Here are the top soccer stories everyone’s talking about this morning:
CHELSEA CHASING MIAZGA?
First it was ESPN's Taylor Twellman, who reported that Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga is about to be transferred to an unnamed EPL club. And then ESPNFC.com's Jeff Carlisle named names: apparently the club that's after him is Chelsea.
HOWARD'S END?
That's not the only EPL-MLS dealing that might be happening. Though Everton say they have no offers for Tim Howard, ESPNFC's Jeff Carlisle says mutual interest exists between the US national team star and rumored suitors the Colorado Rapids.
LA CALLING
The LA Galaxy have completed the long-rumored capture of Standard Liege defender Jelle Van Damme. It's all part of Galaxy president Chris Klein's plan to renew a roster that's undergoing a facelift in 2016.
THE PRODIGY
Sporting KC striker Dom Dwyer and his wife, US women's national team star Sydney Leroux, have announced that their first child is due in September.
CREW SHORTS
While Columbus boss Gregg Berhalter says a reported contract squabble hasn't delayed Kei Kamara's camp arrival, the Crew have bolstered their stable of strikers with the signing of veteran free agent Conor Casey.
PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM
Casey spent the last three years in Philadelphia. In his place, the Union acquired attacker Chris Pontius, who admits he needed a fresh start after seven seasons with D.C. United.
MORE FAMILIAR FACES
Though their top goalkeeping job belongs to Stefan Frei and their backup slots appear to be filled, Seattle have been joined during preseason by a pair of known-commodity netminders: local boy Tally Hall and former Sounder Josh Ford, both of whom are looking for new jobs after being let go by Orlando City.
D FOR DYNAMO
Houston has snared former US Under-20 defender Sebastian Ibeagha from Danish side AC Horsens.
GREEK DISHES
Reports out of Greece claim Olympiakos striker Alfred Finnbogason has turned down a Montreal move. Meanwhile, the Rapids have reportedly fallen short on a second loan bid for Olympiakos' Mexico forward Alan Pulido.
MAN IN UNIFORMS
Speaking of Colorado, they will need to fill an opening in defense this season, what with Joseph Greenspan going on active Navy duty.
CRYSTAL SOCCER BALLS
The Orlando Sentinel is getting ready for the new season with a position-by-position breakdown of the Lions' roster. To the north in Toronto, The Star lists five things to watch for during the upcoming TFC campaign.
WALK-ABOUT
Out-of-contract FC Dallas defender Walker Zimmerman begins a brief trial with Swedish Allsvenskan runners-up IFK Gothenburg on Wednesday.
CHAMPAGNE FAVORS
Jerome Champagne, who is among the candidates in the FIFA presidential race, has offered his opinion that World Cup 2022 hosting duties should default to the United States should Qatar be stripped of the job due to corruption.
OPEN DAY
If you live in the southern tip of Florida and you don't have weekend plans, what about a road trip to Naples, Florida? That's where you can attend NYCFC's open training session on Friday.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
A behind-the-scenes look at Jordan Morris' Seattle unveiling
Gyasi Zardes learning from vets in USMNT camp
Preseason Tracker: Everything you missed on Wednesday
