Major Link Soccer: MLS schedule gets a release date

Seattle

JoMo. That is all.

MLS

MLS will release the full 2016 season schedule on January 7th. Given the tinkering MLS did last year with Rivalry Weeks, Decision Day, and an expanded playoff field, there's going to be a lot to look at on Thursday. We'll also get the first look at LAFC's crest and colors.

Dax McCarty won't be on the free agent market in 2017, as the New York Red Bulls locked up the central midfielder for another 4 years.

The Vancouver Whitecaps have made Cristian Techera's loan move permanent, buying the winger from River Plate Montevideo in Uruguay, reportedly using TAM on the player's salary and/or transfer fee.

Galaxy fans don't seem to know what do with themselves in the offseason after not winning MLS Cup, so I guess it's fun for them to look at this aggregate all-time MLS table, in which the Gals are first (go figure).

Atlanta United has an Inside Sales Associate position open! Only 1-2 years of customer service/sales experience to be qualified for "Converting the current Founding membership base into a 25k+ season ticket base." Good luck with that.

USA

We don't know everyone who's going to Camp Cupcake this year, but Crew fans will have a few guys to keep an eye on: Tony Tchani and Wil Trapp made the trip last year, while this will be the first USMNT inclusion for Ethan Finley after his standout 2015.

John Hackworth was named head of the US U17s in December, and has a lot to say in this interview on youth development and bridging the gap between US Soccer and MLS academies.

The 2016 class of Generation Adidas will be announced soon, and will likely include Jack Harrison, the Wake Forest midfielder whose HGP claim from NYCFC was rejected by the league.

World

The English Premier League is set to finalize their 2016-2019 overseas TV deal, reportedly reaching nearly $5 billion.

Jean-Pierre Adams, 22-time French international in the 1970s, and his wife have an incredible story, as she has watched over him every day of the last three decades since Adams went into a vegetative state at age 34 as a result of a routine knee surgery.

Ex-Union centerback Vitoria is reportedly set to accept a call-up to the Canadian national team, switching after making youth appearances for Portugal's U19s and U20s. Canada's next game is a friendly on February 5th against the US before a crucial home-and-away series with Mexico in the 4th round of World Cup qualifying.