Major Link Soccer: Soccer Saved the Seahawks

Seattle

This Sunday the Seahawks will play the Packers in front of the best crowd in the NFL as they attempt a repeat of last years Super Bowl run, but in the mid-90's fan support was waning with poor ownership and a worse team, and many were accepting the fact that the NFL was leaving Seattle. Paul Allen stepped in and agreed to keep the Seahawks here if the public would approve funding for a new stadium, which was a difficult task at the time because the Mariners were already having a tough battle for a new stadium. The referendum barely passed, and you can thank soccer fans for that.

Do you have what it takes to play for S2?

The Sounders have the 27th and 40th picks in today's draft and they have several needs. but nothing glaring. Jeff Carlisle checks in on the worth of the combine and the new Sounders GM has a quote.

The Sounders are checking in on Sacha Kljestan and readers discussed his worth compared to our players in the comments section.

MLS/NASL

MLS often seems to make up rules as they go, so it shouldn't surprise anyone that the Jozy Altidore situation is a bit confusing. The latest (which is probably no longer the latest) has multiple Major League Sources confirming to TSN that Altidore is going to Toronto.

Jurgen Klinsmann is supportive of the moves for Altidore and Mix Diskerud. "The biggest advice is 'You gotta play,'" Klinsmann said.

LAFC posted a supporter relations job.  It didn't go over well. One of the qualifications stated: Significant playing experience preferred (ie a minimum of NCAA or other high level amateur club/organization) - You MUST have walked the walk, so you can talk the talk.

Andy O'Brien is no longer a Whitecap.

All three defenders in the 2014 MLS Best XI were drafted, as were four players overall in the 2013 Best XI, and four in the 2012 list. That is part of the reason why the draft is not worthless.

Here is an argument that the MLS is the best soccer league on the planet. Not the 3rd best or 2nd best. The 1st best.

The Brazilian legend Ronaldo recently became part owner of the NASL's Fort Lauderdale's Strikers. Even though he last played in 2011 with Corinthians, he wants to play in the NASL. Eh, we'll see.

USMNT

The first camp of 2015 just started. Perry Kitchen was perhaps one of the more surprising selections, but maybe he is the next Kyle Beckerman?

ALERT: #USAvMEX presented by @ATT on Apr. 15 at the @Alamodome in San Antonio. Ticket info coming soon. #1N1T pic.twitter.com/Shw8WPeSO4

— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) January 14, 2015