Here is a snapshot of some hot topics/news across the MLS and the international scene the past few days. Follow after the jump to get the scoop.
-Real Salt Lake has become the first team to win a CONCACAF Champions League Group. RSL defeated Cruz Azul 3-1 yesterday at Rio Tinto stadium. It's great to see MLS teams finally begin to make inroads in the CCL.
-MLS Commissioner Don Garber has elaborated on the rift between Toronto FC owners and fans. Garber has said that, although Toronto FC as a club has made mistakes, that overall they have helped the MLS get to where it is today. Though Toronto FC has failed to make the playoffs in each of its first four years, they sell out their games, have great support by season ticket holders, and have quite a long waiting list for season tickets. Despite the recent unrest, Garber says TFC is still a model for all other teams in the league.
-The Vancouver Whitecaps have released Nelson Akwari, Zurab Tsiskaridze, Chris Williams, Alex Elliott, Jonathan McDonald, and Dan Pelc in advance of the expansion draft. Vancouver is busy making room for the MLS talent they will be acquiring in the Nov. 24th expansion draft.
-Not to be outdone, the Portland Timbers announced their first four MLS player signings Tuesday. Midfielder Ryan Pore, forwards Bright Dike and Eddie Johnson (not THAT Eddie Johnson), and keeper Steve Cronin will all be part of Portland's MLS squad.
-The L.A. Galaxy will play an international friendly on Nov. 27th in Newcastle, Australia. The Galaxy will face off against the Newcastle United Jets FC, part of the Hyundai A- League.
-Landon Donovan has gone on record to state that he would love to return to Everton during the MLS off season, although he is not sure what will happen yet. Donovan has played for Everton in the past on a short loan, and has found success for the Premier League side. He was even offered a loan extension after last year, but the Galaxy denied the request. It will be interesting to see what this winter brings for Landon.
-RSL coach Jason Kreis is the latest to criticize the current MLS playoff format. While he is eager to prove that their MLS Cup win was not a fluke last year, he says that RSL is at a disadvantage this year because the top 4 teams are stacked against each other one one side of the bracket. It will be interesting to see if the MLS playoff format gets changed or tweaked in the near future.
-And finally, in international news, a huge story is breaking in England. A reported rift between Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reached a critical point. Recently, Sir Alex had been reported as saying Wayne Rooney had been battling through an ankle injury. When interviewed, Rooney denied he had been injured. The media then reported that Rooney wanted out of Manchester United. Sir Alex has since confirmed that Wayne Rooney has demanded that he wants out of Old Trafford. It will be very interesting to see what the January transfer window brings in England. Teams reported to be interested in the striker are EPL sides Chelsea and Manchester City, along with La Liga powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid. Rooney should command a massive contract and transfer fee.