Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. NO LEDESMA FOR THE RED BULLS
The New York Red Bulls were one of two MLS teams linked with a move for Argentine midfielder Cristian Ledesma on Wednesday, but it seems you can definitely count Jesse Marsch’s team out of any such move.
2. ANOTHER NEW CENTERBACK FOR ORLANDO?
As the new MLS season edges ever closer, Orlando City SC have waived midfielder Akeil Barrett and defender Gustavo. However, the club is reportedly close to finalizing a deal for American defender Seb Hines, who currently plays for Middlesbrough in the English Championship.
3. UNITED ‘KEEPERS KEEPING BUSY
While injury may have forced Bill Hamid to miss the US national team January camp, the D.C. United goalkeeper has put that behind him and is ready to prove yet again that he's one of the best goalkeepers in MLS. Meanwhile, Andrew Dykstra, United’s second ‘keeper, has also been working his way back from injury and started an interesting side project along the way.
4. NEW ROLE FOR HAIRSTON?
Could Marlon Hairston be set to adopt a new role for the Colorado Rapids this year? In his debut MLS season, the 20-year-old was deployed primarily in midfield, with occasional time at centerback, but head coach Pablo Mastroeni believes Hairston could have a promising career at right back.
5. THE DALLAS WAY
If FC Dallas can build on last season’s success and make a real run at MLS Cup, they’ll do it playing the FC Dallas way, a philosophy which focuses on sensible spending and youth development.
6. CREW SC DRAFT PICK HEADING TO ITALY
Columbus Crew SC look set to miss out on one of their SuperDraft selections as Robert Kristo, who has spent the last three weeks on trial with Italian side Spezia Calcio, is reportedly in the process of signing with the Serie B outfit.
7. VALDES' LEGACY
There was a time when Carlos Valdes looked to be one of the Philadelphia Union’s most promising players, but after effectively forcing his way out for a second time, what kind of legacy has the Colombian defender left for himself in the city of brotherly love?
8. TIME NOT RIGHT FOR VEGAS
Count Las Vegas out of the MLS Expansion race, as MLS Commissioner Don Garber wrote to the city to inform them that they are no longer being considered for an expansion franchise. However, that could change again after 2018.
9. THE FUTURE OF THE FUTURE
Following the news about Vegas, Minnesota remains one of the favorites to land an expansion spot. Minnesota United’s Christian Ramirez has signed a new contract with the club until 2017, but Miguel Ibarra’s rising prominence with the US national team is leading to questions about his future in the NASL.
10. USL ON THE MOVE
As we learned earlier this week, USL is seeking Division 2 status in 2016, with president Tim Holt explaining the reasons why quite clearly. In other USL news, could one of the league’s oldest teams be looking to move to Nashville?
11. STADIUM SETBACK FOR MONARCHS
Could the Real Monarchs', Real Salt Lake’s USL side, new stadium be in jeopardy? According to a report, the future of the venue is currently in flux as a disagreement has emerged over the length of the lease for the land on which the stadium will be built.
12. RANKINGS DROP
The latest FIFA world rankings were released on Thursday. The US slipped to 31st and Mexico dropped one place to 21st, while CONCACAF rivals Costa Rica climbed all the way to 13th, their highest-ever ranking.
13. A LEARNING EXPERIENCE
He’s been an important player for the LA Galaxy for some time now, but it seems, if he has the choice, Juninho would rather offer those same services to the US national team rather than Brazil. The US’ midfield options are already up-and-coming thanks to the emergence of players like Wil Trapp, who detailed the learning experience that was his first January camp.
14. EL TRI TO BENEFIT FROM NEW “DOMESTIC” PLAYERS?
With a growing influx of players from all over the world joining Liga MX, and those same players able to acquire Mexican citizenship after just two years, could the Mexican national team be set to benefit?
15. PLEASE, NOT IN NASHVILLE
The United States is once again set to host CONCACAF Olympic qualifying. The tournament will take place this October, with dates and venues to be announced later.
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