Commissioner Don Garber’s annual media conference call ahead of First Kick dominates the soccer news headlines this morning. From a possible second designated player to CBA details, there is a lot to chew on.
There are also Garber’s strong words regarding the search for a soccer stadium solution in Washington, D.C.
In other stadium news, the Dynamo are gearing up for a potential Houston City Council vote for their stadium project that could take place as early as March 31.
Even bigger news is the plan brewing for MLS’ first soccer stadium in Columbus to be replaced by a new downtown venue.
While league and team previews multiply across the internet, whoever wins MLS Cup likely won’t be doing it at Red Bull Arena.
The Union and Sounders are involved in First Kick on Thursday night with Seattle still wondering where the goals are coming from and Philadelphia counting on its back line to anchor the team.
More roster trimming continues to take place in MLS. A player cut can also be expected at Toronto FC with Preki confirming Ali Gerba is not in his plans.
The latest rumor of an international player coming to MLS involves David Trezeguet and it looks like the Indian striker Sunil Chhetri is coming to MLS after all.
U.S. national team defender Jonathan Spector and West Ham are firmly entrenched in a relegation battle after a 3-1 home loss to American goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann and Wolves on Tuesday. It is reported that U.S. and Hull City forward Jozy Altidore could be back from a hamstring injury this Saturday.
In other international news, Spanish club Sevilla fired their head coach, a fourth-division club moved into the semis of the French Cup and Lionel Messi tells El Mundo that in order to be considered great, he feels he needs to win a World Cup.
La Liga, the EPL and the Italian Serie A are all in action and on TV today, in addition to Copa Libertadores matches.
There is also the international friendly between Mexico and Iceland taking place in front of a possible sellout crowd in Charlotte, N.C. (8 p.m. ET, Telemundo).
Rumors: The Daily Mail reports that Rafa BenÃtez will not be selling Albert Riera to Spartak Moscow after all. The Sun reports that Carlo Ancelotti is keen on acquiring Rafael van der Vaart to replace Deco.
