Here are the 15 stories we're talking about this morning:
1. MLS MVP GIOVINCO TARGETS MORE SUCCESS
After being named the 2015 Landon Donovan MLS MVP, Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco is revelling in his success and, while the Italian's performances have helped helped revitalize the fanbase, Giovinco has set his sights on more trophies next season, for both himself and Toronto FC.
2. BUILDING CHAMPION CONTENDERS
Columbus Crew SC and the Portland Timbers are set to play in the MLS Cup final on Sunday. How were the two teams built into title contenders?
3. PORTER’S VISION FOR PORTLAND
For the Timbers, the Cup appearance is the fruition of head coach Caleb Porter's longterm
vision for the club
. And
the moment
holds special significance
for those in the team who have been with the side since their league debut.
4. FINLAY FEELING GOOD ABOUT THINGS
Columbus Crew SC star Ethan Finlay is more than excited about Sunday, saying "I like how we match up."
5. A VERY SPECIAL TRAVELING PORTLAND SUPPORTER
Remember the story of Atticus, the young, cancer-stricken boy who had his dreams come true last year when he and his teammates played against the Timbers? Well, he and his family are headed to Columbus for the Cup.
6. CCL SCHEDULE REVEALED
The schedule has been released for the Champions League quarterfinals next year, and, once again, it means an early start to the season for the four remaining MLS teams, with the first legs set to be played on Feb. 23-24.
7. BLAS SAYS GOODBYE TO DALLAS
Blas Pérez and FC Dallas are parting ways after the Panamanian striker posted this fond farewell to the Dallas faithful. Meanwhile, FCD's goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez, who has already represented Mexico at the youth level, is drawing interest from the US national team program.
8. RED BULLS BEGIN OFFSEASON
The New York Red Bulls officially announced their post-season roster moves. It also seems there’s no truth to the latest rumors linking the Red Bulls with a move for Carlos Vela.
9. SOUNDERS MAKE SOME SERIOUS CUTS
The Seattle Sounders announced their own roster moves on Wednesday, including the departures of Marco Pappa, Leo Gonzalez, and Chad Barrett, among others.
10. PFEFFER TO STAY WITH THE UNION?
While there have not been any official announcements from the Philadelphia Union, according to a new report, Zach Pfeffer is set to remain with the club in 2016.
11. UNITED’S VESTED INTEREST
When Maryland take on Clemson in the NCAA quarterfinals on Friday, D.C. United will have a vested interest in the performance of forward Eryk Williamson, a potential D.C. Homegrown player. Meanwhile, United goalkeeper Bill Hamid is apparently training with EPL side Norwich City this winter.
12. ENGLISH INTEREST
It seems that the Sounders' Andy Rose, currently out of contract, is training with Coventry City, while Reading manager Steve Clarke confirmed his interest in signing LA Galaxy and US national team star Gyasi Zardes.
13. CARVER WANTS ANOTHER SHOT
Former Toronto FC head coach John Carver has been without a job since Newcastle United let him go in the summer, but the self-proclaimed “best coach in the Premier League” is keen on a return to MLS “where I can build something.”
14. WAIBEL ON RSL MOVES
Could Real Salt Lake’s Juan Martinez be heading out on loan? According to Craig Waibel, it's certainly an option, with the RSL general manager also explaining why the club chose to re-sign veteran defender Jamison Olave.
15. CABRERA JOINS DYNAMO FAMILY
The Houston Dynamo have hired former Chivas USA and US U-17 head coach Wimer Cabrera as the first head coach for their USL affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Toros.
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