The 20 Major League Soccer clubs brought in a slew of new players Thursday through the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. 

Orlando City selected UConn forward Cyle Larin with the first overall pick, while fellow expansion side New York City FC used the second selection on Oregon State forward Khiry Shelton.

Romario Williams of Central Florida went to Montreal with the third overall pick, while Fatai Alashe and Nick Besler were selected by San Jose and Portland respectively. 

The biggest surprise of the first round was Seattle selecting Cristian Roldan with the No. 16 pick after trading with Real Salt Lake. 

All of the draft selections from both rounds can be found here.  

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. 

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

If you're a fan of the traditional American style of competition of leagues and rivalries, you may want to avert your eyes for this one. Until it happens, and it will, relegation will be a word that gets tossed around all the time, every year. However, there's just no chance of if happening right now.

But evolution comes along with being a successful business, and Major League Soccer has certainly shown it is a dynamic league at connecting with fans and improving business strategies.

So relegation has a place at some point, but the question is when. Fans of American sports simply aren't used to the concept, and in today's fair-weather environments where a team's financial state could be heavily damaged by the loss of interest from not playing top teams and regional rivals, it's a hard sell to convince many to entertain the idea at all, let alone that it's a better move.

But what everyone can agree on is that top sports and top quality teams certainly help viewership. That in the end is what will make the transition so attractive.

So how long until we have enough quality teams?

Right now, the list of MLS cities reads something like a list of nominees for an Olympic bid; scattered about in big markets, with an occasional team in the middle of the country because they have to be. But the same elements of debate about expansion that have caused friction may serve to be the launching pad for relegation.

Meet St. Louis. After Jeff Cooper's bid to put a team in Collinsville, Illinois was overlooked in favor of the now obviously more intelligent expansion at the time in the Pacific Northwest, St. Louis soccer fans fear that their time to seize a franchise is drying up.

So much talk about the plans in Miami, Atlanta and the greater Southeast area has St. Louis fans fearful that they won't get a team. But now enter the idea of having a second division team in St. Louis that could serve as a solid franchise to support relegation. Fans in St. Louis wouldn't care if their team was first or second division, just that they had a professional team they could see compete.

The city of St. Louis is just an example. There are many other cities and situations similar.

As we see the popularity of soccer increase over the next several years, many teams from towns looking to make economic upswings could enter the MLS/professional soccer expansion market. Eugene, Oregon, a college town that houses the University of Oregon, has looked at renovating their Civic Stadium in an attempt to attract an MLS franchise.

I decided to ask an authority on tough decisions, Kansas City's soccer guru James Starritt. He helped put it in perspective for me, like always. The most pertinent point he made about relegation:

@irwinsports I think the 2nd tier will need to prove itself to be real financial competition and force that co-operation/change.

Exactly. The MLS is going to have to be forced into it with the success of second tier teams. But given the climate, it could be at least 15 years before enough teams were stable underneath the MLS to be granted that kind of business partnership.

But I say force away, small-town USA. Let's get behind these additional expansion bids, get St. Louis and Eugene going, and get this relegation that the U.S. game needs underway.

Follow Dan Irwin on Twitter @irwinsports or on Facebook.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Almost one year to the day since Toronto FC's acquisition of Jermain Defoe, the club have made another transfer splash. A deal to send the English striker to Sunderland in exchange for U.S. international Jozy Altidore and cash could soon be completed, per Gareth Wheeler of TSN. Altidore is subject to the allocation process, but it will be a fantastic move for TFC if the deal is confirmed.

When head coach Ryan Nelsen was sacked last August, Toronto ended up missing the playoffs with the newly appointed Greg Vanney. President and CEO Tim Leiweke added to the controversy by announcing that he'd resign by June 30, 2015.

Toronto FC fans were experiencing deja-vu. Their team hasn't made the playoffs since the club's inception in 2007. The failures of the 2014 season were especially disappointing due to the $100 million TFC spent to sign Defoe and Michael Bradley.

Now, it appears that the club is starting to improve. TSN's Luke Wileman claimed that the squad appears to be happier than ever:

This attitude was apparent before Defoe's expected departure and the Altidore rumours surfaced. Assuming the American international is signed, this will alleviate some of the pressure on general manager Tim Bezbatchenko.

A few noted journalists questioned the Altidore signing, including ex-Canada international Jason deVos. However, the 25-year-old fits Vanney's system. He's a strong, physical, hard-working striker who has solid finishing attributes. This is exactly what the TFC coaching staff want from their forwards.

