Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Carmona joins Atlanta United
Atlanta United FC continued their impressive squad build with the acquisition of Chile midfielder Carlos Carmona from Serie A side Atalanta. Other league signings could be soon to follow, with the Red Bulls linked with a move for young Panama right back Michael Murillo. At the same time, Svpressa reports that Terek Grozny's Russia midfielder Oleg Ivanov has a pre-deal offer on the table from a mystery MLS club. READ MORE
Early-season setbacks for Wynne, Polster
San Jose defender Marvell Wynne has been held out of training after a heart abnormality was discovered during routine preseason physicals. Elsewhere, CSN Chicago reports that Fire defensive handyman Matt Polster could miss seven weeks with a knee strain. READ MORE
The Chicharito case
FourFourTwo's Paul Tenorio explains why an MLS side should sign Bayer Leverkusen's Mexico star Javier Hernandez, and lists seven clubs capable of pulling off what would be a coup both on and off the field. READ MORE
Fresh imports Blanco, Simpson & McCann
A trio of foreign signings are intent on bringing game to MLS. New Portland DP Sebastian Blanco followed up his first training session with the club by discussing his desire to create more magic with old friend Diego Valeri, with whom he helped Lanus win an Argentine Apertura crown 10 years ago. Over in Philadelphia, offseason strike catch Jay Simpson says he's ready to fight for a place at the top of the Union's preferred 4-2-3-1 set. Also, Dirty South Soccer talked with midfielder Chris McCann, who reports that confidence is high in Atlanta United's first preseason camp. READ MORE
Garber, Robinson talk growth in Vancouver
Major League Soccer commish Don Garber discussed several topics related to league growth during a visit to Vancouver on Monday, including the recent youth task force and Generation adidas expansion. Meanwhile, Whitecaps boss Carl Robinson says he will probably augment his roster before the season kicks off. READ MORE
Expanded academies & MNUFC youth kickoff
In a move that impacts several MLS clubs, US Soccer has greatly expanded the Development Academy system by adding two new divisions, an age group and 165 additional teams. On a related note, Minnesota United FC has unveiled plans to kick off their academy. READ MORE
USMNT looks, forward and back
Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle took a stab at guessing the squad Bruce Arena will call up for March's World Cup qualifiers. Sticking with the USMNT theme, Steve Brisendine offered up five takeaways from the recently completed January camp. READ MORE
Julian Green, king of volleys
Remember Julian Green's volley strike at World Cup 2014? On Monday night, the US international was back at it again. Green scored his first goal for Stuttgart in spectacular fashion, one-timing a lob feed home to cap a 2-0 win over Jerome Kiesewetter's Fortuna Duesseldorf side. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Musts
FourFourTwo's Paul Tenorio joins ExtraTime Radio
Watch: Orlando City sing Enrique Iglesias
MLS Fantasy: How to get the most out of unlimited transfers
