Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. EXPANSION DRAFT
Today marks the 2014 MLS Expansion Draft in which expansion teams New York City FC and Orlando City get to add 10 players to their rosters. You can follow each pick by listening to the teleconference live at 2 pm ET right here. Now that we know which players are up for grabs, here's how we think the Expansion Draft will go (WATCH the mock draft video here).
2. ORLANDO’S CORE
Having built a strong core between USL PRO signings and trade-window acquisitions, Orlando City’s new squad is certainly not lacking in experience. This could translate into less pressure on the Lions during Wednesday's Expansion Draft.
3. STARTING FROM SCRATCH
Unlike Orlando City, New York City FC are building a new team completely from scratch, a process that head coach Jason Kreis is finding both exciting and, ahead of today’s Expansion Draft, incredibly stressful. Yet is there another avenue Kreis should look at for potential targets today?
4. TRYING SOMETHING NEW IN HOUSTON
Owen Coyle was officially unveiled as the new head coach of the Houston Dynamo on Tuesday and, with that, became the only head coach in the league without any previous MLS playing or coaching experience. It’s a bold move that could pay dividends for the Dynamo, as Coyle looks to “put a team on the pitch that is pleasing on the eye and can win games.”
5. KEANE TO STAY?
A week ago today, Robbie Keane was voted Volkswagen MLS MVP, and on Sunday he scored the winning goal in the MLS Cup final to earn Volkswagen MLS Cup MVP honors. It’s fair to say things are going well for the Irishman right now, but does his future lie in MLS? Keane himself seems less than certain, but Bruce Arena is confident Keane will be back next year.
6. GROWING THE TIMBERS
After seven seasons with Real Salt Lake, Nat Borchers is one of several new additions for the Portland Timbers, one aimed toward a more successful 2015 campaign. Head coach Caleb Porter and GM Gavin Wilkinson discuss what each of their new signings brings to the team.
7. NEXT STEP IN BORDER RIVALRY?
Could we see MLS and Liga MX teams face off more regularly? It’s certainly a possibility after MLS confirmed it is open to discussing possible competitions. Mexican League owners are already proposing that MLS teams participate in Copa MX.
8. STEPHENS HEADS HOME
Michael Stephens is officially a Chicago Fire player, the club confirmed on Tuesday. Stephens did have a year left on his contract with Norwegian side Stabaek, where he was coached by former US national team boss Bob Bradley, but the former LA Galaxy midfielder says now was the right time to come home.
9. CREW CUTS MOVING ON
Josh Williams was the longest serving player on Columbus Crew SC’s roster and, although he’s looking forward to a new challenge with New York City FC, the defender is more than a little sad to be leaving his former club. Meanwhile, having had his option declined by Columbus, Agustin Viana is also looking for a new challenge.
10. SAN JOSE’S DRAGONS
While there is no official word on the San Jose Earthquakes' USL PRO plans for next season, the club’s Under-23 side, which competes in the USL PDL (fourth division), will look very different, as new club Burlingame Dragons are set to take over as the club’s PDL affiliate.
11. DEFOE ON COURSE FOR JANUARY
While Jermain Defoe’s future with Toronto FC remains unclear, the English striker has started his rehab work and, as things stand, he should be ready to play again in time for the club's preseason training camp in January.
12. UNION ‘KEEPERS ON THE MOVE?
While we wait to learn the fate of two Philadelphia Union goalkeepers left available in Wednesday's Expansion Draft, US Under-20 international goalkeeper Zack Steffen, a product of the Philadelphia Union’s academy, looks set to sign abroad according to reports.
13. US SETS TOUGH SCHEDULE
The US men's national team has officially unveiled its schedule for the first half of 2015, with seven challenging games set to take place before next summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, games Jurgen Klinsmann has called ”excellent preparation” as the US look to win that tournament and secure a place in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
14. THE NEXT BIG THING
Gedion Zelalem came on for a solid 45 minutes of action during Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Galatasaray on Tuesday and, while everyone agrees the 17-year-old has a bright future, are we any closer to knowing if that future involves the US national team?
15. UNITED IN MOURNING
Tragedy struck on Monday, as six people were killed when a jet crashed into a residential neighborhood in Maryland. Among those who died were three D.C. United fans, which in turn has led to an outpouring of support and condolences from MLS fan groups across the US.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
March to the Match: How the LA Galaxy won MLS Cup – barely
Instant Replay: All the close calls from MLS Cup 2014
LA Galaxy wasting no time looking for Landon Donovan’s replacement
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