Kick Off: MLS clubs keep building | USMNT, CanMNT prepare | Miazga in Chelsea's CL squad

Greg Seltzer

Here are the North American soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:

STAR FLEET

With Dutch international Nigel de Jong on board, many are wondering if this is the most talented LA Galaxy squad ever? MLSsoccer.com's Benjamin Baer believes De Jong will help unleash Steven Gerrard.

FIRE HOUSE

The Chicago Fire made Brazil Under-20 international Rodrigo Ramos their latest signing. This is yet another reason why MLSsoccer.com's Matt Doyle sees the Fire rising.

MAJOR LEE

Jurgen Klinsmann says New England Revolution ace Lee Nguyen has been one of the "winners" at the January USMNT camp. He'll probably feature on Friday against Canada, who have welcomed defender Doneil Henry back into the fold.

STU-PENDOUS

After so much success with the Houston Dynamo, English side Bolton Wanderers, and the US national team, fan favorite Stuart Holden has officially retired.

PUT IT ON BLAS

The Vancouver Whitecaps admitted on Wednesday that they are chasing Blas Perez. They must first swing a deal with FC Dallas and it seems to include Mauro Rosales.

THE RED STABLE

Still-unproven New York Red Bulls DP Gonzalo Veron says he is aiming to build mightily from the lessons of last season. Meanwhile, it seems New York may sign one of their autumn trialist: Jamaica youth international Junior Flemmings.

SCOREBOARD

Check out all of Wednesday's friendly results in the MLS Preseason Tracker.

ERIK THE BLUE

Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes hopes defender Erik Palmer-Brown, who was loaned out to FC Porto this week, can make the most of his stint with the historic Portuguese club.

MIAZGA MAKES CL SQUAD

Recently sold from NY Red Bulls to Chelsea, US center back Matt Miazga has been registered for the UEFA Champions League knockout round. The Blues face Paris St. Germain in the round of 16.

XAVIER UNIVERSITY

Not really sure how to judge the boost gained by the Revs from adding DP-signing Xavier Kouassi? Local blog The Bent Musket has you covered.

UNION STATION

It seems Earnie Stewart has dipped into the Eredivisie player pool, as ADO Den Haag announced that winger Roland Alborg will join the Philadelphia Union.

TAKE THE GOOD WITH THE BAD

Local scribe Paul Tenorio believes Orlando City's missing out on Antonio Nocerino is not so bad after all.

FLEETING MAC

Though previously rumored to be on his way to Philadelphia, Scottish international James McFadden may now be staying with Motherwell.

U.S. SOCCER LAWSUIT

The U.S. Soccer Federation has filed a lawsuit against the US women's national team over the validity of a collective bargaining agreement.

BEDOYA HITS AGAIN

Alejandro Bedoya has three goals from the last four games after bagging Nantes' winner on Wednesday night. The win moved them to within striking distance of a Champions League place.

REALTY TV BOWS

Red Bulls winger Sal Zizzo is set to debut on TLC's Rattled.While the Houston Dynamo's new inside-the-club digital series, "The Slice," has launched.