Major Link Soccer: Dempsey nearing full fitness

Seattle

The Seattle Sounders striker told reporters on Tuesday that doctors have cleared him for a full return to action for the first time since he was sidelined in August. Dempsey is back.

Last weekend was the Washington state youth soccer championships for the U15-19 boys, I want to give a big shout out to all the winners. I have to give a special shout out to my son's team Seattle United B00 Copa for winning their 4th championship in a row, well done boys!

U.S. Soccer

Here's a guide to this weekends U-20 CONCACAF Championship. Twelve of the region's U-20 men's national teams will compete for four spots at the 2017 U-20 World Cup.

Local player Summer Yates and the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team will travel to England from February 15-26 to play three matches, two against England and one against Norway.

FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd is heading overseas. Lloyd will suit up for Man City on a short term loan, but should be back in Houston to finish the NWSL season.

The 2017 Gold Cup schedule has been announced. AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, and the Rose Bowl will each host a semifinal contest. Those matches will take place on July 22 and 23, with the final being held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on July 26.

Christie Rampone will be honored by U.S. Soccer for her legendary career before the U.S. Women’s National Team vs. England game on March 4. Rampone is the second-most capped player in the history of international women’s soccer with 311 appearances.

World Soccer

Boca Juniors team-mates Juan Insaurralde and Jonathan Silva were filmed coming to blows in a training session on Tuesday and had to be separated by team-mates.

The right back spot on the USMNT should not be up for discussion, according to some people. This article explains why the position belongs to DeAndre Yedlin.

Here is a video of Paul Arriola, the 22-year-old U.S. forward who lives in Chula Vista, California, and commutes daily to play for Tijuana Xolos,

UEFA Champions league report: Benefica vs. Borussia Dortmund, PSG vs. Barcelona.

Major League Soccer

Former Sounder Eriq Zavaleta could be representing El Salvador this summer in the Gold Cup. It could really put his uncle/coach in a tough spot come summer time.

A Manchester City player, who only just moved to the Premier League on British transfer deadline day on Jan. 31, now will be loaned to NYCFC for the duration of the MLS season.

Just several weeks separate MLS teams from the start of the regular season, and there are still some big questions teams have heading into the regular season.

United States veteran Brad Davis will announce his retirement on Thursday after signing a one-day contract with the Houston Dynamo.

Goals of the Week: A Volley, A few Bikes, and a back heel to be seen.