Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. OMAR’S GONE
Tuesday's biggest news arrived without warning, as the LA Galaxy suddenly revealed the sale of Omar Gonzalez to Mexican side Pachuca. The US international defender penned this fond farewell to the Galaxy fans, while the club called Omar’s departure bittersweet. But the 27-year-old’s unveiling in Mexico took a turn that was rather … Dark.
2. READY FOR A REMATCH?
The 2016 MLS home openers have been revealed, with a 10-game slate launching the season March 6. Among the many exciting games include a rematch of the 2015 MLS Cup final, as the Portland Timbers host Columbus Crew SC, this time at Providence Park. We'll eagerly await what tifo the Timbers Army create to salute their championship-winning team.
3. ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER RED BULL HOMEGROWN
The New York Red Bulls have added yet another Homegrown Player to their roster, this time bringing on Alex Muyl, a US youth international who has played for both the Red Bulls Academy and Georgetown University.
4. ANOTHER GONZALEZ DEPARTS
Omar Gonzalez wasn’t the only MLS defender departing on Tuesday. He wasn’t even the only Gonzalez. Former Seattle Sounders left back Leo Gonzalez has signed with Costa Rican side Herediano.
5. UNION STRIKE IT RICH(TER)
A former Philadelphia Union player is coming back to the club, in a way. Ryan Richter – who played for the Union and Toronto FC – joined the Union’s new USL side, Bethlehem Steel, on Tuesday from Ottawa Fury. Richter says he's thrilled to be returning to his native Pennsylvania.
6. ETCHEVERRY STILL SETTING STANDARDS
Famed D.C. United playmaker Marco Etcheverry led the Black & Red to dynasty status in MLS's early years. Now, 12 seasons after he last played for United, Etcheverry is becoming the first member of the soccer team to be inducted into the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame.
7. CLOSING THE GAP
Major League Soccer enjoyed its biggest year ever in 2015 and it seems that the progress made in recent years has helped MLS close the gap on “The Big 4" sports leagues in the US. Forbes presents some compelling evidence to help back the claim.
8. SAN ANTONIO SET FOR USL
Having purchased Toyota Field and made their MLS ambitions clear, the San Antonio Spurs officially announced their intentions to field a USL team in 2016, effectively marking the end for the NASL's San Antonio Scorpions, at least in their current form. Meanwhile, current NASL (and future MLS) squad Minnesota United’s plans for a new stadium in St Paul are advancing, though it seems political leaders in nearby Hennepin County are waiting in the wings to try and land the new venue should anything go wrong.
9. YALLOP GALLOPS TO ARIZONA
USL side Arizona FC – "serious about being the best club" in the league – aimed high with a coaching hire, bringing in two-time MLS Cup winner Frank Yallop, also a two-time MLS Cup Coach of the Year. Most recently of the Chicago Fire, Yallop signed a three-year deal to serve as head coach and President of Soccer Operations.
10. MAN OF THE YEAR
Toronto FC’s Michael Bradley has been named US Soccer’s Male Player of the Year for the first time, following a season in which the US national team captain helped TFC qualify for their first playoff campaign and earned his 100th cap for the USMNT.
11. US YOUTH TEAMS REVIEWED
While 2015 was incredibly rough on the US men’s national team, it wasn’t much better for the US at youth level, as this year-end review from SI.com discusses.
12. CAMERON SET FOR A CHRISTMAS BREAK?
The holidays are a busy time for American Exports playing in England, but one player could be heading for a unplanned break from the action. Reports suggest Geoff Cameron could miss Stoke City’s games against Manchester United and Everton with a hamstring injury.
13. WHAT DOES CANADA WANT FOR 2016?
While the 2015 Gold Cup might not have been a success for Canada, World Cup qualifying and some big-name additions to the player pool have felt like positive developments for Benito Floro’s side. But how much of his wish list came true? And what will he want in 2016?
14. CALLED ON ACCOUNT OF SUPER BOWL
Most of the United States' population will turn their attention to Santa Clara, California for a few hours on February 7 as the Super Bowl takes place at Levi's Stadium, host of the USA’s first game at the Copa America Centenario and an occasional site for San Jose Earthquakes. But for one US youth soccer league that plays nearby, the disruption will last more than a few hours, as their fields have been commandeered by an NFL "media village."
15. REMEMBER JIMMY HILL
At the weekend, a once-powerful figure who helped change the soccer landscape in England passed away. Yet as the soccer community mourned Jimmy Hill, not many know about his ill-fated ownership of two American franchises back in the original NASL.
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