Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. ADIDAS MLS PLAYER COMBINE KICKS OFF
The final countdown to the 2015 MLS SuperDraft begins today, as players, coaches and other observers gather in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the annual adidas MLS Player Combine. Three doubleheaders, player interviews and other evaluations will take place, all designed to help clubs make their decisions on draft day in Philadelphia next Thursday. Here's what you need to know, including the weekend schedule and other useful information.
2. BEST IN CLASS
On a related note, the 2015 Generation adidas class has been formally announced. While there may only be five players in this group, making it the smallest in history, the five names included could also be one of the strongest ever. We'll see if the Combine confirms it, at least when it comes to some of those players.
3. IN THE NAVY
On paper, Joe Greenspan’s attributes mean he could be one of the more appealing players available in next week’s SuperDraft. However, while Greenspan is keen to pursue his soccer career, he’ll have to find a way to balance that with his commitment to the US Navy.
4. ALTIDORE ASKING A LOT
It seems that the number of MLS clubs competing to sign Jozy Altidore has dropped to two. A new report on Thursday suggests that with Altidore seeking a deal on a level similar to Clint Dempsey, his former club the New York Red Bulls are unwilling to meet his demands.
5. RED BULLS EYE USL PRO TEAM
With or without Altidore, it looks like the Red Bulls plan to field their own USL PRO side in 2015, which may play somewhere within New York City. In the meantime, RBNY have also completed a permanent deal for Ambroise Oyongo, and are planning a Q&A with their supporters in the wake of Petke's departure.
6. EDU’S NEW DEAL
Nothing's official yet, but it looks like Maurice Edu is going to be sticking around MLS for a while. A Thursday report claimed that the Philadelphia Union have acquired the midfielder’s rights from Stoke City and are set to sign him to a new, multi-year contract.
7. IMPACT ADD AN ARGENTINE
The Montreal Impact continue to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2015 season, this time adding 21-year-old Argentinian defender Victor Cabrera on loan from Argentine club River Plate. Head coach Frank Klopas says that Cabrera “will now have the opportunity to continue to progress in Montreal.”
8. SO DO THE DYNAMO
The Impact aren’t the only one adding an Argentine loanee, though. The Houston Dynamo have acquired Leonel Miranda on a year-long deal from Independiente. And it appears the Dynamo could also soon be signing Raul Rodriguez, after the defender rescinded his contract with Spanish side Espanyol.
9. WHITECAPS WANT TO DEVELOP
The Vancouver Whitecaps are still searching overseas for a new striker after head coach Carl Robinson set a target for the 2015 season of scoring 25 more goals than last year. However, looking more long-term, Whitecaps president Bobby Lenarduzzi wants his side to be known for developing their own players.
10. LAMPARD ARRIVING IN JULY
Frank Lampard’s agent moved to reassure New York City FC fans that the English midfielder has in fact signed a deal to join NYCFC which comes into effect on July 1.
11. DEFOE TRAINING IN ENGLAND
Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe is currently in England, training with his former team Tottenham Hotspur in an effort to boost his fitness ahead of preseason training. But barring any late twists, TFC expect their star Designated Player to report back to the team on January 17.
12. LEIWEKE SET TO STAY?
Toronto have confirmed that Robin Fraser has been hired as the club's new assistant coach, with Fraser set to help his old friend Greg Vanney in his first full season in charge. When it comes to the club’s front office though, could outgoing Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment executive Tim Leiweke stay on as president?
13. RIDGEWELL STARTS TRAINING
The Portland Timbers have officially confirmed Liam Ridgewell's short-term loan with English Championship side Wigan Athletic. The defender is set to train and play with the Latics for the next six weeks, but will return before the Timbers’ Simple Invitational preseason tournament starts on Feb 22.
14. COMPETING FOR LA COPA
With the Copa America Centenario heading to the United States in 2016, there are 24 cities vying to host matches in this one-off special edition of the tournament. However, with minimum seating requirements of 50,000 per game, it does mean that no MLS soccer-specific stadiums will be involved. Meanwhile, Boston has had its own mini-triumph after being selected as the USA’s choice for potential host of the 2024 Olympics.
15. FROM THE OLD WORLD TO THE NEW
Is Emmanuel Adebayor on the verge of securing a transfer to MLS? Time will tell. But he isn’t the only striker apparently looking for a move Stateside, as John Carver, former Toronto FC head coach and current Newcastle United caretaker manager, has suggested that ex-Toon forward Shola Ameobi also wants to move to MLS.
15A. AN ABSOLUTE STEELE
Having ended his spell in Australia, former New York Red Bulls midfielder Jonny Steele is on his way back to the USA, but not with an MLS outfit, not yet at least. The Northern Ireland native has signed with potential MLS expansion franchise Minnesota United in the NASL.
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