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Well, we made it. We are now officially in the 2014 Major League Soccer preseason! While D.C. United continues to train in the DMV while getting ready to depart for Florida on Wednesday, we've got your morning links for a quick spin around the world of soccer. We'll start with news on players that we either thought might come to D.C. United, are being brought to the league using assets the Black-and-Red traded to other teams, or grew up in the shadow of RFK but appear destined for bigger things elsewhere.
Marco Pappa confirms his return to MLS – but which club will claim him? | MLSsoccer.com
Who's next in line? Assuming Philadelphia just used their #1 allocation ranking that D.C. United traded to them (see next article below), Seattle likely gets first shot to either sign Pappa or trade his rights.
Maurice Edu finally completes MLS move, at a reduced price | ProSoccerTalk
It appears the league has finally agreed to terms with Edu and the Union. #doop
Arsenal phenom midfielder Gedion Zelalem wows in first team debut, but will he play for USMNT? | MLSsoccer.com
Although born in Germany, Zelalem spent his formative years in the DMV. According to Steven Goff, he and his family haven't shown any interest in MLS. Who can put together a list of the best DC-area talent that has gotten away from D.C. United in the past few years? It's bound to be an impressive roster.
@SebiSalazarCSN Correct. Zelalem family had no interest in DCU&MLS. Eye on Europe since he was child in Berlin.
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) January 25, 2014
Klinsmann names U.S. roster for South Korea game - ESPN FC
The USMNT coach named his 22-man squad for the team's Feb. 1 match against South Korea in Los Angeles. Bill Hamid made the team, but Tally Hall did not. And, while we're talking about the USMNT, check out this video showing their home base in Brazil. Pretty nice digs they've managed to arrange with FC Sao Paulo.
ASN article: Sermanni Names 24 for U.S. Women's National Team
The US Women will be playing Canada and Russia over the next few weeks, and two Washington Spirit players will be donning the Stars and Stripes. The Spirit will also have one player wearing the Maple Leaf.
USSF budget details surface
Speaking of international friendlies, have you ever wanted to know how much such games make in revenue for US Soccer? Goff has the details in this accountant's view of our nation's national organizing body (and let's just say that US Soccer is big business these days).
ASN Infographics: Rate MLS's Offseason
This MLS offseason has seen big signings, TV deals, and expansion news. What do you think of it all? Express your feelings on MLS's offseason via an interactive infographic.
Falcao may make it to the World Cup after all | ProSoccerTalk
I hope he makes it back in time for the World Cup. Brazil 2014 will be better if he is there.
What else is on your mind today? Use the comments section below as today's open thread to talk about all things soccer.
