Major Link Soccer: Sounders stalwarts ready for MLS Cup

Seattle:

While it may have taken longer than they all hoped for, the three remaining Sounders from the inaugural MLS side are being sure to soak up every moment leading up to their first Cup appearance.

Despite the nits to some will continue to pick with his game, Jordan Morris has been a clear difference maker for the Sounders this season, with many of his USMNT teammates/Toronto FC opponents lauding his recent form. Jordan's good form further showcases how the entire Sounders team has played with resilience in their run to the MLS Cup, a quality that has helped them balance out a previously unbalanced season.

Deandre Yedlin has already seized his opportunity to play at Newcastle, but with a sudden loss of depth to their wing play, a new opportunity may have arisen on the Magpies wing.

MLS:

Expansion drafts have become a norm in the current state of MLS, and Matt Doyle took a look at the five most intriguing additions either Atlanta or Minnesota could make in the upcoming iteration of it. Brad Evans is among those listed, as a potential key veteran addition to Minnesota's back line.

Atlanta have already been very active in their first offseason, most recently signing Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almiron for a cool $13 million.

This year's Toronto FC have finally capitalized on the ambitions they've had as an MLS franchise, much to the benefit of Canadian soccer fans everywhere.

United States:

Barcelona look to be making a foray into the United States, with team president Bartomeu in talks with Sunil Gulati about joining the NWSL, all in an effort to expand Barcelona's global brand.

Field Turf is an established name within American sports, but as an NJ Advance Media investigation reveals, their executives often put profits above the public's interest.

While MLS continues to grow, the other U.S. men's domestic leagues live in a state of a volatility, with the fate of the USL and NASL in the balance during upcoming meetings.

There is no question that the U.S. Soccer Federation should work towards being more inclusive towards Latino coaches and players, but their tone around this desired inclusivity needs to be questioned.

The World:

Its not as hip to say as it once was, but Lionel Messi remains the best player in the world.