Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Deuce is back!
Though the Seattle Sounders are certainly taking a patient approach, star man Clint Dempsey has been cleared for a return to full training.
More hot items
Freddy Adu is reportedly on trial with the Portland Timbers and Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle offers up some thoughts on that development, one of his five suggested stories to watch during the preseason. Another one worth paying attention to is USMNT veteran Oguchi Onyewu's training visit with Philadelphia, which head coach Jim Curtin insists is not a trial – yet.
Improved deal
Local blog RSL Soapbox reports that Real Salt Lake attacking ace Joao Plata has inked a contract extension.
New midfielders
As was widely rumored, the Colorado Rapids have added skill to their midfield stable by snaring young prospect Bismark Adjei-Boateng from Manchester City. Meanwhile, Columbus Crew SC have signed his compatriot and former Stromgodset teammate Mohammed Abu.
Still building
Atlanta United have picked up a veteran right back by acquiring Tyrone Mears from MLS Cup champions Seattle. Over in Minnesota, the Loons have added three veteran cogs in Bernardo Anor, Rasmus Schuller and Jermaine Taylor.
Seba interest?
While Sebastian Giovinco's agent claims his client has an offer from China, Toronto FC says they've had no contact and the Italian star is focused on going one step further with the MLS Cup runners up.
Hermann history
With 2016 Hermann Trophy winner Ian Harkes now in the D.C. United fold, Sam Stejskal looks back at how previous honorees have fared as pros.
Dinged Dom
As Sporting Kansas City open preseason camp, top scorer Dom Dwyer remains a couple weeks away from taking part as he recovers from ankle surgery.
Quake it 'til you make it
Although the San Jose Earthquakes are apparently formalities away from landing Groningen forward Danny Hoesen on a season-long loan, GM Jesse Fioranelli says it's likely they'll wait to make any Designated Player signings until the summer.
Ready for the fight
Having made several key offseason moves, Chicago Fire GM Nelson Rodriguez is confident the team is capable of competing for a playoff spot in 2017.
Along for the ride
New 23-year-old LA Galaxy midfielder Joao Pedro says he left the Primeira Liga in Portugal for MLS to be part of its growth.
Boss-in-training
Former US defender Gale Agbossoumonde, who is still just 25, is on trial with MLS Cup champs Seattle.
Next in line
The New York Red Bulls continued their healthy Homegrown player pipeline by signing Georgetown midfielder Arun Basuljevic.
On the spot
FourFourTwo's Steve Davis takes a look at six clubs to watch during the MLS preseason.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
ExtraTime Radio sits down with Mauro Biello & Dom Kinnear
MLS preseason matches begin with three weekend tilts
Atlanta United's Gregory Garza finally comes home
