Around the Forest: Zinedine Zidane returns to Real Madrid

Also: Orlando City’s center-backs working on communication; Ozzie Alonso’s path to Minnesota and more!

By Timm Higgins@bckdoorslider Mar 12, 2019, 9:00am PDT

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Timbers/Thorns

Fire sign youngest homegrown in MLS history | Club Soccer | Youth Soccer
The Chicago Fire have signed U.S. youth national team goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, the youngest Homegrown signing in MLS history.

Orlando City centerbacks looking to improve communication | Pro Soccer USA
Orlando City center-back Shane O'Neill took responsibility for the late goal that allowed the Chicago Fire to come away with a point at SeatGeek Stadium.

As the goals dry up, Atlanta United searches for its lost attacking identity – The Athletic ($)
With a disappointing home opener under a new manager, Atlanta United is dealing with its first bit of adversity as a club.

Sounders and the art of the cutback pass - Sounder At Heart
Brad Smith and Victor Rodriguez are proving to be quite the combination on the left-hand side.

Sporting KC’s Johnny Russell set to build on first MLS year | The Kansas City Star
Sporting Kansas City winger Johnny Russell was one of only 11 MLS players to score at least 10 goals and record at least 10 assists last year, his first year in KC.

Ready or not, Loudoun United raises curtain as D.C. United feeder club - The Washington Post
The newly launched second-tier club will be a valuable talent incubator, but it will play its first match Saturday with a brand-new coach, a hastily assembled roster and no set venue for its initial home matches.

The Center of the Triangle: Ozzie Alonso’s path to Minnesota United - E Pluribus Loonum
After taking him from Cuba to Seattle, Alonso’s career has brought him here, to Minnesota.

Anatomy of a Goal: Gyasi Zardes heads home his first goal of 2019 - Massive Report
This week we look at Gyasi Zardes’ 26th minute header from a brilliant pass by Pedro Santos.

24 Thoughts: Seattle's grand CONCACAF plan, Berhalter talks MLS, and reheating goalkeeping beef
Jordan Morris' return has the Sounders thinking big, while Toronto FC has a plan to return to the playoffs and the power in Los Angeles soccer might be swinging.

De’s Nuggets: Atlanta United needs runners, but from where? - Dirty South Soccer
Making sense of the manager’s post-game press conference after a 1-1 draw vs. FC Cincinnati

Besiktas boss says 'something is wrong' with Liverpool loanee Loris Karius
The 25-year-old was heckled and jeered by his own fans throughout the game and reports in Turkey suggest his manager would like to bench him.

Zidane: “We will make changes” - Managing Madrid
The coach speaks to the press and explains why he’s back.