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Around the Forest: Timbers Coach Gio Savarese is now an American Citizen

Also: LA Galaxy looked at a AC Milan defender, Drew Moor and Jozy Altidore injuries, Mohamed Salah wins an award and more!

Portland

Portland Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese becomes a U.S. citizen | OregonLive.com
Savarese was born in Caracas, Venezuela, but came to the United States at the age of 18 to attend Long Island University and compete for their soccer team. He went on to have a long and successful professional career, competing for teams in the United States, Venezuela, Italy and England. He spent five seasons in Major League Soccer and was famously a key member of the New York MetroStars from 1996-98.

Major League Soccer

It was a ‘dream return’ for Mike Grella and Crew SC on Saturday night - Massive Report
Injuries are never easy for a professional player. When you make a living by performing on the field, court, whatever arena, you want to be out there performing and not stuck on the sideline.

That was especially true for Columbus Crew SC first-year winger Mike Grella.

Rumor: LA Galaxy interested in A.C. Milan defender Ignazio Abate - LAG Confidential
With defender Rolf Feltscher expected to be out for some time, the LA Galaxy need a right back capable of pushing up the field. (The situation is particularly problematic considering the Venezuelan international has been a key contributor to the Galaxy attack so far this year)

LA Galaxy see "better soccer" from 4-3-3 shape despite loss to Red Bulls | MLSsoccer.com
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's presence could be decisive as the LA Galaxy look to return to glory following last year's disaster – and a couple of disappointing campaigns that preceded it. But it also has presented head coach Sigi Schmid and his staff with a few headaches as they try to figure out the best way to utilize the Swedish superstar and the other talent that surrounds him.

Who Should Start Alongside Jonathan Spector When He Returns? - The Mane Land
Jonathan Spector has been out for multiple games while dealing with concussion problems. Other Lions have filled the void, but what happens when the captain returns to action and is 100% healthy? With two strong candidates who have played in his absence at center back, an argument can be made for both of them.

TFC notebook: Drew Moor out 2-3 months with quad tear - Sportsnet.ca
For TFC’s last two games, Vanney has used captain and central midfielder Michael Bradley, as well as right fullback Gregory van der Wiel in the middle of defence. Vanney has been impressed with how Bradley has adopted to his new position, so look for TFC’s coach to keep going with the Bradley-van der Wiel duo in central defence for the foreseeable future.

Warshaw: Atlanta's Tata Martino wins tactical chess vs. Impact's Remi Garde | MLSsoccer.com
When the Montreal Impact visited Atlanta United on Saturday afternoon, Atlanta ended up 4-1 winners. The scoreline suggests the Five Stripes had a routine day at home, but the game played out differently: Atlanta had to work for their win, and not just with the ball at their feet.

Stejskal: New CCL a "breakthrough," but Concacaf exec wants more | MLSsoccer.com
Concacaf general secretary Philippe Moggio is pleased with the new format of the Concacaf Champions League, but he told MLSsoccer.com that the confederation is considering tweaks to further enhance the competition in the future.

MLS Deadline Day: Every move that comes as Primary Transfer Window closes | MLSsoccer.com
Major League Soccer's 2018 Primary Transfer Window closes Tuesday, May 1 at 11:59 p.m. CT. After the deadline, MLS clubs will have to wait until July to sign players under contract in another country or make any MLS trades involving players. The Secondary Transfer Window opens on July 10, and runs through August 8.

United States

Setting the Table: Week Eight — American Soccer Analysis
In recent weeks we’ve come to know and love Harrison Crow’s Lowered Expectations series, where he takes a look at the best open play shot attempts that did not end in goals. This new series, Setting the Table, will look at the highest quality chances created, focusing on those that did end in goals. Each week, we’ll share the top five assisted goals and break down how they happened.

Americans at home: MLS Infinity Goals - Stars and Stripes FC
The dream ended last week. Of course, I’m talking about Toronto FC losing to Chivas de Guadalajara in the Concacaf Champions League championship match on penalties. The game was a Pyrrhic Victory for Toronto. After losing at home 2-1 the team needed at least two goals on the road and to beat a LigaMX team at home in a rowdy environment.

World

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah named FWA Footballer of the Year
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah was named the FWA Footballer of the Year on Tuesday, giving him another top honour in a debut season at Anfield in which he has continued to set club records.

Roberto Firmino planning to stay long-term at Liverpool - Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp says Roberto Firmino is not "for one second" underrated within Liverpool as he revealed that the Brazilian is planning his "long-term" future on Merseyside after signing a new contract.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 'When the game gets ugly he appears' - Real Madrid star heralded by Ronaldo | Goal.com
Former Real Madrid and Brazil striker Ronaldo believes that Cristiano Ronaldo holds the key to his old side beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Ronaldo's Portuguese namesake has been in fine form this season, scoring 15 goals in just 11 European outings. Indeed, Ronaldo has only been nullified so far by Bayern, though they were still beaten 2-1 in the first leg at Allianz Arena, with Marcelo and Marco Asensio on the scoresheet.