Bradley, who is Altidore's U.S. teammate, spoke highly of the ex-New York Red Bulls striker when he sat down with Kurtis Larson of the Toronto Sun.

"There isn’t anybody who thinks more of Jozy as a player than me,” Bradley said.

“He and I have played together on the national team for a long time. Wherever he ends up at the end of this transfer window, that club is going to be getting a complete striker. He’s somebody who has a desire and a determination to improve himself like no other.”

There's no possibility that Bradley would try to deceive Toronto FC. He's an honest guy who is determined to help TFC qualify for the playoffs in 2015. The midfielder wouldn't give Altidore a ringing endorsement if he couldn't produce for the team.

Altidore's one goal in 42 Premier League appearances is a disappointment, but his 15 goals in 37 MLS games are closer to what TFC fans can expect from the American.

U.S. men's national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann wasn't too excited about Altidore's imminent move to MLS when he was asked about it by Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl.

With Jozy, I just say it would be nice if I would see him one day in the European Champions League. Because I think he’s a Champions League player. He has that potential, the talent to do so.

​Now if there is no solution in Europe for him, if the next solution for him is MLS, that’s totally cool with me. I have no problem with that. 

From a competitive standpoint, it’s normal that a coach wishes that his players go to the highest level possible. Which would be in his case the Bundesliga or Serie A or La Liga or even the French league, if it’s not the Premier League right now.

At the end of the day, whether he decides to go to Toronto or New York, that’s purely his decision, just as it was Michael Bradley’s decision or Clint Dempsey’s decision [to move from Europe to MLS].

Jozy is in a different stage right now because of what he went through since he was 18 going overseas and the difficulties he had all over the place except at Alkmaar.

You never can say something in general. If tomorrow another player comes with a specific situation and says, ‘I’m ready for Europe, what are my options?’ I will explain to him what his options can be.

It will always go in both directions, but for me as a coach the most important thing is that I see them continue to develop make the most out of themselves. And when I get the feeling they’re not making the most out of themselves, then obviously they will have issues with me.

Altidore is expected to sign a four-year deal with Toronto, as stated in Wheeler's report. ESPN's Jeff Carlisle reported the USMNT stalwart is looking to earn about $5 million to $6 million annually.

Carlisle also said that TFC has a higher standing in the allocation rankings and is still the frontrunner, so it's likely that Altidore will land in Toronto.

Spending at least $5 million a year on Altidore seems like a lot, but U.S. internationals are overpaid in MLS. Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley are two of the league's top earners, per the MLS Player Union.

As long as Altidore produces at least 12 goals a season, which is definitely possible, the money he receives won't be an issue. It will also give him confidence and that will translate with the national team.

Defoe leaving will be a relief for both parties

The sale of Defoe to Sunderland is a massive move for Bezbatchenko, Vanney and the rest of the TFC staff. 

A year ago, Toronto unveiled Defoe, who was supposed to be the team's saviour. However, injuries and unhappiness are among the reasons for the Englishman seeking a return to the Premier League.

TFC will receive about $11 million for Defoe, according to Larson, which can be invested in Altidore and other possible signings:

Defoe scored 11 goals in 19 appearances with Toronto during the 2014 season. There's no doubt that the striker is a talented goalscorer who helped TFC, and he'll provide the same attributes for Sunderland. However, Altidore, who's 25 and determined to prove himself after a poor spell in England, is a solid replacement. 

Swapping an unhappy, 32-year-old Defoe for a hard-working, 25-year-old Altidore is a win.

Will 'the next Alessandro Del Piero' join Toronto FC?

The Defoe and Altidore news is big enough. However, Wheeler also claims that Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco is close to a deal with Toronto FC and will join in July:

If the move is confirmed, that means the new CBA will include a fourth designated player, and TFC will have to restructure Gilberto's deal or the club will be forced to sell the Brazilian.

Giovinco was a highly touted youth product with Juventus. He was expected to be the heir to Alessandro Del Piero and had a bright future ahead of him. A solid 2011/12 season with Parma, where he scored 15 goals and recorded 11 assists, led to Juve re-signing the forward.

However, since he came back to the Bianconeri he hasn't met these lofty expectations. That's not completely his fault, but at 27 and with experience in Europe and the Italian national team, he'd be a terrific addition for TFC.

Giovinco, who stands at just 5'4", is a quick, technical attacker who can score and operate in a playmaking role. His height would be worrying in a physical league like MLS, but he experiences that in Italy and players such as Joao Plata have managed to make an impact.

The Italian would be a great strike partner alongside Altidore up front, but this move is still in the works and it will take a bit of shuffling to execute this deal.

