Major Link Soccer: LAG might be after Andre-Pierre Gignac

Seattle

The Washington Brewers Festival was last weekend, and this year’s winners are out.

Meet Derek Johnson, Sounders U23 and Tacoma Stars player, and a real estate broker. Somehow the 24-year old balances it all.

MLS

DC United signed former MLS player Deshorn Brown. They had to give up allocation money and more to bring the striker in. DC certainly need goals, but only time will tell if it was worth trading to get the number one allocation spot for Brown.

MLS has yet to decide on the final four expansion spots - here’s a nifty guide to keep track on what’s happening with the bids.

The LA Galaxy have gotten off to a slow start and reinforcements might be underway; or not, depends on which report you believe on if the club has approached Tigres for Andre-Pierre Gignac.

Eighty Six Forever dove into the tough relationship between fandom and real life, especially when events happen off the field that bring problems and questions.

USA

Former US Women’s National Team coach, Tony DiCicco, passed away at 68. DiCicco won the 1999 Women’s World Cup.

For those who aren’t familiar with DiCicco, the soccer community remembers his contributions.

Bill Edwards, the Tampa Bay Rowdies owner, has secured the name of Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Edwards doesn’t actually take control of the former club, just its IP and trademarks.

World

After falling to Mexico in extra time at the 2015 Gold Cup, Panama’s technical director considered leaving football altogether.

The Mexican Federation has been warned after anti-gay slurs were heard from a section of their fans during their Confederations Cup match.

UEFA doesn’t allow teams owned by the same owners into Champions League; only one would be allowed to pass go and collect its $200. However, two Red Bull sides - Leipzig and Salzburg - will both be allowed in the CL for 2017-2018. They aren’t exactly the same ownership group, with rules in German requiring majority German ownership, buuuuuuuuut...

Cristiano Ronaldo will have his day in court; July 31st will see him defend himself on tax fraud charges.

Spanish tax authorities are busy hunting the biggest of game. After finishing with Leo Messi they went after Ronaldo, and now are turning to the former Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho.

As the 2018 World Cup nears, Russia and FIFA are still looking to bring in sponsors; th they are have a significantly harder time than Brazil did four years ago.