Portland
Cristhian Paredes eager to begin new journey with Timbers: “I’m here and I’m ready to go” | Portland Timbers
The final whistle on the Portland Timbers 2017 season was accompanied by a number of realities, perhaps none clearer than the need to add depth in midfield. This year, the team will have another talented option to call on, one whose move from a Mexican titan is finally official.
Q&A | Thorns FC's Celeste Boureille on verge of clinching W-League shield in Australia | Portland Timbers
Numerous Thorns FC players have been spending their NWSL offseason playing on loan in Australia in the W-League. For midfielder Celeste Boureille, this Down Under campaign has seen her Brisbane Roar rocket to the top of the table with a chance to clinch the shield this weekend.
Major League Soccer
LAFC draw Toronto FC 2-2 in expansion club's first-ever preseason match | MLSsoccer.com
LAFC took the pitch together for a live match for the first time in the expansion club's history on Friday, pulling out a 2-2 draw against defending MLS Cup champion Toronto FC in a match played in Los Angeles.
Rumor: Atlanta United bidding for Uruguayan left back Lucas Olaza | MLSsoccer.com
Atlanta United are reportedly making a $9 million offer to buy Uruguayan left back Lucas Olaza from Argentine side Talleres de Cordoba, according to Argentine outlet Talleres Alma Albiazul.
First preseason draw good measure of LAFC's budding team chemistry | MLSsoccer.com
Giving credit where it’s earned is one of the key ingredients to building trust between players at any club, but especially for a brand new club. Speaking to LAFC players after their first-ever preseason match on Friday, a 2-2 draw at UCLA against Toronto FC, it was evident the squad is eager share the spotlight for a good performance.
New York Red Bulls waive midfielder Muhamed Keita amid numbers crunch | MLSsoccer.com
The New York Red Bulls have waived midfielder Muhamed Keita, the club announced late Saturday afternoon, as they attempt to remain within international roster spot restrictions.
Seltzer: Three takeways for Seattle, Portland in Cascadia "friendly" | MLSsoccer.com
The Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders met in Arizona for a preseason "friendly" on Saturday night, and both sides were able to learn some things about their make-up for the coming MLS season from the 2-1 Sounders' victory over their bitter rivals.
Who is Ezequiel Barco? An Argentina-based writer's take on the new ATL star | MLSsoccer.com
After an eye-catching debut season in MLS, Atlanta United look determined to continue impressing in their sophomore campaign, and the signing of rising star Ezequiel Barco from Argentine giants and newly-crowned Copa Sudamericana champions Independiente is a statement of intent. So, what can Atlanta fans expect from Barco, who this week joined the Five Stripes' preseason training camp?
Report: New Zealand club declines Colorado Rapids’ offer for Fijian winger | MLSsoccer.com
New Colorado Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson has signed several New Zealand internationals who are familiar with his methods from his time in charge of that country’s national team, and this weekend the Rapids were linked to another player with Kiwi ties.
Boehm: Rosell, Ruiz and other top MLS acquisitions of the past week | MLSsoccer.com
Another week of MLS preseason activities means plenty of grueling fitness work and long hours on the training grounds, interspersed with a scrimmage or two here and there to break up the monotony. It also brings another batch of signings and other acquisitions for us to pore over. Here’s my favorites of the past week.
David Ousted wants to be the No. 1 goalkeeper, leader DC United need | MLSsoccer.com
Following a move to D.C. last month, the former Vancouver Whitecaps No. 1 tells MLSsoccer.com the opportunity to assume a leadership role helped make the US capital an attractive landing spot. “Definitely. I think it falls naturally to me,” said Ousted, who turned 33 at the start of February. “I’m glad to take that responsibility. I like that responsibility. I want to be the guy who steps forward when things get tough and makes sure that the team heads in the right direction.”
Back from heartbreaking 2017, Sebastian Lletget ready to star for LA Galaxy | MLSsoccer.com
Everything had really fallen into place for Sebastian Lletget, whose meteoric rise after returning to California after toil and trial overseas seemed almost the stuff of fantasy. Star player for Major League Soccer's flagship franchise? Pop-star girlfriend? US national team starter? Check, check and check.
David Beckham enters Cuban exile politics - Howler Magazine
There was a lot to chuckle about at Monday’s odd announcement that David Beckham is bringing an MLS team to Miami. The way Beckham’s speech mirrored the speech he gave four years earlier, at a museum just down the street, when he announced he was bringing an MLS team to Miami
United States
Will the USMNT play any friendlies in March FIFA window? - The Washington Post
Without the World Cup, the U.S. national soccer team has precious few opportunities to play high-end opponents. And by failing to qualify for the World Cup, it has become harder to arrange friendlies with Russian-bound teams.
Black History Month: Jozy puts America on his back - Stars and Stripes FC
It’s February 3rd! Today we take you back to 2013, where the United States Men’s National Team is smack in the middle of 2014 World Cup qualifying and looking for a spark. Enter Jozy Altidore, then 23, to the rescue. After being roundly criticized by then-USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, Altidore responded with one of the finest stretches of play in the history of U.S. Soccer.
World
Brilliant/insane Turkish club completes first funded Bitcoin transfer - Howler Magazine
Eight years ago, it took 10,000 Bitcoins to buy two pizzas. Now, a mere 0.0524 Bitcoin (plus 2,500 Turkish lira) is enough to buy a footballer. That’s what Turkish amateur club Harunustaspor paid to sign Omer Faruk Kıroglu, which is believed to be the first transfer involving cryptocurrency
Conte is right: Chelsea manager is doing a great job at a club in decline | Goal.com
Chelsea's painful January is over, after the club became the victim of its own success by playing nine games in 28 days over a month which ended with a humiliating 3-0 loss at home to Bournemouth.
Tottenham's Harry Kane and Erik Lamela deny diving claims in penalty row
Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Erik Lamela have denied diving to win controversial late penalties in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield. Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk accused Kane of diving over goalkeeper Loris Karius for the first spot kick, which the striker missed with the score at 1-1.