Here are the 15 stories we're talking about this morning:
1. #THANKSTOSOCCER
In the United States, today is Thanksgiving, a day to be grateful for many things, including, the beautiful game. Join MLS on Twitter and share your soccer thankfulness as we all give #ThanksToSoccer.
2. PLAYOFF FEASTS
While most Americans are celebrating the holiday, the four clubs remaining in the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs are training ahead of Sunday's second leg Conference Championship deciders. Then they're getting a little turkey in.
3. OFFSEASON ROSTER MOVES
A few MLS clubs made roster announcements on Wednesday, including Orlando City, who let go of goalkeeper Tally Hall, among others, in a move that could prove be beneficial in the long run. Sporting Kansas City also revealed whose options they would pick up and whose they wouldn't.
4. YOUNG REVS HEADING ABROAD
The New England Revolution announced a few roster moves, too, including offseason training stints in Portugal for a few younger players. At the same time, speculation continues over midfielder Jermaine Jones's future.
5. NO DEAL FOR KITCHEN YET
D.C. United are apparently no closer to a new deal starting holding midfielder Perry Kitchen, who is out of contract at the end of the year.
6. DROGBA: MLS HARDER THAN EPL
Montreal Impact's Didier Drogba was talking to the press this week and had a number of things to say, including this: "People think it's easy to play [in MLS]. Believe me it's more difficult than playing in the Premier League because of the travel." He also had some harsh things to say about the current straits at his former club Chelsea FC
7. GERRARD SQAUSHES LOAN TALK
Steven Gerrard confirmed that he will indeed train with Liverpool FC this winter, but he won't be going on loan.
8. WRIGHT-PHILLIPS OPEN TO LOAN
New York Red Bulls marksman Bradley Wright-Phillips is apparently open to an offseason loan in the England Premier League following interest from Bournemouth AFC. For now, he and his current teammates are focused on the playoff chase, though, two potential new players have joined them in camp.
9. IS BRADLEY EYEING LOAN IN ITALY?
Toronto FC star Michael Bradley has expressed interest in potentially returning to Italy on loan. “I would return for a couple of months if there was the [right] opportunity,” he stated. “But I’m fine as well in Toronto."
10. TIMBERS HAIL THEIR DEFENSIVE LEADERS
The Portland Timbers late season surge has taken them to the verge of the MLS Cup, thanks in large part to their center back pairing, Nat Borchers and Liam Ridgewell. "They're battle tested," says head coach Caleb Porter.
11. WAHL OR SAURO FOR CREW SC?
Columbus Crew SC have a decision to make at center back for the second leg against the New York Red Bulls. While Tyson Wahl showed well in the first leg, he himself expect Gaston Sauro to return to the starting line-up on Sunday.
12. BREAK FOR THE COPA?
Summer tournaments can wreak havoc on the MLS schedule. Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl cited sourceson Wednesday claiming MLS could take a mid-season hiatus during next year's Copa America "Centenario" tournament.
13. FABJO SCORES AGAIN
US international Fabian Johnson is in fine form right now, and proved it by scoring a stunning goal for Borussia Mooenchengladbach in UEFA Champions League play on Wednesday. Meanwhile, his national team manager, Jurgen Klinsmann, reflected on how things went for the US in their recent World Cup qualifiers.
14. AN EXPORT RETURNS STATESIDE
After five years in Norway with recently relegated Mjondalen, San Diego native Rhett Bernstein has left the club. The 28-year-old center back says he's "been in communication" with some MLS clubs.
15. REPUBLIC PRESENT THEIR TERMS
Sacramento Republic FC, continuing their efforts of landing an MLS expansion spot, will bring a preliminary term sheet before the city council for a 25,000-seat stadium.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
One-on-one with Coach of the Year Jesse Marsch
ExtraTime Radio: Fire GM talks Paunovic hire and the future of the club
2016 MLS Transaction tracker
