Around the Forest: Atlanta’s Josef Martinez ahead of the pace to break scoring record

Portland

Timbers midfielder Diego Chara earns spot on MLS Team of the Week (Wk 20) | Portland Timbers
The Portland Timbers drew Los Angeles FC 0-0 Sunday at the Banc of California Stadium which extended their unbeaten streak in MLS play to 12 games – 14 across all competitions. Portland also held LAFC scoreless in their home stadium marking the first time the feat had been accomplished in Los Angeles' young history.

Inside PTFC | What the Timbers' new look in midfield says about the team's evolution | Portland Timbers
There is a subtext to every lineup choice, and every tactic a coach employs on the field. Beyond scoring and preventing goals, there is an intent that can’t be communicated by a player’s name or position alone. In that dearth of communication, there’s uncertainty as to what, exactly, a coach is trying to do.

Major League Soccer

Josef Martinez ahead of pace to break single-season goalscoring record | MLSsoccer.com
Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez added to his Golden Boot lead on Sunday, scoring his 19th goal of the season as the Five Stripes battled the Seattle Sounders to a 1-1 draw.

MLS owners agree on name for Beckham Miami team | Miami Herald
Major League Soccer owners have agreed on a name for David Beckham’s Miami team, and it will be revealed soon, according to Beckham’s partner Jorge Mas. A Croatian star has expressed interest in playing for the team.

Rumor: Seattle Sounders interested in Argentine forward Nicolas Stefanelli? | MLSsoccer.com
The Seattle Sounders made a big splash with the addition of Peruvian international forward Raul Ruidiaz this transfer window to address their scoring issues. But could another player be in their sights too?

NYCFC's Claudio Reyna: We offered Vieira a new deal before he left | MLSsoccer.com
New York City FC sporting director Claudio Reyna is happy with the opening weeks of the Dome Torrent era, but he wants to make it clear that the team first tried to keep Patrick Vieira stateside.

Debuts, drama and discord: What you might've missed in MLS Week 20 | MLSsoccer.com
Did you catch every minute of all 13 games of MLS Week 20? No? Then let's discuss the big flashpoints.

Rooney's arrival provides new tactical flexibility, dynamism for DC United | MLSsoccer.com
Ever since Wayne Rooney’s arrival at D.C. United, head coach Ben Olsen had maintained that his high-priced new signing would play as close to goal as possible. Then he finally made his debut Saturday night, however, Rooney played further from goal than Darren Mattocks, the man he replaced. And it was exactly what United needed.

Seattle Sounders unbowed by huge, loud crowd in draw with Atlanta United | MLSsoccer.com
“This is a difficult team to play against in their stadium, difficult environment,” said Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei after the 1-1 draw. “Not a lot of teams find joy here, so for us to go down a man and still fight and hang on and get a point, mentally that's going to go a long way.”

United States

Americans at home: Are you sure we’re in Canada? - Stars and Stripes FC
What a difference a year makes. This time last season Toronto FC was on its way to making a historic run in MLS. The team was poised to end the season with the most points scored in league history, scoring 74 goals and only allowing 37.

Community corner: Where does the USMNT go from here? - Stars and Stripes FC
With France’s win in the 2018 World Cup final, one significant thing happened. No, besides the World Cup hangover we all experienced yesterday. The 2022 World Cup cycle officially started, and all 211 of FIFA’s national teams are back in the race to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

World

Barcelona's Eric Abidal followed liver transplant protocol - study
Spain's National Organ Transplant Organisation (ONT) said the liver transplant for Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal was completely lawful following a report the organ was illegally purchased.

Neymar and Kylian Mbappe 'want to stay' with Paris Saint-Germain - academy director
Neymar and Kylian Mbappe will both stay at Paris Saint-Germain despite both being linked to a potential move away, according to youth academy director Luis Fernandez.

Chelsea need 'one or two adjustments to play my football' - Maurizio Sarri
Maurizio Sarri believes Chelsea only need "one or two adjustments" to play his style of football this season and added that he is relishing the prospect of competing against Europe's best coaches in the Premier League.

Thierry Henry quits role as Sky Sports pundit to pursue job in management
The Arsenal great has been one of Sky's most high-profile pundits for several years but has also worked as an assistant coach for Belgium since 2016 and helped the team reach the semifinals of the World Cup.