The coaching staff is key for TFC

Toronto recently added ex-New York Red Bull Robin Fraser as an assistant coach. Fraser was a part of Mike Petke's staff, but he left New York just before Petke was fired.

Fraser is highly respected across the league. He was an assistant at Real Salt Lake, a club for which he played, and helped guide the team to an MLS Cup in 2009.

The Jamaican-born American was also the Chivas USA head coach for two seasons before joining New York when Petke was hired. He helped lead the Red Bulls to a Supporters' Shield win in 2013 and the Eastern Conference finals last year.

Fraser's departure coincided with Petke's firing, so it's possible that one led to the other. If that's the case, then that says a lot about the ex-U.S. international's credentials.

Hiring talented assistants is extremely important for every coach. They can undertake many responsibilities, like coaching the defence or attack.

Assistants can also help the head coach by giving him insights during a game to help the team tactically adjust during a match.

The Fraser hiring was a terrific move by Toronto, and he should positively impact the club this season.

Peter Galindo covers MLS and U.S. soccer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @pgalindo16.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

When Major League Soccer is generating major headlines, one can almost guarantee it's due to the arrival of some aging European star with a global fanbase and a desire to keep playing even when the top leagues are no longer interested.

This leads to charges of the MLS as being a "retirement home" for fading legends, but that idea undermines all the work the league has done to give homegrown players a chance to succeed and improve the quality of competition. Stars alone don't make a team in which 11 players need to think and move as one to succeed.

For those looking to see how the future of the league is shaping up stateside, look no further than the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, in which the top collegiate players find new homes in the professional ranks. 

Two new franchises—Orlando City SC and New York City FC—join what could be a banner year in the league's history. Orlando and New York go one and two in this year's draft, and the players drafted on Friday will be key to shaping the debut franchise's respective legacies. 

It's an exciting time for United States soccer, and there is always a little extra buzz following a World Cup year. Here is a look at the SuperDraft viewing info, followed by a mock-up of the first round of the draft.

MLS SuperDraft 2015 Viewing Info

Date: Thursday, Jan. 15

Time (ET): 12:30 p.m.

Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Live Stream: MLSSoccer.com (Hosted on Youtube)

Mock Draft

1. Orlando City SC: Cyle Larin, F, UConn

Cyle Larin takes the top spot in a number of mock drafts, and his status as a Generation Adidas player makes him a very alluring pick for a new franchise looking to get things right from Day 1. Orlando City SC would be a great place for him to start his career, but MLSSoccer.com's Matt Doyle can see another team trying to secure his services:

Don't count on that happening. Larin is the right pick here. The prospect of him latching onto perfectly weighted passes from Kaka a year or two down the line is an exciting one.

2. New York City FC: Cristian Roldan, M, Washington 

Midfield might not seem of much concern to New York City FC after bringing in U.S. Men's national team regular Mix Diskerud, per an announcement from the Norwegian-American on the team's website, but they would be unwise to pass up on a gem like Cristian Roldan.

Roldan's technical skills are well-refined for a collegiate player and could see solid minutes as a rookie playing in place of an absent Frank Lampard—who apparently won't join the team until July—and then spelling him when the English legend makes his way to the Big Apple.

3. Montreal Impact: Khiry Shelton, F, Oregon State 

The Montreal Impact knocked in just 38 goals last season, fewer than all but two teams (once of which, Chivas USA, is now defunct). Khiry Shelton can play on the wing as well as up top and boasts excellent size and athleticism. Soccer journalist Charles Boehm had a flattering comparison for Shelton:

Deshorn Brown scored 10 goals as a rookie in 2013 for the Colorado Rapids; the Impact (or really any team) would be ecstatic to get a return like that from Shelton.

4. San Jose Earthquakes: Conor Donovan, CB, NC State

Conor Donovan gets a big draft bump here as a Generation Adidas signee and a U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team member. The Earthquakes could also go for a forward here, but Donovan is a great developmental prospect with fantastic upside.

5. Portland Timbers: Ramon Martin Del Campo, CB, UC Davis

According to Ives Galarcep of Soccer By Ives, Ramon Martin Del Campo could be set for a draft free fall after a disappointing combine performance:

The consensus at the Combine is that he doesn’t look the part, and is tumbling down the draft boards of several teams. All that said, it only takes one team to be big fans of his to have Del Campo go in the first round, and the fact he was able to secure a senior contract suggests that there is at least one team that rates him that highly.

However, the Timbers are in pretty good shape at center-back with Liam Ridgewell and Nat Borchers, making them perhaps the perfect team to slowly, surely groom Martin Del Campo and help him realize his full potential.

