Major Link Soccer: Expansion fever (and how to end it quick)

MLS

There are plenty of cities vying to gain entry into MLS before the gates presumably close at 28 teams; Fifty-Five One breaks down the 10 teams named by MLS that are fighting for the four remaining spots, including factors like population and median income.

St. Louis' potential MLS bid looks to be in jeopardy after Missouri Governor-Elect Eric Greitens called the club's stadium plan "welfare for millionaires" on Monday.

ESPN Audio's "That's a Wrap" recapped the 2016 MLS season on their latest show, including an interview with Sounders GM Garth Lagerway.

Continuing the branding from their USL side, Toronto FC has rebranded their senior academy team into Toronto FC III (TFC III).

USA

Though a self-admitted American, Swansea manager Bob Bradley can't escape criticism from British pundits over his "gaffe" of saying PK. Climbing out of 19th place would sure help, though Swansea's currently just 3 points from clearing the relegation zone.

FourFourTwo is ranking the Top 50 players in the USWNT player pool, with Seattle Reign defender Kendall Fletcher appearing at #49.

Unsure of what to tell people to get you for Christmas because you're a boring and unimaginative person? At least consider requesting one of these soccer library essentials, sure to give you more long-term enjoyment than more chocolate.

World

Seriously, what is a defense supposed to do against control like this from Lionel Messi?

CONCACAF announced the host cities for the 2017 Gold Cup, with most of the knockout round fixtures featuring large Southwest stadiums. I'll let you guess which 2016 MLS Cup champion's stadium is left off the list.

Soccer to Watch Today:

English FA Cup

11:45am Peterborough United vs Notts County Fox Soccer 2Go

Serie A

11:45am Atalanta vs Empoli beIN SPORTS USA, fuboTV

Bundesliga

11:00am Borussia Dortmund vs Augsburg Fox Sports 1 USA, Fox Soccer 2Go

11:00am Borussia M'gladbach vs Wolfsburg Fox Soccer 2Go

11:00am Hamburger SV vs Schalke 04 Fox Sports 2, Fox Soccer 2Go

11:00am Eintracht Frankfurt vs Mainz 05 Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Soccer 2Go