Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. IT’S A SELL-OUT
It took less than 15 hours from the final whistle of their victory over the New York Red Bulls for Columbus Crew SC to announce that MAPFRE Stadium is completely sold out for this Sunday’s MLS Cup final.
2. SHOWING APPRECIATION
Fans of the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew SC had plenty to cheer following Sunday’s results but, rather than limit those celebrations to the immediate aftermath of the final whistles, fans in Portland and also in Columbus waited for their teams to return to let them know how much they appreciate the success.
3. BULLETIN BOARD MATERIAL: ROUND 1
Breaking down potential Portland Timbers weaknesses for Sports Illustrated video series SI Now, Crew SC midfielder Ethan Finlay said teammate Federico Higuain is likely "licking his chops" at the thought of playing against the Portland defense. Higuain's midfield matchup with fellow Argentine Diego Valeri is one of the top five storylines heading into MLS Cup.
4. DAX SET TO STAY
Just a day after their elimination from the MLS Cup Playoffs, the New York Red Bulls revealed that Dane Richards and Roy Miller will not be returning in 2016. However, to the relief of all Red Bulls fans, general manager Ali Curtis confirmed the club will be picking up Dax McCarty’s option.
5. FIRE MAKE MOVES
The Chicago Fire announced their roster moves on Monday, with the club exercising options on four players, including Matt Polster and Harry Shipp, while declining them for nine others, including Jeff Larentowicz, Lovell Palmer and Adailton. Mike Magee currently remains out of contract and is eligible for Free Agency.
6. RSL RE-SIGN OLAVE
Monday was a busy day for Real Salt Lake: the club not only exercised options on seven of their players, with Devon Sandoval, Luke Mulholland and Boyd Okwuono among those picked up, but they also re-signed defender Jamison Olave.
7. DYNAMO CUTS CHOP ROSTER
The Houston Dynamo also made a Monday announcement, with the Texan club declining options on seven players, including Jermaine Taylor as well as recently injured Honduran international Luis Garrido.
8. TORONTO KEEPING MORROW
Toronto FC have re-signed Justin Morrow to a new contract, with TFC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko referring to the 28-year-old as “part of our core group we feel we can build our defense around.”
9. IS DAVY ARNAUD DONE?
Could Davy Arnaud’s career be on the line? The D.C. United midfielder hasn’t played in the last three months after suffering a concussion in training. While the 35-year-old continues his recovery, it seems he may decide to call time on his playing days if he isn’t feeling 100 percent by the start of preseason.
10. VELA OPEN TO OFFERS
What’s the latest on Carlos Vela’s links to MLS? According to the Mexican international’s agent, nothing is guaranteed to happen at this point, but he and his client are definitely open to offers.
11. NO TRUTH TO RUMORS FOR NYCFC
It seems that Josh Saunders and Martin Demichelis will not head out on loan at the start of 2016. Rumors had suggested the two could swap sides for six months to help fill positional needs at both New York City FC and Manchester City, but this is not the case.
12. ADDITIONAL ACCOLADES FOR LARIN
After a record-breaking rookie season with Orlando City, AT&T Rookie of the Year Cyle Larin has also been nominated for two Canadian national team end of year awards. It also seems the striker is set to graduate from the Generation adidas program ahead of the 2016 season.
13. NEW STADIUM NAME FOR UNION
Talen Energy (formerly PPL Energy Plus) has assumed naming rights to Philadelphia Union's soccer-specific stadium, making Talen Energy Stadium the club's new home. In Florida, reports on Monday suggested that the negotiations for Miami's Beckham United's proposed home in Little Havana have fallen flat. Meanwhile, San Antonio is apparently set to ramp up investment in its own bid for an MLS franchise.
14. U-17 SQUAD ANNOUNCED
The US U-17s have announced their roster for a friendly tournament in Florida this week, with nine MLS players from six different clubs included in the squad, set to be coached by former Philadelphia Union boss John Hackworth.
15. US WORLD CUP HEROES GET FIFA NOD
The finalists are in for the end of year FIFA awards and there include deserved nods for World Cup-winning hero Carli Lloyd as well as the successful coach of the US Women’s national team, Jill Ellis.
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