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In news that has to make the Fire's attacking players happy, New England has listed Portuguese defender Jose Goncalves as 'out' for the game tomorrow at Toyota Park.
The 2013 MLS Defender of the Year has had a troubled start to the season, missing time due to a contract dispute. In his place, second-year defender Andrew Farrell - typically a starter at right back - will slide into the middle next to A.J. Soares. But don't over-invest in party hats just yet - that combination was enough to shut out Houston last week.
MLS expansion riskier than ever
SB Nation's own Jeremiah Oshan points out the differences between this latest round of expansion and the previous ones - primarily, that MLS, instead of going where the fans are, expects to create them. Or, they hope to. Or something.
One thing's for sure: It's not just about huge expansion fees! This looks nothing like a Ponzi scheme. Stop your giggling.
Timmay gonna die in blue
USA keeper Tim Howard just signed a contract extension with Everton which will keep him between the pipes at Goodison Park through 2018. Howard, now 35, has seen his form rebound under new manager Roberto Martinez - much like the rest of the club, which sits at a surprising fifth in the Premier League table.
'Little Pea' on the move?
Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez has expressed his dismay over playing time at Manchester United, which has led United to announce they'd be open to selling the 25-year-old Mexican poacher. Tom Marshall thinks over possible destinations for the Little Pea, somehow missing the obvious answer: Chicago's big-spending ownership is going to make a huge splash after the World Cup to bring in Chicharito.
John Anthony Brooks: American as all get-out
Any questions about John Anthony Brooks' American-ness can now be put to rest, as news comes that the 20-year-old is riding the pine due to a huge back tattoo he acquired this week. The tattoo is too sensitive to train, apparently, so he's not going to play this week, much to the chagrin of his manager at Hertha Berlin.
Dude just couldn't wait until the offseason to get a massive back tat, and now his employer's all "gee, we think showing up for work is more important than body art." Here's to hoping JAB's new skin-work is the eagle of freedom ridden by Lady Columbia with the DFB badge in its talons. Or something.
John Anthony, how could we ever have doubted you? No word on an impending sponsorship deal with Affliction - at least NOT YET.
