting Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Park and the Houston Dynamo’s BBVA Compass Stadium. Meanwhile, LAFC released a short video from their recent stadium workshop.
13. BECKHAM SET FOR A NEW LOCATION?
Are David Beckham’s plans for a stadium in Miami once again in flux? Based on the very latest developments on Tuesday, it looks as though Beckham’s group could be heading in a different direction now, seemingly abandoning plans for a home in Little Havana near the Florida Marlins’ baseball stadium.
14. CANADIANS ON THE MOVE
Former Toronto FC defender Doneil Henry is heading back to Blackburn Rovers on loan, despite the Canadian international suffering a serious injury last time he joined the Championship side. Meanwhile, fellow Canadian international Charlie Trafford is leaving Finland to join Polish side Korona Kielce.
15. FIFA TO RULE ON CELTIC MATCH IN USA?
Two Scottish Premiership sides want to play one of their league games in the US next season, leading FIFA to warn Celtic and Dundee United that the world governing body will have the final say on any such matter.
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