Here are the Top 15 soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
1. MLS COMBINE HEATS UP
Among the poor souls forced to spend their mid-January in warm South Florida is our Armchair Analyst, who has filed his Matchday 2 stock report. Those who prefer to form their own opinions on who's hot and who is not can check out the day's highlights.
2. "IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL … "
While combine play is certainly important in jockeying for MLS SuperDraft positioning, what happens during a prospect interview may be just as important in landing a contract.
3. COACHES, GENERAL MANAGERS DISH ON BIG FOUR
A survey of some MLS coaches and general managers has offered up several compelling takes on the top four MLS SuperDraft prospects.
4. US UNDER-20S TAKE DOUBLEHEADER
Several MLS academy prospects made big plays over the weekend, as the US U-20s kicked off 2016 with a pair of victories.
5. YURA BACK!
Spartak Moscow goal monster Yura Movsisyan left Real Salt Lake as an MLS Cup champion, and it appears he's on his way back to Rio Tinto to shoot for a brace.
6. MORRIS CLOCKS IN WITH BREMEN
Fresh off winning the Hermann Trophy, US attacker Jordan Morris has begun training with Werder Bremen. He is expected to take part in Friday's friendly against Azerbaijani title chasers Inter Baku in Turkey.
7. YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE ZLATAN
While David Beckham reportedly wants to lure PSG superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Miami, this Swedish article surmises that the mercurial/eccentric/wacky striker could turn up with New York City FC – as early as this summer.
8. GIOVINCO: YES, I SPURNED BARCA INTEREST
After bagging a hat trick of awards from his first MLS season, Sebastian Giovinco has admitted that he ignored introductory contact from La Liga giants Barcelona before joining Toronto FC last winter. He also says he has no regrets.
9. HIDDINK READY TO THROW IN TOWEL?
Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink now sounds a lot like a guy resigned to waiting before he can add Montreal Impact star striker Didier Drogba to his coaching staff.
10. BORRIELLO'S REP: MLS OR GENOA
According to his agent, veteran Carpi striker Marco Borriello is set to leave the club for either a quick return to Genoa or an MLS adventure.
11. FROM ONE RED BULL TO ANOTHER
Over the weekend, German daily Leipziger Volkszeitung reported that RB Leipzig defender Tim Sebastian had inked a deal to join the New York Red Bulls.
12. A MINER MOVE
Orlando Sentinel scribe Paul Tenorio has confirmed with Schalke that New York Cosmos striker Haji Wright will join the Bundesliga side's ranks when he turns 18 this coming spring.
13. STICKING WITH SCHALKE …
After taking in an Orlando Magic game, Schalke started their midseason camp schedule by blanking the Ft. Lauterdale Strikers in the Florida Cup opener.
14. WE LOVE LISTS
Galaxy blog LAG Confidential has come up with their top five MLS transactions of the offseason to date.
15. A GONZO DEBUT AND MORE EXPORT EXPLOITS
Erstwhile Galaxy star Omar Gonzalez started his Pachuca career in style by setting up their 1-1 Liga MX opening-day equalizer at Tijuana. Rangers loan midfielder Gedion Zelalam notched his fourth assist of the campaign with a nifty touch.
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