Five things I'm tracking during the World Cup break

There's never been a break like this for MLS. A handful of times they've taken a few weeks off, but this year because of the massive Men's World Cup in both nations that host MLS the break is long enough to essentially be an off-season. Every team is required to either take 22 straight days off or 18 days and 4 days off, plus when they resume full training players will get their standard off days.

It's a long time to step away from the team. This break is also a chance for us to learn more about the Seattle Sounders – and watch more Reign (their break is shorter).

Watch Defiance, because The Pipeline isn't taking time off

After a woeful start to the season, Defiance are on a winning streak. Losing so much talent year after year can be rough, but a few players are looking to follow in the steps of Tino Lopez, Yu Tsukonome and Sebastian Gomez.

Rafael Jauregui made the top performers in the last two writeups by our Pipeline experts. The attacking mid is putting up decent G+ numbers finally as a dribbler and passer. The youngster came on a free, but with performances like these he could climb back to the value he rated back in his Sac Republic days.

Xavi Gnaulati, acquired via transfer fee, is also coming into his own after a slow start. Xavi could become the next MLS or better center mid coming through the Sounders. On a club that basically produces at least one CM a year, he's next in line.

I'm also intrigued by Damien Alvarez, but want to see more before thinking he has a certain future at the next level.

Already on the first team, Defiance regulars Stuart Hawkins, Max Anchor and Gomez should see refinement in their play during the break – though they'll have more time off than their Tacoma peers.

Health of Pedro de la Vega and others

For a team that needs an injection of excitement, the imminent return of Pedro de la Vega is something to watch. There couldn't be a better schedule for a team dealing with the loss of a DP, as Seattle has games in hand and needs the break for health reasons more than any other team in the top third of the standings.

Pedro isn't the only health concern, with Yeimar also coming back soon. Adding a Best XI caliber centerback and a dynamic winger at the same time should help Seattle right its ways.

The practices during the World Cup knockout stages should give visibility to the quality coming back.

The ability to recharge

One of the curses of being a Sounder is that there's so little time off. Since Brian Schmetzer took over, the club has played 33 playoff games, shortening the real off-season rest period for longtime players and putting an extra season of effort onto their legs. The World Cup break is longer than some "real" off-seasons for the Sounders.

In the post Concacaf Champions League period the club played 30 extra matches. All but the newest players to the roster need rest.

How good can the tired and overplayed players be when given the chance to recover? Even those who missed time due to injury rarely get the ability to relax because Seattle plays too deep into too many tournaments.

Off-field issues to track

Transfer rumor season should open back up. Niko is dropping hints that Waibel & Co. are out hunting again. There's a sizeable GAM warchest that can be spent (expect roughly half to be held in reserve to not be forced to make a Galaxy-sized purge) plus three open U22 slots.

What's up with the divestment sale? What's up with the Allen shares? Global soccer eyes will be on Seattle, the Sounders, Longacres, and Lumen Field. The type of wealthy who can buy into the billions of dollars of equity available in Seattle sports right now are going to be at World Cup matches. I wouldn't be surprised to hear some movement on both fronts (and maybe the Sonics, to put about $20 billion in sports equity into the market).

Go Reign

Again, their break is shorter. Give them some of your attention. The women in blue are royalty.

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Catching up on Sounder at Heart

Here's what you missed on the site this week.

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Next match: May 30 at Washington Spirit, 3:30 PM

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Next match: May 31 at Portland Timbers 2.

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