Major Link Soccer: USWNT U20's win CONCACAF Championships

Seattle

While with the USMNT in camp in Brazil, Brad Evans is impressed with the history and system of Sao Paulo FC.

When Evans returns from national team duty, he will step into a new role as the clear leader of the Sounders for the first time since joining the team in its inaugural season in MLS.

Evans is one of the best penalty takers in MLS, but he's also one of the few non-shooters in the league to regularly take penalties for his team. Analysis of penalties taken in the past 3 Premier League seasons suggests that teams may want to consider allowing players that aren't typically shooters to take penalties for them.

SoundersFC.com has a preview of today's final two rounds of the 2014 MLS Superdraft, including a list of the top available midfielders and forwards. MLSsoccer.com also has a preview for the third and fourth rounds of the draft.

At the National Soccer Coaches Assocation of America (NSCAA) conference in Phiadelphia, Sounders Women assistant coach Zahra Lechak was named the US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year for girl's youth soccer.

MLS

It seems like everybody has an opinion to offer concerning Richard Sherman's post-game interview with Erin Andrews on Fox, immediately after the Seahawks defeated the 49ers in the NFC Championship game. Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Clint Irwin wrote on Sports Illustrated's website that the only difference between Sherman and most MLS players is that he was put on live television immediately after the game ended.

Oscar Pareja is scheduled to be introduced as the new head coach of FC Dallas in a press conference at 8:00 this morning. Dan Hunt will also be introduced in his new role as the team's president.

MLS may soon have another franchise sharing its stadium with a professional football team, and I'm not talking about the possible expansion to Atlanta or Minneapolis. According to recent reports, BMO Field may undergo construction this summer to expand its capacity from 22,000 to 30,000. Waking the Red sees this as a pretty clear indication that Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment plans to allow the CFL's Toronto Argonauts to share the stadium with Toronto FC.

Montreal Impact announced that the supporters section will be located closer to the pitch in the matches played at Olympic Stadium, which includes matches against the Sounders, New York Red Bulls and Chicago Fire.

The Goat Parade compares Chivas USA's attempt to turn things around to similar efforts made by DC United and Toronto FC.

Tony Cascio is apparently moving to Houston from Colorado on loan in exchange for an international roster spot. The within league loan rule was introduced last year. This would be the first time it is used.

Chicago is expected to name Clint Mathis as an assistant coach later this week.

MLS is considering a tweak to the playoffs that would give the higher seed its choice of which leg to host in two leg playoff series.

US Soccer

If you're concerned about the future of the US Women's National Team, you probably shouldn't be. After securing a spot in the 2014 U-20 Women's World Cup in the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship, the US U20's defeated Mexico 4-0 to claim their third consecutive CONCACAF title and the fourth in the past five tournaments. In a show of complete dominance under head coach Michelle French (formerly of Sounders Women), the United States outscored its opponents 29-0 throughout the competition. The U-20 World Cup will be held in Canada this summer.

Juan Agudelo is set to begin his European career, as he joins Eredivisie side Utrecht on loan from Stoke City.

Oguchi Onyewu had an impressive debut for Sheffield Wednesday in its draw at Burnley, providing the game-tying assist. Gooch is hoping to make a late push to make the World Cup roster for the USMNT.

England

West Bromwich Albion will lose its current shirt sponsor over Nicolas Anelka's quenelle gesture and the club's decision to continue to select Anelka for its matches. The current deal, which expires at the end of the season, is the most lucrative sponsorship agreement in West Brom's history.

Chelsea is reportedly willing to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United

Germany

Franck Ribery isn't pleased that Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or at his own expense, arguing that leading Bayern Munich to 5 major trophies in 2013 should have mattered more than Ronaldo's individual performances.

Italy

When asked about his future, Lazio's 35 year old German striker Miroslav Klose expressed interest in playing in MLS after the 2014 World Cup.

Spain

Atlético Madrid has successfully re-signed creative midfielder Koke until the end of the 2017-18 season, increasing his release clause from $33 million to $82 million, which may force Manchester United to consider less expensive alternatives.

Barcelona plans to renovate Camp Nou to expand its capacity to 105,000 at a cost of over $800 million.

FIFA

FIFA presidential candidate Jerome Champagne has some interesting ideas for rule changes, including orange cards for incidents that require sending a player into a proposed sin-bin.

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