Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. DYNAMO HAVE NEW OWNERS
Ten years to the day after their introduction to the Bayou City, the Houston Dynamo have a new majority owner, as the club announced on Tuesday that Gabriel Brener, CEO of Brener International Group, LLC, has acquired AEG’s interest in the Texas team. Brener’s group includes a minority shareholder of the Houston Astros and a Portland-based partner, while boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya remains on board.
2. PAPPA JOINS THE RAPIDS
The Seattle Sounders continued their offseason makeover by trading Marco Pappa to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for allocation money. Pappa himself referred to the move as an exciting new opportunity, insisting, “I need a new challenge in my career.”
3. KENNEDY HEADS HOME
Former Chivas USA captain Dan Kennedy is officially on his way back to Los Angeles after joining the LA Galaxy via a trade from FC Dallas. It’s a move that the goalkeeper calls “ a bit surreal,” but the 33-year-old is excited to play for the team he supported in his teens.
4. GALAXY STILL SHOPPING
The Galaxy aren’t done, though. Head coach Bruce Arena has confirmed that the club is looking to bring in two to three more players, as well as continuing negotiations with veteran forward Alan Gordon. Could LA also be close to re-signing Gyasi Zardes?
5. JONES ALWAYS WELCOME IN NEW ENGLAND
While the New England Revolution look to explore opportunities for new player signings this offseason, including the potential for some Portuguese additions, the club also hasn’t given up on re-signing Jermaine Jones. But the Revs acknowledge that “it’s ultimately going to be a decision of Jermaine’s.”
6. THE TIMBERS’ BIG HIRE
The Portland Timbers have hired former Chicago Fire academy director Larry Sunderland as their new Youth Technical Director, tasked with helping the MLS Cup champions improve their youth and player development structure.
7. GO PRO OR STAY IN SCHOOL?
Jordan Morris isn’t the only MLS-raised talent with a big decision to make this winter. New York Red Bulls academy product Adam Najem is also weighing up his future, as "discussions" of a possible Homegrown offer have the midfielder contemplating whether to return for his final year at Akron.
8. I LOVE LONDON
Houston goalkeeper Tyler Deric has spent the last couple of weeks in East London training with English Premier League side West Ham United, an experience the Dynamo goalkeeper certainly seems to be enjoying.
9. US JANUARY CAMP GETS ITS FIXTURES
The US national team has officially announced its first two games of 2016, with the USMNT January camp set to conclude with games against Iceland on January 31 and Canada on February 5. Both will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, California.
10. MEXICO SET FOR MIAMI
The US weren’t the only ones announcing an early 2016 fixture. Mexico are set to play an exhibition match against Senegal in Miami on February 10, a game to be hosted at the Miami Marlins’ stadium.
11. JOHNSON RETURNS
Fabian Johnson returned to the Borussia Monchengladbach lineup on Tuesday, but he couldn’t prevent his side from being knocked out of the German Cup. Johnson is arguably having the best season of five fellow nominees, but does he have the inside track on US Soccer's award for best USMNT player of 2015?
12. JOHANNSSON RETURN DATE UNCLEAR
While the US play Iceland on January 31, there’s no indication as to whether or not Aron Johannsson could be a part of the squad for that game. The Icelandic-American striker’s return from injury currently remains unclear: Johannsson is apparently still feeling pain in his hip and is unsure when he can resume training.
13. SAIEF OPEN TO PLAYING FOR “BETTER” US
There have been plenty of rumors over the past week linking Gent midfielder Kenny Saief with a potential USMNT call-up. What does the Israeli-American player think of the suggestions? According to Saief, it’s something he would consider, as he believes the US is “better” than Israel on the world stage.
14. MESSI TO NYCFC? – WELCOME TO SILLY SEASON
Let's put this firmly in the “I’ll believe it when I see it” category, but apparently Manchester City are determined to try and sign Lionel Messi, with a view to him eventually also playing for New York City FC.
15. THE OTHER GALAXY SQUAD
Are you among the millions across the planet brimming with excitement as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" hits theaters? Then check out ESPN's clever take on how the beloved film franchise might take shape in the sporting arena, including a soccer starting XI full of attacking genius (Luke Skywalker as a mercurial No. 10, anyone?) and menacing defense (a center-back partnership of pure evil).
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