Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
The game is afoot!
MLS Fantasy is back for a new season, with unlimited transfers and great new prizes that include VIP trips to the 2017 MLS All-Star Game in Chicago and MLS Cup.
They're lining up
With 12 expansion applications now received, Major League Soccer president Mark Abbott has shared some thoughts on the process and the candidates. Amid all the expansion excitement, Andrew Wiebe writes that MLS has entered a new era.
Prep matches
There were four preseason friendlies on Tuesday, with Real Salt Lake and San Jose scoring slim wins over league rivals.
Super Frank hangs 'em up
Former NYCFC midfielder, longtime Chelsea man and England international Frank Lampard announced his retirement via social media. You can take a moment to reflect on his MLS run, or just skip to the highlight reel.
New cogs
Following Philly Union's acquisition of Haris Medunjanin, we put together a primer on the Bosnia midfielder. Another fresh Philadelphia catch, Oguchi Onyewu, says he came to play, and not just to teach their young defenders.
The big picture
Will Parchman explains why Portland ace Darlington Nagbe should not be judged solely by goals and assists.
On another level
As expected, the LA Galaxy have extended the contract of back line marshal Jelle Van Damme, making him a Designated Player.
On the mend
Red Bulls attacker Mike Grella will miss 2-4 weeks of preseason training with knee troubles.
New deal?
According to Metro's Kristian Dyer, D.C. United are in extension talks with winger Lloyd Sam. Dyer also reports that Montreal left back Ambroise Oyongo came close to joining a Turkish giant on European transfer deadline day. Meanwhile, Oyongo and Cameroon are set to battle for a place in the African Cup of Nations final against Ghana, who will feature the Crew SC tandem of Harrison Afful and Jonathan Mensah.
Simply Reds
Toronto FC has signed a fresh deal with veteran midfielder Benoit Cheyrou. Meanwhile, local blog Waking The Red says new Reds defender Chris Mavinga represents a high-reward gamble.
If first you don't succeed...
Belgian paper La Derniere Heure reports that, after failing to lure defensive midfielder Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe away from loan employers Legia Warsaw, New York City FC has turned their attention toward his Anderlecht teammate, Senegal midfielder Stephane Badji.
Fitting in
Local blog Sounder At Heart takes a look at how offseason Seattle additions Will Bruin and Harry Shipp can contribute to the champs.
Under questioning
Local blog Fifty Five One has come up with five key questions Minnesota United needs to answer during the preseason.
Moving out
Following a successful trial, Canada midfielder Kianz Froese has made the switch from Vancouver to Fortuna Duesseldorf.
Carl's decade
Speaking of Vancouver, the BBC has run a profile on Whitecaps boss Carl Robinson, who is entering his 10th MLS season since first joining as a player in 2007.
Three outs
Orlando City coach Jason Kreis has revealed that David Mateos, Bryan Rochez and Devron Garcia are no longer in the team's plans.
The big game
CONCACAF has awarded the 2017 Gold Cup final to San Jose's Levi's Stadium.
Aiming to shine
MLS standouts Sebastian Lletget, Chris Pontius and Walker Zimmerman are hoping to rise up the USMNT depth chart in Friday's friendly with Jamaica (7pm ET | FS1, UniMás, UDN).
Ranger danger
On Wednesday night, Rangers loan midfielder Emerson Hyndman scored a well-taken goal for the second straight game.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Watch: MLS commissioner Don Garber discusses the expansion race
Michael Parkhurst is relishing the expansion challenge in Atlanta
Red Bulls boss Jesse Marsch opens up about Dax McCarty trade
