Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Prospects put on a show
Matchday 2 of the 2017 adidas MLS Player Combine saw a fair share of goals, including a 2-2 draw (HIGHLIGHTS) and a tighter 1-0 affair in the opener (HIGHLIGHTS). Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle gave his Stock Up / Stock Down reviews after the doubleheader, as the Combine MVP frontrunner continued to wow.
Thursday schedule release
It's the day many supporters have been waiting for: MLS will be releasing the complete 2017 MLS regular season schedule on Thursday.
Wait-and-see approach
Seattle Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey says the champs are unlikely to make a big signing until Clint Dempsey's health status is clear.
And over in Portland...
Seattle's arch rivals Portland Timbers are not standing pat, as they've reportedly made an offer for San Lorenzo attack ace Sebastian Blanco.
The rundown
The Houston Dynamo have already made a half-dozen additions this offseason and we're here to offer a scouting report on their newcomers.
No face like Shome
Generation adidas Canada signing Shamit Shome sets himself apart from most of his fellow SuperDraft prospects thanks to the experience gained from a pro season spent with FC Edmonton in the NASL.
Fruit of the Loons
Just as Minnesota United have augmented their back line by signing Norway defender Vadim Demidov, Swedish outlets reported that the expansion team were close to landing Hacken's Finland midfielder Rasmus Schuller.
Captain's contract
Canadian outlet RDS reports that Montreal have agreed to an extension (in French) with skipper Patrice Bernier.
Quake rumbling
The parade of Costa Rica internationals to MLS might continue this offseason, as San Jose are being linked with a move for Brondby forward Marco Ureña.
Join the party
World governing body FIFA unanimously approved increasing the World Cup field to 48 teams, starting in 2026. The move has drawn mixed feelings in MLS circles.
Join the party, Pt. 2
FIFA isn't the only body in an expanding mood; new CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani told Jamaican reporters that the Gold Cup field is expected to grow to 16 teams in 2019.
Man down
The US national team's January camp roster has been reduced by one, with D.C. United 'keeper Bill Hamid excused due to an injury.
Answering the call
Canada interim head coach Michael Findlay has called in a roster dominated by MLS selections for their January camp.
Bradley backer
US boss Bruce Arena has joined the chorus of voices insisting that Bob Bradley got a raw deal when fired by Swansea City last month.
Second opinion
Stoke City's US defender Geoff Cameron has come stateside to have his injured knee re-examined.
Giving Baah
While using his offseason to recover from an injury-marred 2016 season, New York Red Bulls defender Gideon Baah has also started a foundation to offer equipment and guidance to young players back in his homeland of Ghana.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
Baer: How last year's SuperDraft picks fared
LA Galaxy announce complete coaching staff
Red Bulls prospect scores for Haiti