6. Toronto FC: Fatai Alashe, M/D, Michigan State

Toronto FC should focus on developing a backbone now that Jozy Altidore is set to join fellow U.S. international Michael Bradley in Canada. According to a report from ESPN FC, Toronto FC will send striker Jermain Defoe to Sunderland in exchange for Altidore and cash considerations.

Alashe is a strong, physical midfielder who served as the steely foundation for Michigan State's run to the NCAA Tournament in 2014. He would be an excellent addition to a Toronto midfield that needs to find players that can gel with Bradley.

7. Chicago Fire: Boyd Okwuonu, CB, North Carolina

The Chicago Fire have a putrid back line, and Boyd Okwuonu's athleticism at center-back and potential to fill in at right-back makes him too enticing for the Fire to pass up here, even if the signing of Adailton does alleviate some of the concern in defense.

The MLS is a very physical league, so it could take some time for the diminutive Okwuonu to get accustomed to the rigor, but he should have little problem adjusting to the pace with his agility and strong ball skills.

8. Houston Dynamo: Tim Parker, CB, St. John's

The Houston Dynamo could use an enforcer at center-back. Marquette's Axel Sjoberg is a possibility, but look for Houston to take a chance on Tim Parker out of St. John's, who can count size and aerial-duel acumen among his strengths.

9. Toronto FC: Alex Bono, GK, Syracuse

Toronto doesn't have an immediate need at keeper with the likes of Joe Bendik in the fold, but they would be foolish to pass up on the supremely talented Alex Bono at this point. The Generation Adidas player truly appears to be one for the future, and Toronto will need to focus on shoring up defense if Altidore, Bradley and company can get the offense clicking. 

10. Sporting Kansas City: Nick Besler, M, Notre Dame

I believe the universe is an ultimately benevolent place and will allow Nick Besler to pair up with older brother Matt Besler in Kansas City. The younger Besler's talent as a defensive midfielder could be in high demand at the top of this draft, so don't be surprised if the likes of the Houston Dynamo or Toronto FC break up this familial pairing before it even starts.

11. Toronto FC: Skylar Thomas, CB, Syracuse

If Toronto does indeed keep all three first-round picks, look for them to finish up the youth movement in the team's spine by picking up Canadian prospect Skylar Thomas, who should provide much needed depth in central defense.

12. Sporting Kansas City: Romario Williams, F, Central Florida

Romario Williams would be a dream pickup for Sporting Kansas City should he tumble this far. They may even have to consider taking him at No. 10, especially if Besler isn't available. Williams' speed and ability to run onto the ball make him a strong candidate to replace the likes of C.J. Sapong.

13. Vancouver Whitecaps: Dan Metzger, M, Maryland

Dan Metzger is a dependable central midfielder. Not terribly flashy, but he gets the job done. He should develop into a player capable of linking the defense and attack in Vancouver.

14. Columbus Crew: Aaron Simmons, D/M, UCLA

The Crew can use depth in multiple areas, and while Simmons might be better off as a defender, his ability to play midfield can't hurt and should see him picked no later than the middle of the first round.

15. FC Dallas: Eric Bird, M, Virginia

Eric Bird is a potential box-to-box midfielder with some scoring panache. He tallied 12 goals in 43 games from 2013-14. Look for him to find a home in FC Dallas, which should be able to make good use of his creativity and ability to burst forward in attack.

16. Real Salt Lake: Leo Stolz, M, UCLA

Leo Stolz is worthy of a top-10, perhaps even top-five pick, but his ambiguous attitude toward the MLS makes it tough for the teams up top to commit to him (although Toronto might considering their abundance of options). According to American Soccer Now's Brooke Tunstall, Stolz will be trialing with lower-division clubs in his native Germany.

“It’s not as much about not wanting to join MLS as it is deciding to want to go back to Germany and try and begin my career there," he said.

If Stolz does fall this far in the draft, look for Real Salt Lake to snatch up the Hermann Trophy winner in a heartbeat.

17. D.C. United: Otis Earle, LB, UC Riverside

D.C. United needs a third goalkeeper, but with the highly capable Bill Hamid still in the fold, look for them to address depth issues elsewhere. Otis Earle is a speedy left-back capable of moving up into a midfield spot if need be. 

18. New York Red Bulls: Oumar Ballo, CB, UMBC

Center-back is the obvious choice for the Red Bulls, and the left-footed Oumar Ballo would be a solid late-round pickup. The towering defender Anthony Manning out of St. Louis is also an option here.

