Major Link Soccer: NWSL’s Boston Breakers are no more

MLS

ZLATAN!! ZLATAN!! ZLATAN!! Somehow he might be a TAM player too... Ibrahimovic to MLS has “serious legs” – ProSoccerTalk

The folks at E Pluribus Loonum are helping figure out the best pets for a player, so go see what is going on over there. The Pets of Minnesota United - E Pluribus Loonum

The Sounders drafted Chris Bared and he played a half against Club Tijuana’s U20s this weekend. Villanova grad relishing preseason opportunity with Seattle Sounders - Brotherly Game

He went from one of the most hyped youth players to an afterthought, but Gyasi Zardes hopes to find his old form with the Crew. Gyasi Zardes hopes new location, attitude lead to successful comeback

The trade to bring in Ola Kamara looks like it really helped the Galaxy but it may have hurt the community Zardes inspired. Gyasi Zardes' trade leaves huge void in Hawthorne community he inspired

Could a Toronto FC attacker be heading down to Mexico? Rumor: Club America looking at Jozy Altidore? | MLSsoccer.com

TFC is looking to add a Dutch International from Cagliari. Gregory van der Wiel near deal to join Toronto FC agent says

PSV is still looking at moving the Crew to Austin, but one of their potential sites has been nixed. Crew ownership backs away from Butler Shores as Austin stadium site

At the same time, the Crew might be sold so they can stay in Columbus. It would avoid the lawsuit the state is threatening. Crew SC owner talking with potential investors in Columbus - Columbus - Columbus Business First

Like with Zardes sometimes a fresh start is needed, and an American CB is hoping that a move to LAFC is that start. Walker Zimmerman getting a needed fresh start with U.S. team and LAFC

Pretty much five guys who could/should start this year that you should watch. One has a following that loves to yell “Choo Choo!!” Warshaw: Five players with a new opportunity in 2018 | MLSsoccer.com

NWSL

It’s been rumored for days but it is now official: the Boston Breakers of NWSL are no more. NWSL makes it official: Boston Breakers to cease operations - The Bent Musket

Here is the league’s official statement on the decision to fold the New England side. Breakers are no longer

The league did try to save the franchise, but to no avail. They won’t rule out the city in the future. NWSL says it tried to save Breakers, open to returning to Boston | Boston Herald

While it sucks for fans of the Breakers, it is bittersweet for fans of the NWSL. It may actually be better for the long-term without the Breakers than with them. NWSL’s long-term viability boosted with folding of Boston Breakers - Houston Chronicle

The latest scuttlebutt is that LAFC and Barcelona will team up for a new NWSL club. As Boston Breakers set to fold, NWSL to California rumors continue apace - Angels on Parade

USA

What’s the purpose of American soccer media? It’s a great question. The mixed-up battle to determine the purpose of American soccer media - Howler Magazine

Soccer continues to grow in the country that wasn’t going to accept it. The soccer boom steams on, some new reports show

If you were wondering, Mix Diskerud didn’t suit up for Man City’s first game with him on the roster. Mix Diskerud signed by Manchester City - Hudson River Blue

As David Beckham’s group prepares to announce their plan to enter MLS, they’ll play in NPSL for at least one year while they wait to join MLS. Miami FC to play in NPSL in 2018 - Soc Takes

Reno 1868 FC signed a Dutch International and San Antonio FC re-signed former Sounder Mark O’Ojong. 1868 FC Strikes Deal with van Ewijk

This makes the switch slightly more peculiar. Jonathan Gonzalez says World Cup spot wasn't guaranteed before switch

World

It’s a great team photo of everyone from the men and women’s sides. Club América’s official team portrait is everything - FMF State Of Mind

He didn’t play as much as he should have, and a problem with Mourinho appears to be why. Henrikh Mkhitaryan had 'problem' with Jose Mourinho - Armenia coach

We’ll see... I don’t expect they’ll get the World Cup, but never say never. Morocco vows 'clean' World Cup bid that won't exploit Trump