Major Link Soccer: No New Clink Turf

A notice to everyone here: If you get a call from me, and I'm claiming to be stuck in the Caribbean, and have a cold (sorry my voice sounds funny), and had my wallet stolen, and need money to get home, DON'T BELIEVE ME. That is a fake me. Make sure that if you are giving Eric Flatness money, you do it only with officially licensed Eric Flatnesses. Don't be fooled by imitations. (this is all based on a true story)

Seattle

Three years ago, the Sounders saw the turf at Centurylink Field become terribly unfit for the game of soccer. At the time, the team decided that they wouldn't wait too long again. This will be the third year on this turf, and to this writer's eyes, appeared to be showing some age even during the Seahawks season. And yet, Hanauer and co. have elected to give this surface one more year, deciding that it is still in top condition.

Camp opened over the weekend, allowing the media a first look at the rejuvenated Sounders roster (minus a few key parts). That means interviews (Zach Scott, Marcus Hahnemann), and interest pieces (Prosoccertalk).

Chad Barrett was also available, talking about his return to the Pacific Northwest (where he spent years as an adolescent). He used to hate having to come to Seattle. When he was on the away team.

Yakima United FC's newly revealed crest is something to behold, the focal point being a series of hops. This is a club any beer aficionado can get behind. Perhaps not a bad choice for a USL promotion and Sounders PDL partner?

MLS

While not yet official, multiple sources are reporting that Maurice Edu's move to Philadelphia is ready to go. This could set off a domino effect of moves relating to the allocation order.

The league still isn't mentioned in polls like these checking on the popularity of sports leagues the United States. Let these articles be a symbol of how far MLS has to go.

MLS is testing the waters in Bradenton, Florida (as well as Arizona, though of course there is no water in that state) checking on potential spring training grounds.

More bad news in DC: The stadium deal has been held up long enough for the public to start talking about it, and 6 in 10 are against spending public money on soccer.

Crew Stadium will be a hot place in Columbus this season, and hopefully not because of any scoreboard fire hazards. A new display has been erected to replace the old one which played a part in one of 2013's most interesting stories.

Hot Time in Old Town wrote an article comparing ticket prices in MLS to those in Europe

Player movement: The Vancouver Whitecaps have finally made a positive move, obtaining Steven Beitashour from the San Jose Earthquakes. Rumors say Rio Ferdinand will be a member of the LA Galaxy soon. Additionally, the So-Cal club supposedly hold the rights to Frank Lampard. Logan Pause is continuing his time with the Chicago Fire.

Tim Leiweke has been turning things around in Toronto, and the local paper shifts its magnifying glass over the scene at BMO field.

The Colorado Rapids have a name for their new USL-Pro team: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

Other

Allow us to do a small plug for a moment here. Our Vox network is expanding out with another network, this one providing context to the news.

Monaco was about to drop out of the French Ligue 1, but they are ponying up 68 million dollars to stay and keep a unique tax position.