19. Colorado Rapids: Seth Casiple, M, Cal

The Rapids are in a position to pick up the best available player here, which could very well be Cal's Seth Casiple. MLSSoccer.com's Nate Sulat had high praise for Casiple, who notched seven assists in a deep-lying midfield role in 2014:

We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: Seth Casiple is a beta version of Michael Bradley. He’s an excellent set-up guy, as evidenced by his seven assists this year (although playing with guys like Connor Hallisey and Stefano Bonomo likely has something to do with that, but not everything). But he can also win the ball back when the need arises. Versatility is a double-edged sword when it comes time to draft players, but in Casiple’s case his well-rounded game will probably serve him well.

20. Sporting Kansas City: Axel Sjoberg, CB, Marquette

In this mock, Sporting KC have already addressed needs in central midfield and forward, so look for them to take a stab at shoring up the back line. Sjoberg is a mammoth defender at 6'7" and could be one of the top overall talents available at this point.

21. Los Angeles Galaxy: Andy Craven, F, North Carolina 

The Galaxy don't really have many pressing needs with a star-studded roster, so look for them to add depth up top with Hermann Trophy finalist Andy Craven. The Tar Heel product is a versatile player who can put in a strong shift centrally or move out wide, where Los Angeles lack natural options beyond the likes of Stefan Ishikazi.

Los Angeles could also try to grab a keeper here considering they don't have a second-round pick and need depth at that spot as well.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

The New York Red Bulls, just six weeks removed from their appearance in the Eastern Conference final, have contributed to the recent drama in the Empire State. Their latest transactions, coupled with the Frank Lampard confusion—which is now resolved, per ESPN FC—are the reasons the city still isn't a top market in MLS.

League commissioner Don Garber has aspirations of New York being one of the major markets in MLS, as suggested by Brian Sciaretta of American Soccer Now. However, their inconsistency has left Garber’s wish unfulfilled. 

The Red Bulls' sacking of head coach Mike Petke was an odd decision. Petke guided New York to the 2013 Supporters' Shield, which is their only trophy under the new ownership.

Sporting director Ali Curtis, who was hired just before the holidays, took full responsibility for the move, per MLSSoccer.com. When Curtis unveiled Jesse Marsch as Petke's replacement, the ex-forward claimed that he has "a vision" for the Red Bulls.

The problem is that New York haven't had a lot of continuity, and that starts with the coach. Marsch is the 15th hire in team history and the eighth since Red Bull became the owners in 2006.

It's ludicrous for New York to have nearly twice as many head coaches as the other original franchises. Squad chemistry is tough to achieve when the players hear a new voice almost every year on average.

Chopping and changing the team and coach rarely lead to success on the pitch, and the Red Bulls haven't done themselves any favors in that regard.

The Los Angeles Galaxy went through a tumultuous spell up until 2008, when Bruce Arena was hired. The Galaxy have since won three MLS Cups in the last four years.

It helps that L.A. brought in a proven coach who had success in D.C. and U.S. men's national team experience. However, there are a few young, talented tacticians in the league, such as Oscar Pareja and Jason Kreis.

New York City FC haven't been a stand-up organization when it comes to the Frank Lampard situation.

This past summer, Lampard was unveiled as a designated player by the club. However, it turned out that the ex-Chelsea midfielder had a "commitment" to signing with NYCFC, as The Guardian's Jamie Jackson pointed out. The 36-year-old was really under contract with City Football Group, which own the team along with Manchester City.

Lampard is coming to New York in July as expected, but the damage has been done.

NYCFC are a new team and are competing for exposure in the largest city in America. Signing a player of Lampard's caliber is going to attract some interest, but deceiving the public is going to lead to an emptier Yankee Stadium.

The club's signing of Mix Diskerud, per the team's official website, is a positive PR move. Diskerud is a midfielder who can drive forward and help the attack, much like Lampard. However, it's not enough to counter what's transpired with the ex-England international.

New York's counterparts in Seattle, Portland, Kansas City and L.A. are all bigger soccer markets at this point, especially Seattle and Portland.

Portland announced their 68th consecutive sellout in their final regular-season game against Real Salt Lake on Oct. 17, which is an exceptional streak. It's also home to one of the best and loudest atmospheres in MLS.

The Timbers haven't won as many trophies as the Red Bulls, but they are in good hands with owner Merritt Paulson and head coach Caleb Porter. They should improve this season after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2014.

A few hours north of the Rose City, the Sounders continue to dominate the league in attendance. They have also won four U.S. Open Cups and a Supporters' Shield.

