Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. GALAXY SET TO ADD EX-RIVAL?
The LA Galaxy are apparently set to land a new netminder, with the team reportedly about to acquire veteran goalkeeper Dan Kennedy, the ex-captain of the Galaxy's former Southern California rivals, Chivas USA. The team is also hoping to use the recent influx of targeted allocation money to retain Omar Gonzalez as they look to improve upon their 2015 campaign.
2. FIRE PURSUE A FAMILIAR FACE?
The Chicago Fire are said to be in hot pursuit of Will Johnson, who announced after MLS Cup that he won't be returning to the Portland Timbers next year. While Johnson may be on the way back to his original MLS club, the Fire seem to have already lost a personnel member the other way, with reports that the Timbers have hired Chicago's academy director.
3. WHITECAPS SECURE FLORES DEAL
It looks as though the Vancouver Whitecaps have secured midfielder Deybi Flores on a permanent deal, with reports suggesting the 19-year-old Honduran has been signed to a five-year deal from Motagua after a successful year-long loan spell. With many key players locked up for the near future, will the next contract Vancouver sort out be head coach Carl Robinson's?
4. SOUNDERS ALREADY SPENT UP
Seattle Sounders fans hoping to see their club go on a spending spree following last week’s news of more investment league-wide may be in for a surprise, as Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey confirmed over the weekend that “all that [targeted allocation money] is already spent.” In some other news for Seattle supporters, it appears that Roman Torres is making strong progress in his return from an ACL tear.
5. REVS HOPE FOR PORTUGUESE ADDITIONS
The New England Revolution have held a partnership with Sporting Clube de Portugal since 2014 and, while that has so far included some brief training stints, the Revs are hoping to make better use of the agreement by adding one or two Sporting CP players next season.
6. ALL MAPP’ED OUT
Justin Mapp became the first of the free agent signing in MLS history on Monday, with the former Montreal Impact midfielder inking a deal with Sporting Kansas City. Club CEO Robb Heineman made no secret of his desire to sign the player, and Mapp was pleased with how the whole process worked out.
7. IMPACT TOUCH-UPS?
With Mapp now gone, what areas do the Montreal Impact most need to improve if they want to build on their fine form from the end of the 2015 season? And can the club hold firm in the face of international interest for star midfielder Ignacio Piatti?
8. WHAT NEXT FOR MORRIS
He's won the College Cup and has a good shot at winning the MAC Hermann Trophy thanks to his two goals in Sunday's final -- now, what will Jordan Morris do next? With little left to accomplish in the college game, will Morris make the jump to the pros?
9. US ANNOUNCES PotY NOMINEES
US Soccer announced on Monday its nominees for the 2015 US Soccer Male Player of the Year award, with Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey nominated alongside Brad Guzan, DeAndre Yedlin and front-runner Fabian Johnson, who returned to training on Monday after missing a match with a toe ailment.
10. KAMARA AND LAHOUD EARN RECOGNITION
Sierra Leone natives Kei Kamara and Michael Lahoud were recognized on Monday for the great work they’re doing in their home country, earning the 2015 FIFPro Merit Award for their work this year opening their own school near Freetown, the nation's capital.
11. LARIN MISSES OUT ON U-20 PRIZE
Cyle Larin missed out on the Canadian Men’s Under-20 Player of the Year award on Monday, with Queens Park Rangers midfielder Michael Petrasso scooping the prize for the third year in a row. Vancouver Whitecaps 2 defender Kadin Chung earned the U-17 honor.
12. TIMBERS WINNING ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Before taking home MLS Cup this year, the Portland Timbers had a bit of a bumpy ride on the field across their first five seasons in MLS. One thing that was always smooth in Portland? The Timbers' tremendous success off the field. Club owner Merritt Paulson reflected on the on-field triumphs of 2015 and shared some thoughts on the year ahead.
13. MIAMI NEWS
David Beckham and his group of investors may have found a new site for their soccer stadium in Miami, but one local official has questions about the parking situation. If you're new to Beckham's stadium quest in Miami, here's a rundown of the numerous obstacles his group has overcome to secure a stadium deal.
14. AFFUL MAKES C-BUS HOME
Harrison Afful was a revelation after signing for Columbus midseason, establishing himself as one of the top right backs in MLS and helping Crew SC to an appearance in MLS Cup. Why did the Ghanaian international choose MLS? Apparently he likes a good challenge.
15. IN GOOD HEALTH
Orlando Health has reportedly tripled down on their sponsorship deal with Orlando City SC, agreeing to become the primary sponsor for Orlando City B in the USL and the NWSL’s Orlando Pride on top of their jersey deal with the OCSC first-team.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
ExtraTime Radio: Mapp on the move | Stay or go pro? Morris must decide
Analyst: Mapp’s move, the busy Timbers and more from silly season
Exports: Horvath and Molde drawn against Sevilla in Europa League
