Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
LAFC makes picks, deals
Expansion newcomers Los Angeles FC continued their squad build with Tuesday's MLS Expansion Draft. Among their five selections, the club gained some depth up front by tabbing forwards Latif Blessing and Marco Urena. READ MORE
After making their five picks, LAFC made some headlines by sending Raheem Edwards and Jukka Raitala in a big trade for Montreal defender Laurent Ciman. READ MORE
The expansion side are far from done, of course, and Metro's Kristian Dyer reports they've now set their sights on a trade for New York Red Bulls string puller Sacha Kljestan. READ MORE
Report: Anderlecht nix LAFC's Hassan bid
It seems, however, that not all of Los Angeles FC's roster-building maneuvers are coming off. Belgium's La Derniere Heure claims that Anderlecht have knocked back their approach for Egypt winger Mahmoud Hassan (aka 'Trezeguet'), who is currently on loan to Turkish outfit Kasimpasa. READ MORE
Kamara, Zardes on the move?
The LA Galaxy and Columbus Crew SC appear to be interested in each other's attacking players – The Washington Post's Soccer Insider, Steven Goff, claims that the Galaxy has them shopping forward Gyasi Zardes with Columbus as a possible destination, while ESPNFC and Guardian contributor Jeff Reuter has them showing possible trade interest in Columbus hit man Ola Kamara. READ MORE
Lagerwey explains Alonso situation
Though leaving skipper Ozzie Alonso unprotected for Tuesday's MLS Expansion Draft raised a few eyebrows (if not also ires), Seattle GM Garth Lagerwey says it was a calculated risk he figured he could get away with – of course, he eventually did. READ MORE
RSL close to re-upping key trio
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Real Salt Lake are very close to re-signing veteran goalkeeper Nick Rimando and impressive on-loan winger Brooks Lennon to new deals. It also appears as though the team is moving toward an extension for midfielder Kyle Beckerman. READ MORE
Atlanta bring back Larentowicz
While we're on the topic of retaining players, Atlanta United have announced the completion of a fresh contract for defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz. READ MORE
Atlanta, who have already been linked to marquee attackers Darlington Nagbe and Ezequiel Barco, have also gotten some more defensive help, on Wednesday announcing the acquisition of 20-year-old Venezuelan left back Jose Hernandez. READ MORE
Alajuelense chasing MLS duo
The president of Alajuelense has revealed that the club is in talks to bring out-of-contract Costa Rica internationals, Columbus defender Waylon Francis and Minnesota United attacker Johan Venegas, home from MLS. READ MORE
SKC swing move for attacker
According to Sam McDowell of the the local Star, Sporting KC have reached an agreement to land 25-year-old attacking midfielder Yohan Croizet from Belgian Jupiler League side Mechelen. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch:
