Major Link Soccer: Tax fraud and Croatian soccer corruption

Seattle

Sounders beat Portland in the Open Cup. Did you know that? Probably, but I just like to remind everyone that.

Safeco Field is getting a new name for the 2019 season after the Safeco decided to not to extend their naming rights deal. I wouldn’t be surprised to see something like Amazon Stadium or Alaska Airlines Park, but I want more creativity like Amazon Atrium at Echo Stadium. Throw your best (and worst) names in the comments.

Andy Rose to Seattle dreams are dead for now, as he signed in Scotland with Motherwell FC. Go read the article, crash their site again.

Former Sounder Alan Hudson has an official biography that just came out that details him, his career, injuries, and more.

MLS

In what should be maybe a little insulting to DC United, an amateur liquor store team held them to one goal in 81 minutes, but, alas, the story ended with DC advancing 4-1. The fans did stick around to support their underdog opponents.

Sporting Kansas City was the golden child of US Soccer when they were allowed to keep Matt Besler. He wasn’t the only one they kept, though, and and Honduras is a bit unhappy they played an “injured” Roger Espinoza.

US Soccer has a little competition for “goalkeeper of the future” as Jesse Gonzalez is switching his allegiance from Mexico to the US.

We don’t know if the Sounders will be in “The Journey” in FIFA 18 but we know the LA Galaxy will be in some manner.

The Red Bulls will face off against rival NYCFC in the US Open Cup, but with one catch - no Jesse Marsch. He was ejected last year in NYRB’s final USOC game and must serve the resulting suspension this year.

USA

Some kid you never heard of playing for an English club you don’t watch is successful. Or maybe you have heard of him and are intently watching his growth; depends if you know who DeAndre Yedlin is.

Love or hate Michael Bradley? You’re not the only one, and his legacy with US Soccer is a bit complicated.

Five months ago we questioned whether US Soccer would even make the World Cup in Russia after trading Klinsmann for Bruce Arena, and now we are celebrating grabbing a rare point in Mexico.

It was Arena’s defense that halted Mexico for much of the match, and he explained how he approached the match tactically.

In what will likely anger Orlando Pride fans, Alex Morgan is finally back from playing in Europe but she has an injury that’ll keep her out about a month.

World

Chad Marshall is an amazing passer, so are a lot of players and it begs the question do passing percentages really matter?

Luka Modric is tied up in court, and, unlike a lot of big La Liga players, it isn’t for tax evasion, but as a witness for soccer corruption in Croatia.

His teammate, though, is not so lucky, as Ronaldo is being accused of over €14 million of tax fraud by the Spanish government.

After suggesting he’d transfer to Manchester United, Antoine Griezmann signed an extension to stick around the Spanish capital after Atletico Madrid was handed a transfer ban. Now he’s apologizing to fans for teasing them.

European clubs are starting their off-seasons, and between transfers, world tours, and “friendly tournaments” there’s a lot to track.