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Around The Forest: Sunil Gulati could back SUM’s Kathy Carter for USSF President

Also: Man United will not appeal Pogba’s red card, Galaxy looking to cut bait on Zardes, TFC believes Altidore will be ready for MLS Final

Portland

David Guzmán and Costa Rica in Group E following 2018 FIFA World Cup draw | Portland Timbers
Portland Timbers midfielder David Guzmán found out where his Costa Rica will begin their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign today as the group draw was held today in Moscow. The Ticos found themselves placed in a challenging Group E alongside Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia with group stage games set for June 17, 22, 27.

Major League Soccer

Galaxy pass on coaching skills in Manila - FOX Sports Asia
Galaxy coaches Wes Meadows, Job Quevedo and Chris Howe joined Mindanao-based Davao Aguilas Football Club in a training day with more than 100 children at the McKinley Stadium, in Bonifacio Global City. The youngsters – aged from eight to 16 – came from various local schools to participate in the free event.

Irresponsible Speculation: The latest Vancouver Whitecaps Transfer Rumours-Volume I - Eighty Six Forever
In some ways this is the best time of year to be a fan of the Vancouver Whitecaps. The season has ended in disappointment, leaving our minds free to wonder as to what the team might look like next year. Of course the ‘Caps are always pretty tight lipped about their transfer targets so as fans we’re left chasing shadows trying to guess who they might be in for. As a result some of the connections to the players discussed in this article are rather tenuous. But it’s fun to speculate so, if you’ll indulge me, let’s look at some of the players the Whitecaps might be after.

Reports: LA Galaxy open to moving forward Gyasi Zardes | MLSsoccer.com
It seems Gyasi Zardes is generating interest around MLS, and the LA Galaxy are reportedly listening to offers. That comes courtesy of two reports on Friday. First, Kristian Dyer reported on Twitter that Zardes could be on the move this offseason:

Options exercised on 9 players ahead of 2018 season | Columbus Crew SC
Columbus Crew SC today confirmed that the core of its 2017 side that reached the 2017 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Championship is set to return in 2018 as the club announced that it has exercised the contract options on nine players from its 2017 roster, while 10 others were already under contract for the 2018 season, giving the Black & Gold a roster that currently features 19 players.

Report: Artur to return to Brazil after Sao Paulo reject Crew SC offer | MLSsoccer.com
It looks like Artur’s time with Columbus Crew SC could be coming to an end. It was reported by multiple Brazilian outlets this week that Sao Paulo FC rejected a bid from Crew SC to acquire the 21-year-old midfielder permanently following the conclusion of his season-long loan to Columbus. The reports said that they turned down Crew SC’s $1.5 million offer for half of Artur’s rights.

If Vanney offered bulletin board material, Schmetzer's not taking it | MLSsoccer.com
Brian Schmetzer isn’t much of a “bulletin board material” guy. At least that’s what the Seattle Sounders coach said when asked Toronto FC counterpart Greg Vanney's recent comments to the media. Vanney told reporters he wondered if the visitors in the 2017 MLS Cup on Saturday (4 pm ET | ESPN, UniMas, TSN, TVAS) would be “ready for the intensity of an MLS Cup final” following a straightforward path through the Western Conference playoffs.

Altidore yet to return to training, but TFC believe he'll be ready Saturday | MLSsoccer.com
For the second straight day Sunday, Jozy Altidore was doing rehab drills and not on the training pitch with his teammates as they prepare for the 2017 MLS Cup. With Toronto FC's long-awaited rematch against Seattle Sounders FC at BMO Field now six days away, the availability of the striker who scored the goal to help them reach that point is not a sure thing, according to coach Greg Vanney.

United States

Sunil Gulati considering supporting SUM Kathy Carter for U.S. Soccer President - Stars and Stripes FC
As the December 12 deadline looms for candidates to seek nominations for U.S. Soccer Federation President, there has been a surprising amount of silence coming from Sunil Gulati. The sitting USSF President has been heavily criticized after the United States Men’s National Team failed to reach the World Cup and, while its been expected that he would still run, so far Gulati hasn’t officially announced he would seek re-election. It now seems like there may be a reason for that. Grant Wahl is reporting a rumor that Gulati is thinking of ending his tenure as USSF President, but he has an idea for a candidate to support.

World

Liga MX playoffs: Rogelio Funes Mori hat trick spurs Monterrey past Monarcas as Rayados march on to final | Goal.com
Maybe you don't believe in destiny. Maybe you buy that there's fate but don't believe in teams of destiny. There's a special feeling about Monterrey, though.

FC 100 Best men's players and managers in world football
Welcome to the ESPN FC 100. Debating the best players and managers in the world is a timeless exercise that always sparks conversation. So we've taken our ranking to a new level this year. Whether you're new to the sport or a die-hard fan, these are the 100 best men's players and managers in football that you need to know. With more than 60 ESPN voters spanning regions around the world, we've broken down the game's top players by position for the most authoritative and comprehensive list yet.

Paul Pogba appeal: Manchester United midfielder will miss derby as club accept three-match ban for Arsenal red card | Goal.com
Paul Pogba will miss Manchester United's crucial Premier League game against Manchester City after the club decided not to appeal his suspension. After setting up two goals for his side, the 24-year-old was sent off in the 3-1 win over Arsenal for a stamp on Hector Bellerin in the second half.