Sporting Kansas City's resurgence over the last few years has been extraordinary as well. The club announced their 50th straight sellout last season, which is a far cry to their days at Arrowhead Stadium, and that has led to success on the pitch. SKC won a U.S. Open Cup and an MLS Cup within a year of each other.

The Galaxy have the aforementioned three MLS Cups in four years and five overall.

These four teams are exceeding expectations. On the other hand, New York have done everything in their power to prevent themselves from achieving major-market status, which they should have done by now.

If both clubs don't change their tactics soon, the only thing "major" about New York will be the population.

Peter Galindo covers MLS and U.S. soccer for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @pgalindo16.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

New York City FC added another high-profile star to their squad on Tuesday, as the MLS franchise announced the arrival of USMNT star Mix Diskerud on a free transfer from Rosenborg.

The club broke the news in a video, as shared by the Gothamist's Dan Dickinson:

NYCFC Sporting director Claudio Reina commented on the club's latest capture in a statement on their official website:

We couldn’t be happier to have Mix coming to play in New York. He’s one of the brightest young talents in US soccer and will be a fantastic addition to our Club and to MLS. 

Mix is a dynamic midfielder who will easily fit into the style we want to play here in New York City. He keeps possession well and gets everyone involved with his passing range. 

The club didn't announce any contract details, leaving fans and pundits to speculate regarding the length and value of his new deal.

However, as Grant Wahl of SI.com reported, "Diskerud has not been classified as a Designated Player, leaving one DP spot open on the club's roster​."  

Wahl also provided a comment from Diskerud.

"For me, it’s huge to come back to the States,” Diskerud said. “This is a whole new situation for me and I can’t wait to live in New York. It’s almost too much to handle, I can’t wait. New York City FC have made my wish as an American a reality by giving me the opportunity to play and live in the US."

The 24-year-old creative midfielder will give the new club excellent cover for Frank Lampard, who was expected to join in January but will now stay with sister-club Manchester City until the end of the season.

Thanks to NYCFC's top spot in the allocation ranking, the team managed to sign the young star without making him their Designated Player, as shared by the New York Times' Andrew Das. In doing so,  the team from the Bronx has room to make another big splash in the transfer window:

Diskerud has plenty of international experience, winning the 2013 Gold Cup with the USMNT and playing in the 2014 World Cup. He has spent his entire career playing in Norway, apart from a short loan spell with Belgian side KAA Gent.

Follow @ReverschPass

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

While the MLS SuperDraft may not receive as much publicity as other drafts in American sports, it has the potential to produce the same amount of craziness on draft day. 

The 2014 edition of the draft saw Philadelphia trade up a single spot to select Andre Blake with the No. 1 pick. FC Dallas also took an unknown prospect with the sixth-overall pick. 

We can expect a few trades to go down Thursday in Philadelphia, but who goes where is still up in the air.

With that in mind, we made 10 bold predictions about what will go down inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center Thursday afternoon. 

Begin Slideshow

Source: Click Here

On Thursday, Major League Soccer will welcome its latest crop of young talent to the league during the MLS SuperDraft in Philadelphia. 

While the 2015 draft class may not be as prolific as recent ones, it still has the potential to produce some quality players. 

Only five players inked Generation Adidas deals, which are handed out to college underclassmen by the league. But the five prospects do carry a ton of potential with them. 

Outside of the Generation Adidas players, who don't count against an MLS team's budget and receive grants to further their education, there are some talented college seniors in the draft pool as well who have the potential to make a big impact in 2015 for their respective clubs. 

Here is a look five names you should know heading into Thursday's MLS SuperDraft.  

Begin Slideshow

Source: Click Here

Eight years ago, Major League Soccer sent shock waves across the world when it announced the landmark signing of David Beckham from Real Madrid. 

In the years following the deal, it remains one of, if not the, most influential moments in league history. 

At the time of the acquisition, no one involved in the deal could've imagined the immense impact the Beckham deal and consequential Designated Player rule would have on the young American league. 

Although Beckham has not played in MLS since 2012, his impact on the league will be felt for decades, as MLS owes many things to the Manchester United legend.

When Beckham joined up with the LA Galaxy in the summer of 2007, the club had already established itself among the league's elite thanks to two MLS Cup victories in 2002 and 2005. 

Despite those successes, the Galaxy needed something to reinvigorate the fanbase after finishing in fifth place in the Western Conference in 2006. New signings were expected to during the offseason, but no one expected Beckham to be the primary acquisition prior to the 2007 season. 

