Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Klinsi calls Sacha
USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann has added Red Bulls playmaker Sacha Kljestan to the roster for two upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle says the call is entirely deserved because of performances like this, while his club coach Jesse Marsch is insisting that Kljestan sees the field.
US captain
Klinsman also divulged that Jozy Altidore will wear the captain's armband when they attempt to clinch a place in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying hexagonal with a win at St. Vincent & the Grenadines on Friday (3:30 pm ET on beIN Sport). And if they do post that victory, chances are the boss will turn to young players for next week's visit from Trinidad & Tobago.
Giovinco injury update
Just when they are going great guns, Toronto FC have learned they will be without top scorer Sebastian Giovinco for about a month. But the Italian star is still scoring in another way: He is auctioning off a signed game-worn jersey to aid victims of the recent earthquake in Italy.
A seismic shift in SJ
The San Jose Earthquakes have parted ways with longtime GM John Doyle, citing a desire for "a fresh approach to our soccer operations."
LA injury woes
Gyasi Zardes picked up an injury over the weekend, and will miss the USMNT's upcoming qualifiers. Now Goal.com is reporting that he has a broken foot that could rule him out the rest of the season. Nothing confirmed yet. Also, his teammate Jelle Van Damme will miss 2-3 weeks with a knee sprain.
Turkish delight for de Jong?
Speaking of the Galaxy, reports are swirling that midfielder Nigel de Jong, who moved to LA this season, could be on his way to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
MLS Team of the Week
Real Salt Lake was the only MLS club to place two players on the Team of the Week, while Crew SC and D.C. United saw their players dominate Sunday's MLS Fantasy Game Best XI.
Tales from the Portland
Defending MLS Cup champs Portland are hoping their weekend derby win over Seattle will fuel another late-season surge. Meanwhile, Timbers defender Liam Ridgewell is prepping for the champions visit with the president: “I don’t think there has ever been a Ridgewell in the White House before so something has gone wrong!"
Royal rise
Paul Tenorio of FourFourTwo opines how Real Salt Lake have quietly become an MLS Cup contender.
J-Mo in the here and now
While much of the US soccer bubble is tipping Seattle rookie Jordan Morris for a star-studded future, for now he is simply trying to play in the moment.
A Lion returns
Orlando City were thrilled to see defender Rafael Ramos make his return from injury this past weekend.
Irons in the Fire
Unsettled Germany international Bastian Schweinsteiger is claiming MLS is an option, but says his preference is to remain with Manchester United. Chicago Fire Confidentialdiscusses the possibility of the Fire landing the Germany ace, while revealing that the club also actually holds discovery rights on hot MLS transfer target Andres Guardado of PSV Eindhoven.
Pulisic offer rejected
Liverpool have reportedly had a $13.5 million bid for Borussia Dortmund's US attacker Christian Pulisic, but ESPN reports he could go out on loan in search of playing time.
Bradley open to MLS return
In an interview with ESPN, former USMNT coach and current Le Havre manager Bob Bradley admitted he'd listen if an MLS club came calling.
A global Champions League?
Galaxy boss Bruce Arena has opined that it's only a matter of time before a global Champions League-type tournament is created.
MLSsoccer.com Musts:
The ExtraTime Radio crew breaks down Rivalry Week
Watch: This Week In MLS
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