Major Link Soccer: Summer of Soccer winding down

US Soccer

The month-long Copa America left us with great goals, great moments, and great memories. The USMNT's memories will be more of a mixed bag, as they lost out in the third-place game at the Copa America, but some of the players were winners.

After this summer's tournament success, could we see a Champions League format for the Americas?

A solid development plan seems to be the key all around the world, but for US Soccer, there is much debate about the current development path. Maybe taking a page out of Iceland's book could set the US on the right course.

Perseverance, drive, and desire are only a few words that can describe Keith Johnson US Soccer's one-armed keeper.

LL Cool J once said "Don't call it a comeback". That goes double for Oguchi Onyewu, after being lost in the wilderness for 17 months.

World Soccer

The Pacific Northwest had a tiny hand in helping Iceland continue their run in Euro 2016. Iceland National Team player Kari Arnason played for Gonzaga in 2002 and 2003.

One paper has ESPN winning the "Summer of Soccer" by being "sharper, funnier, and truer to American culture". While another calls Taylor Twellman "the number one American soccer analyst". At least America won something this summer. (ed note: Burn.)

Could we see the Hulk smash scoring records in China? Or just collecting a big pay check?

In the MLS it was called the "David Beckham rule". Now Australia is following suit but, the name leaves a little to be desired.

There are only eight teams left in Euro 2016. Can Iceland keeps it run, will Wales be carried all the way by Bale, or will one of the Big Four rise to the top?

Major League Soccer

Video replay moves closer to reality and MLS is helping lead the charge by assisting FIFA finalize potential video replay procedures. Strange that MLS can do that while not using it themselves?

Miami FC ownership just spent $1.8 million in transfer fees in six weeks on players you’d be hard pressed to describe as splashes, and it looks to continue.  In the interim, Miami FC has won just five points from the four matches.

Seattle

The honors just keep rolling in for Seattle Sounders rookie Jordan Morris. On Monday, Morris was named the #12Best Student-Athlete of the year by the Pac-12 Conference.

In case you missed it the Seattle Sounders made a short term signing Tuesday. Zach Mathers signed his second short term agreement to continue his fine run of form in the U.S. Open Cup. He put a good shift in for last night's pk victory over Real Salt Lake (Though Tyler Miller was the real story.)

Goals of the Week: Ronaldo, Messi, and Shaqiri