Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Josef's record sparks national pride, transfer glares
As you surely know, Josef Martinez coolly set a new standard for goals scored in a single season this past weekend. The momentous milestone has drawn heartfelt salutes from numerous beaming Venezuelan compatriots, from NYCFC midfielder Yangel Herrera to homeland media figures to Major League Baseball great Ozzie Guillen. READ MORE
And Fox commentator Stuart Holden says the Atlanta United record-breaker has also recently spurred transfer interest from clubs in the Premier League, Ligue 1 and La Liga. READ MORE
Week 26 honor roll
RSL playmaker Jefferson Savarino led MLS with 1,247 points in the Week 26 Audi Player Index. | MLSsoccer.com
Unsurprisingly, Martinez earned his sixth nod of the season from our MLS Team of the Week. Meanwhile, Seattle defender Kim Kee-hee was named to the honor XI for the third time in the last six weeks. READ MORE
Rivalry Week shakes up playoff race
With another big Heineken Rivalry Week now in the rearview mirror, Bobby Warshaw has picked three big winners from all the derby action. Meanwhile, probability technicians FiveThirtyEight.com gave the biggest playoff race boosts to D.C. United, Philly Union and Real Salt Lake in their latest update. READ MORE
Report: Ciman set for Dijon move
It seems as though LAFC captain Laurent Ciman is headed for the out door. Per Nicolas Martineau of TVA Sports, the defender has nearly completed a rumored switch to Ligue 1 outfit Dijon. READ MORE
Abel Aguilar joins FC Dallas
Western front-runners FC Dallas have boosted their midfield corps by landing Deportivo Cali free agent Abel Aguilar. The 33-year-old Colombia international is aiming to use his extensive experience to help steer the Texans toward MLS Cup. READ MORE
The Honey Badger is back!
Sounders skipper Ozzie Alonso is back to his best after a couple years of injury struggles and leading the club back into the playoff picture. Little coincidence in the overlap with their 7-game winning streak. READ MORE
American soccer mourns loss of Ron Newman
Hearts were heavy across the country on Monday with the passing of a key figure in American soccer, former Sporting KC boss Ron Newman. The England native was already a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame when he became the first head coach hired by any MLS club. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch
Instant Replay: Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle subs in for Andrew Wiebe
