:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44361356/usa-today-8225221.0.jpg)
Seattle
ICYMI Torres is not going to Seattle. Not for $7.5 million. And there is stadium speculation for Seattle.
Have we ever linked to the Peninsula Gateway? I don't know, but we have now because US Professional Stephanie Cox is joining the Gig Harbor High School soccer program.
MLS
Signed & sealed: @dcunited stadium project approved --> http://t.co/3LkgiPb3f6 pic.twitter.com/3klXK8wNB8
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 17, 2014
DC United made a huge step toward getting a new stadium as the city council approved the stadium bill.
Joao Plata is in the works for a new contract with Real Salt Lake. He had one of those messy multi-party ownership deals, but RSL has bought Plata's rights outright. Nick Rimando and Kyle Beckerman have been signed to 3 year extensions.
The Guardian gave out their end of year awards. Jermaine Jones won Best Signing and Most MLS Deal. Schmid gets the nod for Best use of a Sweater Vest.
World
Michael Garcia was the lawyer charged with investigating the World Cup bidding process. He has been described as one of the "very very few independent voices" within FIFA and yesterday we linked to a story about FIFA rejecting his report. So of course, he resigned. Here is the latest article about how Qatar could lose the World Cup.
If you like getting paid, do not sign for a club in Serbia.
China is awful at soccer. To change that, the President is going to require that all children play soccer.
For a less serious read, check out the Fallon d'Floor awards. I think I'm giving it to Suarez because he is just the worst, but watching Adryan made me laugh the most. Wondo is shown as well.
US
Speaking of Chris Wondolowski, Grantland is taking a look back at important moments from the year and Wondo's miss against Belgium is discussed. It's a good read, and I started to feel for the guy after hearing all the ridiculous things that got hurled at him.
Gotz is the next German-American to have interest in playing for America.
Yesterday we linked to a story about John Brooks playing his best soccer of the year. He followed that up with his first goal since his the dramatic game winner against Ghana.