Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning:
1. THE DRAFT CONTINUES
The 2015 MLS SuperDraft resumes on Tuesday with Rounds 3 and 4 (2 pm ET, follow along with the LIVE DRAFT TRACKER). Although few players will have taken the same path as Toronto FC draftee Clement Simonin, here are 20 of the top players still available to the teams today.
2. MALONEY DEAL STILL ON
It appears that Shaun Maloney’s proposed move to the Chicago Fire is very much alive, with one English tabloid suggesting that Frank Yallop’s side hope to complete the move by the end of the week. Could a Fire player also be on his way out?
3. MORNING GIO
On Monday, Toronto FC officially unveiled Sebastian Giovinco as their latest DP signing, with the Italian midfielder recording a personal message for the TFC fans. Giovinco is set to join the team in July once his current contract with Juventus expires, and while Toronto FC may now have a series of DP’s that complement each other, it appears the acquisitions may not be finished yet.
4. THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY?
Despite all the talk about Leo Stolz, it appears that it’s actually a Seattle Sounders draft pick that’ll be the one who got away, with goalkeeper Tyler Miller, selected with the 33rd pick last Thursday, opting to sign with SVN Zweibrucken in the German fourth division. The Sounders traded Sean Okoli to the New England Revolution to select Miller, and the Revs officially signed Okoli on Monday.
5. RAPIDS TAKE SHAPE
Meanwhile, things continue to take shape for the Colorado Rapids on the field, for while Jose Mari may have left the club to return to Spain and sign with Levante, the Rapids have subsequently acquired San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Sam Cronin in exchange for allocation money.
6. CREW’S NEW TARGET
Are Columbus Crew SC closing in on a new international signing? It appears so, as reports on Monday have them linked with Argentine right back Hernan Grana. The 29-year-old has spent the past year and a half with famed Argentine side Boca Juniors.
7. CANADIAN PRO PLANS
There was some interesting USL PRO news between two of MLS’ Canadian sides on Monday, as reports indicate that Toronto FC are planning to build a new stadium in nearby Vaughn for their development side to play in and the Vancouver Whitecaps could be closing in on a head coach for Whitecaps 2.
8. ASSISTING THE IMPACT
Enzo Concina has been named as Frank Klopas’ new assistant coach at the Montreal Impact. Having recently left his position as assistant coach at D.C. United, Concina is already familiar with the Impact after having briefly played for the side way back in 1994.
9. DERO EARNS A DRAW
The Canadian senior national team managed to secure a 1-1 draw in their second game against Iceland on Monday. Dwayne De Rosario gave Canada a first-half lead, converting from the spot to once again remind folks what he can do. The result has one member of the Canadian squad aiming very high in 2015.
10. CANADA’S U20’S FALL SHORT
Unfortunately, while the senior team performed admirably, things did not go as well for Canada’s Under-20 side, as a 2-1 loss to Cuba, combined with other result going against them, means Canada can no longer qualify for the U20 World Cup.
11. LARIN OUT TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION
With the Canadian U20’s hopes of reaching the World Cup dashed, forward prospect Cyle Larin can now turn his attention towards the upcoming MLS season. The No.1 pick in the 2015 SuperDraft is looking to make his mark as soon as preseason starts.
12. AKINDELE UNDECIDED
Tesho Akindele is currently in the US national team’s January camp, but with the FC Dallas forward eligible for both the US and Canada, the 2014 Rookie of the Year insists he still hasn't decided which of the two he will pledge his soccer allegiance to.
13. LOOKING AHEAD TO CCL
The Montreal Impact are one of two MLS teams still in the running, along with D.C. United, for the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League title. Think they're excited about the opportunity to face Pachuca? This leaves no doubt.
14. AMERICANS ABROAD ON OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE SCALE
Alejandro Bedoya is currently the only American playing in Ligue 1. The US international is enjoying life in France, but he also hopes to help change some people’s perceptions about American players. Meanwhile, one American not having as good a time in Europe right now is Bobby Wood.
15. MERAM LOOKING TO GO ALL THE WAY
Iraq can knocked off Palestine on Tuesday morning, meaning Justin Meram’s Asian Cup adventure is set to continue into the quarterfinals against Iran. Having forgone his offseason to take part in the tournament, the Columbus Crew SC striker insists his national team isn’t in Australia to just make up the numbers.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Opening match at Quakes' new stadium is sold out
Union's Zach Pfeffer eyes spot in FIFA U-20 World Cup
Jermaine Jones still adjusting to new role as USMNT center back
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