Here are the top 15 soccer stories we’re following today:
1. RUN DMB
DaMarcus Beasley is officially on his way back to MLS, with the defender joining the Houston Dynamo as a Designated Player. The move became possible after the Texan side traded Warren Creavalle to Toronto FC for the top spot in the allocation order.
2. MAJOR NEW SIGNING
There also looks to be more big player news as New York City FC will unveil a “major new signing” in Brooklyn on Thursday morning. No official word on who it is yet but Goal.com suggests that Frank Lampard is the player coming on board, which has seemingly been confirmed by SI.com. You can catch the whole announcement live on MLSsoccer.com at 10:30 am ET
UPDATE: Done deal, as Lampard joins NYCFC.
3. END OF THE LINE FOR DEMERIT?
It looks like the Vancouver Whitecaps are set to lose their club captain on a more permanent basis following the revelation that Jay DeMerit is expected to announce his retirement this week. DeMerit has been with the 'Caps since their MLS debut, but injuries have started to take their toll on the former US international.
4. EARTHQUAKES TAKE APART FIRE
It definitely wasn’t the homecoming Frank Yallop would have hoped for, as his Chicago Fire side lost 5-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes (watch highlights here) in a performance that Yallop labelled “soft, sloppy and bad defensively.” For the Quakes, though, not only was it a much-needed win, they might have finally found a perfect strike partnership.
5. RSL LOOK TO GET BACK ON TRACK
Andy Williams was a huge player for Real Salt Lake during his time on the field and now, after a spell as a scout, the MLS veteran is hoping to have a similar effect in his role as RSL assistant coach. Can his side get three points against the Montreal Impact? (Thursday, 10 pm ET, Univision Deportes, MLS LIVE.)
6. GALAXY DEMOLISHED
Manchester United mopped up the LA Galaxy 7-0 at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday, and while the Galaxy were full of praise for Spanish star Ander Herrera, Javier Hernandez saw no playing time amid rumors of interest from Italy’s Inter Milan. However, should "Chicharito" give it one last go at United?
7. EPL WINS THIS ROUND
In other international friendlies involving MLS clubs, Toronto FC narrowly lost 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur and Sporting Kansas City fell 4-1 to Manchester City in the Champions Cup while the Columbus Crew drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace and FC Dallas were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa.
8. IF YOU BUILD IT…
Kansas City may have just taken a giant leap ahead of the pack following the unveiling of plans to build a new national training and coaching development center for use by the US Soccer Federation and all of its teams.
9. RED BULLS NEW SIGNING?
While Mike Petke might welcome an opportunity to rest some of his key players against Arsenal on Saturday, he understands the importance of a good performance and the New York boss is hoping to get some playing time for Roy Miller. Meanwhile, amid all the furore surrounding New York City FC, could the Red Bulls be closing in on a new player of their own?
10. SAN JOSE TARGET?
Given the result last night, the San Jose Earthquakes may feel a little more secure in their roster. That doesn't mean they won't keep looking, though. Enter Uruguayian defender Pablo Pintos.
11. UNSUNG HERO
D.C. United fans know exactly what Perry Kitchen brings to the table, as do most of the teams he’s played against this season. Yet, somehow, one of United’s stars is still flying under the radar.
12. KEEPING TABS
It’s not a high-profile move by any means, but the Seattle Sounders cleared an international roster spot on Wednesday following the release of Fabio Pereira. Elsewhere, former San Jose Earthquakes player Sam Garza has found a new club.
13. THE RACE FOR ROBINHO
While the DaMarcus Beasley transfer was resolved pretty quickly, the Robinho to Orlando City saga continues to drag on. The latest reports now suggest that a number of other clubs are also in the running, including Mexican side Tigres UANL.
14. NEW CLUB FOR ADU?
After a search which has taken him across much of Europe, it looks like Freddy Adu may have finally found a new club as reports suggest the 25-year-old is set to sign with Serbian side FK Jagodina.
15. DEAR DEANDRE
Has the DeAndre Yedlin move to AS Roma been revived from the dead? If so, one fan has written a slightly tongue in cheek letter to DeAndre Yedlin, offering the player some “sage” (albeit wrong) advice on whether or not he should accept such a move.
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