Beckham's Galaxy debut came against Chelsea in a friendly at the Home Depot Center on July 21, 2007. He made his first league appearance against D.C. United a few weeks later after recovering from an injury.

The international superstar may not have made an immediate impact on the Galaxy's results, but his presence helped build a foundation for a successful four-year run. 

Beginning in 2009, Beckham and the Galaxy ascended to the Western Conference throne under the management of Bruce Arena, who replaced Ruud Gullit in August 2008. The former United States men's national team boss was given the task of cleaning up Gullit's mess.

Arena turned things around right away, as the Galaxy finished atop the West in his first full season in charge. After getting past Chivas USA and the Houston Dynamo in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Galaxy found themselves back in the MLS Cup Final against Real Salt Lake. 

The two clubs squared off at Seattle's Qwest Field in what turned out to be one of the best MLS Cup finales in league history. The two sides were tied at 1-1 heading into extra time, which failed to produce a goal.

Beckham was the first scorer in the penalty shootout for the Galaxy, but they were unable to defeat the upstart RSL side after misses by Landon Donovan, Jovan Kirovski and Edson Buddle. 

Despite suffering that massive heartbreak in 2009, the Galaxy remained a contender for the title under the brilliant Arena.

After being bounced by FC Dallas in the 2010 Western Conference Final, the Galaxy advanced to the first of two straight MLS Cup showpieces against the Dynamo. 

The Galaxy were able to qualify for the 2011 MLS Cup Final behind the contributions of Beckham, Donovan and newly minted designated player Robbie Keane, who made his debut in August after joining the club from Tottenham Hotspur.

Powered by Donovan's 72nd-minute goal, the Galaxy hoisted the first of two MLS Cups in the Beckham era in front of their home crowd at the Home Depot Center. 

"David’s a champion. I’ve been around great athletes and competitors in my life in different sports, and this guy is as good as it comes," Arena told reporters after the match. "He has an unbelievable desire to win. He’s a great teammate. He’s a great person. I’m so happy for him. He’s done it all now – in every country he’s been in."

A year later, the same two sides met in a match that carried more importance, as it was Beckham's last game in a Galaxy kit. Behind three second-half goals, the Galaxy were able to send Beckham out with a trophy. 

"I just hope people have enjoyed me playing here and watching me play for the Galaxy," Beckham said after the match. "It's what I always hope for when I step on the field...I think I had a successful time here, but it's up to other people to decide that.

"It's better going out with two titles than one, obviously. It's been a successful six years here, reaching three MLS Cup Finals and winning two," he continued. "Winning the second one, it's even more satisfying. I'll enjoy this one tonight, I think."

Before he departed MLS for a brief spell at Paris Saint-Germain, Beckham scored 18 goals and registered 40 assists in 98 games for the Galaxy. Aside from the statistical contributions, Beckham helped grow the league from a business perspective. Without the presence of the England international in America, MLS would never haven taken off as fast as it did.

Beckham did play a major role in the success of the Galaxy, especially during his last four years in Los Angeles. But his true mark on the league will be the institution of the Designated Player rule. 

The rule, which some refer to as "The Beckham Rule", allows each team to sign a maximum of three players to contracts that exceed a certain monetary threshold.

This rule allowed Beckham to come over to the United States, and it also paved the way for players such as Thierry Henry and Keane to make the switch to MLS. 

In its early years, the Designated Player rule was used to acquire South American talent and a few Europeans, such as Freddie Ljungberg, who signed with the Seattle Sounders in 2008. 

The second game-changing signing made under the unique rule was the 2010 addition of Thierry Henry to the roster of the New York Red Bulls.

Henry, who recently retired from the game, made a massive impact on the New York market despite failing to achieve a championship with the Red Bulls.

Keane followed Beckham and Henry into the league in 2011 and has arguably experienced more success than they did. The Republic of Ireland international was named the 2014 MLS Most Valuable Player and has won three MLS Cups in four years with the Galaxy.

Outside of the European market, the rule has helped MLS clubs acquire exceptional talent from South America such as Javier Morales, Federico Higuain and Diego Valeri.

After six years of big-name international signings, the league finally used the rule to bring one of the top Americans back to the league in 2013. Since the arrival of Clint Dempsey in Seattle, eight United States internationals have earned the title of designated player.

Without the arrival of Beckham on American shores in 2007, we may not have seen this major influx of American talent back into MLS. Thanks to the Designated Player rule, the league has been able to improve its talent pool and appeal to stars of the United States men's national team, who may not have returned home before the Beckham signing.

Not only did Beckham influence MLS in regards to player acquisition, he also improved the business structure of the league. 

