Major Link Soccer: Jurgen Klinsmann is fine

United States:

With his future with the U.S. National Team teetering, Jurgen Klinsmann spoke with the New York Times, claiming that not only is he fine with the current state of his employment, but that those looking for a change in management are being "disrespectful". His media tour continued, with Klinsmann telling the Associated Press that his patience for the USMNT's younger prospects development is waning.

The state of soccer in America was put under the microscope of a report by Deloitte in UK, commissioned by Miami FC owner Ricardo Silva. Overall, the report notes that while  MLS continues to face challenges as it grows, but a promotion/relegation system is not conducive to solving said challenges.

In a panel with Sunil Gulati, former NBA Commissioner/serial wrestling heel David Stern went off on the role of ethics in the sports industry, including defending the actions of Hope Solo during this summer's Olympics. This comes after members of the Women's National Team criticized the federation for primarily caring about their male counterparts.

While the rivalry remains as tense as ever, common ground was found amongst USMNT and Mexican National Team fans during the most recent fixture in Columbus.

MLS:

With Robbie Keane looking for a challenge beyond Los Angeles, the offers have come pouring in across the league, including from expansion clubs looking to make a splash.

With the crucial first legs of the conference finals coming up on Tuesday, Toronto FC have only one thing on their mind: stopping Ignacio Piatti.

As the Western Conference Championship approaches, familiar face Sebastien LeToux reflects on his time in the Emerald City. While CenturyLink Field will be familiar to him, it won't be as familiar to his Rapids teammates, who have had a tough time playing on the road this season. The key to Colorado success in Seattle comes from the mind of Pablo Mastoreni, who has finally begun to round into shape as an MLS manager.

Our own Dave Clark was on the Last Word radio to preview the upcoming Western Conference fixture.

Long time Moroccan midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy has retired from soccer, with New York City FC being his last professional stop.

Alecko Eskandarian wrote a powerful piece on the Players Tribune about the unspoken head injury crisis in soccer needs to come to light.

Former Sounder/Hat Trick Hero David Estrada appears to have found a new home professionally, and is set to return to the USL's Charlotte Independence next season.

USL President Jake Edwards gave a state of the state of the league to The Mane Land, highlighting Orlando City B and future expansion opportunities.

The World:

The Club World Cup has never had the prominence of its international counterpart, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino hopes a potential expansion to 32 teams will give it a boost.

Although the Liga MX was put in a difficult decision when it came to participate, their exclusion from the 2017 Copa Libertadores is to the detriment of Mexican soccer, and the competition itself.