Timbers Tid Bits: Year In Review Edition

As we experience a lull in the off season roster moves, some of today's links take a look back at the big MLS and US National Team stories from 2012.

Rapids acquire allocation money, Sturgis in exchange for Cummings
The Colorado Rapids sent forward Omar Cummings to Houston in exchange for midfielder Nathan Sturgis.

Op-Ed: MLS’s Empire State of Mind
Why MLS needs "NYC 2."

12 MLS Rumors: Lampard to LA, Dynamo Trade?
Rumors are one of the most fun parts of the off season. Unless of course your team is involved in a trade rumor that would be really awesome if it were true but then the trade seemingly falls apart.

McCarthy's Musings: Doling out the ideal Christmas gifts to MLS clubs
Sort of in the spirit of our own Christmas Day article, Kyle McCarthy suggests a gift for each club and its supporters.

USMNT Daily Update: A look at the players whose stock rose the most, and fell the most, in 2012
Some players who helped lock down their USMNT spots in 2012 and some others who are knocking themselves out of contention.

From Olympic Gold to Goonies
A review of the year in American soccer.

Los Angeles Galaxy, Chris Wondolowski among MLS stories in 2012
And, because I'm a sucker for "year in review" stories, what 2012 meant for MLS specifically.