Major Link Soccer: LA (fans) don't want Ashley

Seattle

Osvaldo Alonso may not have joined Tyrone Mears in FOX Soccer's Best XI, but Soccer America at least counts him as the second-best defensive midfielder of the season.

We had a full story on it this week, but (as a reminder of awesomeness) Lexus tapped Clint Dempsey for some trick shots in a new ad campaign. SI.com also has a behind the scenes video.

MLS

The MLS off-season is well underway with many changes already complete. SBI Soccer has a summary of the current status of teams around the league.

Arriving in the wake of rumors of San Diego MLS expansion is the news that the San Diego Flash have pulled out of the NPSL.

Former Chelsea star Ashley Cole has been offered a large contract by the LA Galaxy, but LA fans aren't necessarily celebrating. LAG Confidential lists it as just another sign of LA's strategy falling behind the state of the league.

Several stray cats may be looking for a new home, as the Portland Timbers are once again talking stadium expansion. Despite the fact that they are only talking about 1 to 2 thousand tickets in just one end of the stadium, the expansion probably wouldn't be done before 2018.

USA

The year has all but come to an end, MLSSoccer.com has a review of US players abroad in 2015.

US Soccer is finally looking to expand it's investment on the Women's game and will reportedly launch a formal girls development academy system. It will be interesting to see what they can do to build on the success of the three time world champions.