Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. GIVE US MOOR
Toronto FC’s defensive strengthening continued on Wednesday as Drew Moor became the second player of this inaugural free agency class to sign with a new club, with the former Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas defender declaring the opportunity to join TFC “too good to pass up”.
2. DYNAMO BRING BACK MORE STARS
With a new majority owner on board, the Houston Dynamo got down to business yesterday, announcing that a trio of the club's players have all re-signed for the Texan team, with Ricardo Clark, Boniek Garcia and Sheanon Williams all agreeing to new deals.
3. REVOLUTION RE-UP WITH TIERNEY
The New England Revolution also moved to retain one of their most important players as – with a year left to go on his contract – the club has moved to tie Chris Tierney to a new deal. The defender confessed: “It’s the only club I can see myself playing for.”
4. TIMBERS TRIO WORK OUT NEW DEALS
The Portland Timbers have worked out deals allowing them toretain three of the players whose options were declined last week, with the MLS Cup champions coming to new agreements with Ben Zemanski, Nick Besler and Andy Thoma.
5. ANOTHER KEEPER FOR THE GALAXY
The LA Galaxy have added a second goalkeeper in as many days, with the Western Conference side opting to sign LA Galaxy II keeper Clement Diop to an MLS contract, and head coach Bruce Arena wasfull of praise for his latest addition.
6. A NEW HIRE FOR ATLANTA
Paul McDonough wasn’t out of a job for long. The former Orlando City GM was technically still in a transitionary role with the Florida club when it was revealed that >he will be taking a position as director of soccer operations with MLS’ next expansion team, Atlanta United FC.
7. COACHING CHANGES IN FLORIDA
There are also more changes afoot at Orlando City, with the club choosing to remove assistant coach Ian Fullerfrom his position. However, Orlando have hired former MLS player Khano Smith to serve as an assistant to the NWSL side Orlando Pride.
8. PRESEASON PLANS FOR THE QUAKES
Wednesday was a busy day for the San Jose Earthquakes, who not only announced a string of preseason friendlies, but also hired a new head coach for their PDL affiliate, the Burlingame Dragons.
9. ALONSO’S FUTURE UNCLEAR
While Osvaldo Alonso enjoys a trip back to Cuba with his family, what does the future hold for the Seattle Sounders midfielder? According to general manager Garth Lagerwey, the market will determine whether Alonso remains a Sounder next season.
10. CREW SC ANNOUNCE NEW AFILLIATE
Columbus Crew SC has sorted their USL option for next season, with the MLS Cup finalists choosing to affiliate with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the 2016 season.
11. LOUISVILLE AIMS FOR THE TOP
Louisville City have been around in the USL for one season, after replacing Orlando City SC’s franchise, and now it looks as though the new boys want to follow the example set by their predecessors and make the jump to MLS.
12. SKC’S AFFILIATE SIGNS 4
Sporting Kansas City’s USL team, Swope Park Rangers, announced their first four player signings on Wednesday, with all-time USL leading scorer Dane Kelly and former Chivas USA draft selection Kris Tyrpak included in the initial signings.
13. THE ROAD TO NEW JERSEY
It’s now official: the Copa America Centenario final will be held at MetLife stadium in New Jersey. If you want to know the full schedule, good news, all will be revealed today on the tournament’s new website.
14. BOBBY WOOD STILL GOING STRONG
One of the bright spots to an otherwise forgettable year for the US national team might be the performances of Bobby Wood, who has emerged as a real option up top for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side and also appears to be finishing the year in style.
15. WAMBACH FINALE ENDS IN DEFEAT
Wednesday marked the final professional appearance of Abby Wambach for the US Women’s national team before her retirement from soccer, in a 1-0 loss to China, the USWNT’s first home defeat since 2004. However, not one to ever go quietly into the night, Wambach offered her thoughts on a range of subjects prior to the game, including USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann.
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