The 2007 season, which was Beckham's first in the league, marked the first time clubs were able to sell jersey sponsorship. The biggest deal of them all was the one between the Galaxy and Herbalife, which still sponsors the team's shirt today.

Six clubs took advantage of the jersey deals in 2007, including Real Salt Lake, Toronto FC and Chivas USA. Houston and New York were the other two teams with brand names on the front of their shirts. 

Fast forward to the 2015 season and just one club, the San Jose Earthquakes, is without a jersey sponsor at present. The companies on the shirts of MLS clubs include brands such as Xbox, Quaker, Bell Canada and Etihad Airways. 

While earning shirt sponsors would have eventually happened in MLS at some point, the arrival of Beckham allowed it to happen in the league's 12th year of existence. Entering its 20th season, MLS has seen its jerseys become a popular billboard for companies that are willing to pay big money. 

Another key financial aspect of the league that can be attributed in some way to Beckham is the television contract.

Without a star such as Beckham entering into the league, all MLS' television partners would have had to advertise the league's games in 2007 was Donovan, who was the biggest name in MLS at the time. 

Other than that, MLS did not present broadcasters with any reason to show soccer each week, especially after the USMNT's World Cup disaster in Germany during the summer of 2006.

Beckham may not have made soccer a viable television asset right away. But by the time he left, MLS had deals to broadcast its games on NBC Sports Network and ESPN each week. Before the 2015 season, MLS agreed to a new eight-year deal with ESPN, Fox Sports and Univision worth $90 million per year, per Philly.com's Jonathan Tannenwald.

Just like the addition of international players, a big television contract would have come with time for MLS. But thanks to the Beckham signing, which provided strong interest in the league, MLS was able to benefit from a major television deal ahead of its 20th season.

Heading into the 20th season of play in MLS, Beckham's impact can be felt in every corner of the United States and Canada.

By way of the "Beckham Rule," his former club was able to obtain the signature of Steven Gerrard, who will move to California from Liverpool in the summer.

“I’m very excited to begin the next chapter of my career in the United States with LA Galaxy,” Gerrard told the Galaxy's website after his signing was made official. “The Galaxy are the most successful club in Major League Soccer history and I am looking forward to competing for more championships in the years to come."

Gerrard isn't the only former international teammate of Beckham making noise in MLS this offseason. Frank Lampard, whose contract situation is finally resolved, will join expansion side New York City FC in July, which is when Gerrard will join LA.

On top of the confirmed arrivals, MLS has been linked with plenty of big-name American players such as Jozy Altidore and Mix Diskerud during the current offseason.

All of the players listed above would not have been able to come to MLS if the Designated Player rule was not intact. 

Off the field, Beckham is involved in a Miami bid to become an expansion franchise, but that plan has hit a snag due to complications with securing a stadium location. 

"If we can’t get the right stadium, we can’t go to Miami," MLS commissioner Don Garber said in October. "We have been challenged to find a site that we believe will be successful." 

Regardless of whether he does eventually bring a team to Miami, his continued efforts to expand the reach of the league shows how much MLS meant to Beckham. 

While we can attribute some of the league's success over the last eight years to other players and events, the signing of Beckham opened the door for MLS to become what it is today. 

Joe Tansey covers MLS for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter: @JTansey90. 

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Sporting Park, home of Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer, was listed as the best stadium experience in MLS in 2014, according to a study by Paul Swaney of Stadium Journey.

The study graded the top 100 North American stadiums. The criteria included concessions, overall atmosphere, the neighborhood and accessibility. Sporting Park was No. 17 overall on the list. Over 2000 venues were critiqued in the report.

SKC averaged just over 20,000 fans per game during the 2014 season, up two percent from a year ago, via Paul Kennedy of Soccer America Daily.

The Portland Timbers' Providence Park was the next stadium at No. 18 overall and second among MLS venues. It was also the host of the 2014 MLS All-Star Game. 

Seattle Sounders' CenturyLink Field is ranked third in MLS and No. 34 on the top 100 list. The Sounders have the highest average attendance in the league at just under 43,000.

BC Place, the Vancouver Whitecaps' home venue, was the fourth and final MLS stadium in the study. It was 90th overall. 

MLS may not have the highest quality of soccer in the world, but the league set a record for average attendance this year, via World Soccer Talk. The figure has increased by a little over 2.5 percent from 2013. 

Those numbers should increase next season as well. Chivas USA had slightly more than 7,100 fans per game in 2014, which significantly reduced the figure. The club ceased operations, but the two newest expansion teams in New York and Orlando should help boost attendance in 2015.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here