Major Link Soccer: Beast Mode On!

The 2015 MLS schedule was released yesterday. If you want some highlights from the Sounders schedule, Jeremiah has you covered. MLS and SI have some thoughts on the other big games around MLS. Orlando City and NYCFC will have a battle of expansion teams on March 8. Perhaps you prefer a game (August 23) featuring the two best English center mids (10 years ago anyway). And despite the name, we'll all be there on Decision Day (October 25).

Seattle

The UW guys are making some noise. There are reports that Darwin Jones signed as an HGP with the Sounders and Cristian Roldan has signed as the third Generation Adidas player of the 2015 class. It appears that Roldan was initially given an offer of around $80k that he turned down. MLS must have increased its offer, which is understandable considering the pressure put on them after missing out on some of the other top college talent.

Major League Soccer

It was coming for a couple days, but it's confirmed. "Steven Gerrard arrives in July and by then we will certainly have a plan available." Perhaps this take on the fading legend will make us feel better about it.

Jozy Altidore is discussing a possible return to MLS. NYRB is making a move for Sacha Kljestan. Jurgen Klinsmann must be stoked that all the USMNT pool is coming back to the MLS.

Do you have $220 million? You could probably buy the New York Red Bulls right now.

On Tuesday we briefly looked at some of the heaviest players in the league. At 6'6" Joseph Greenspan would become tied for the tallest field player in MLS if he is drafted. Adam Bedell and Zat Knight are also listed at 6'6". You can probably guess the tallest Sounder. . . Chad Marshall at 6'4". As a two-time All-American it appears Greenspan has the skills, but his status is complicated by his military commitment.

Each MLS team is taking a different approach to their USL Pro affiliate, and their philosophy can be seen by the coach hired.

Sounder at Heart just finished a series on possible stadiums sites in the Seattle area. Black & Red United asks fans what they would like to see inside the stadium.

US

Kellyn Acosta of FC Dallas has been named the captain of the U-20 squad in qualifying. Ramos sees this more as a challenge than a reward.

Through Christmas day, Howard was letting up 45% of all shots on goal into the back of the net this season. That makes him last in the EPL. Last year it was at 25%, so what the hell happened?

World

Prince Ali is not likely to win against Blatter.

I don't know what a selfie stick is, but it sounds awful. Perhaps Sounders should put a ban on them before it becomes a thing, like Tottenham has.

Here is an article about the 80's and 90's Wimbledon FC, nicknamed the Crazy Gang. Vinnie Jones was on that team, and here he is him making a tackle on Steve McMahon. Ah yes, perfect form. You might know VJones better as the actor from Snatch, or from his line in X-men.

Oldham is close to inking Ched Evans. You mean the rapist? Yes, I mean the rapist. *Sigh*.

Adebayo Akinfenwa made headlines earlier this week when he scored an equalizer against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Here are 10 facts about him. My favorite is that he created the Beast Mode clothing line. "Beast Mode On is a state of mind."

For everything #BMO go Now to http://t.co/qxCZ4LcpZ9 pic.twitter.com/cgyaL5TIRq

— Beastmodeon (@BeastModeOn_BMO) January 7, 2015