The 2015 installment of the Major League Soccer SuperDraft comes as the MLS welcomes in two new franchises, both of whom have intriguing decisions to make for Round 1.

Orlando City SC and New York City FC have both already made waves in the public eye, as each secured a household name signing in their first few weeks as a club. But Kaka and David Villa won't be able to do it alone for their new squads, as it will take some cunning work from front-office personnel to field a contending team off the bat.

The MLS SuperDraft is an interesting proposition, only allowing football players hailing from the NCAA ranks to be eligible although there are clubs from Canada in the league. With that said, a number of top talents being courted by the European scene can sign Generation Adidas deals—geared toward keeping America's top talent in-house. 

The 2015 draft is right around the corner, set to begin on Jan. 15 at 12 p.m. ET in Philadelphia. Although it will span four whole rounds, let's take a look at who each club should target in Round 1.

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

With top Canadian forward Cyle Larin signing a GA (Generation Adidas) deal in the days leading up to the SuperDraft, he's all but assured to go No. 1 overall. His Canadian youth club, Sigma FC, released the news:

At the ripe age of 19, Larin put his abilities on display for the Connecticut Huskies, winning Conference Player of the Year honors in the process. A complete forward with a complete package that makes him a goalscoring threat on every possession, Larin will fit in nicely with the midfield Orlando City has thrown together.

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

His name may resemble Cristiano Ronaldo's, but Washington midfielder Cristian Roldan brings a completely different skill set to the table that should help a new club. NYCFC has a few midfield pieces to bring Roldan along at his own pace, but new coach Jason Kreis will soon have the Washington product flying all over the pitch.

3. Montreal Impact: Ramon Martin del Campo, CB, UC Davis

The cream of the draft class is with Larin and Roldan, but the Impact won't scoff at the prospect of selecting the best defensive player in the field. After all, only one team last season allowed more goals than Montreal (59).

Ramon Martin del Campo is very much a work in progress, but he has shown his suffocating defensive ability on the United States U-23 team and will adjust well to the MLS game.

4. San Jose Earthquakes: Khiry Shelton, F, Oregon State

It will be tough for the Earthquakes to pass up on some much-needed defense, but bringing in Khiry Shelton makes that thought go away quickly. Chris Wondolowski has been immensely consistent as San Jose's striker, but Shelton's youth and dynamic play can give Wondo a playmaker to work off of.

5. Portland Timbers: Boyd Okwuonu, D, North Carolina

The Timbers enter the SuperDraft looking to bounce back from a disappointing seventh-place finish in the West this season but could target North Carolina's Boyd Okwuonu. Last year's ACC Defender of the Year has been anchoring one of the nation's best defenses, using his 5'8", 175-pound frame to also join the attack with menace.

6. Toronto FC: Leo Stolz, M, UCLA

Leo Stolz doesn't fit the defensive need that Toronto FC enters the draft with, but alas, they have two more picks in the next five selections (yes, really). With that said, a talent like Stolz can't be passed on. The 23-year-old German has a wealth of experience and brings am intelligence to the midfield that should have him emerge as a leader very quickly.

7. Chicago Fire: Conor Donovan, CB, N.C. State

When the announcement of the United States U-20 team was made Monday, it wasn't much of a surprise that Conor Donovan made the cut as the only collegiate player, as Travis Clark of TopDrawerSoccer.com noted:

The 19-year-old brings plenty of youth to the table, but tons more skill and ability as a central defender. After allowing 51 goals in 34 games and finishing second to last in the East this season, Chicago is in desperate need of reinforcements to the back line.

8. Houston Dynamo: Romario Williams, F, Central Florida

Houston's biggest need seems to be on the outer edge of the midfield, but the Dynamo won't give up the chance to add a skilled forward in Romario Williams.

Scoring goals was a major problem for Houston last season, finishing with 39 goals in 34 games, but Williams will bring an immediate boost.

9. Toronto FC: Fatai Alashe, DM, Michigan State

Toronto FC might not get the defensive answer that they need immediately in Fatai Alashe, but he certainly projects as one. The 6'0" defensive midfielder makes his biggest impact in the back third, and his midfield abilities will translate well to the central defense if that's where Toronto wants him.

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

It's a match made in heaven, as Nick Besler joins brother and U.S. international star Matt Besler on a surging Sporting Kansas City squad. Nick Besler still has some developing left to do, but what better place to do so than alongside his older sibling?

11. Toronto FC: Oumar Ballo, CB, UMBC

Defender Oumar Ballo will be 24 years old before he suits up in a match for Toronto FC, but that could work in the club's favor as well. He's big and physical enough to play right away, and his age should help him to carve out a spot in a defense that needs him to make an immediate impact.

12. Sporting Kansas City: Otis Earle, LB, UC Riverside

Sporting play a style of football that demands a lot from the full-backs, which makes Otis Earle an easy selection. The UC Riverside left-back has the speed and ability to bring the ball up into the attack but is tactical enough on defense to help anchor the back four.

13. Vancouver Whitecaps: Dan Metzger, M, Maryland

Formerly a part of the New York Red Bulls program, Dan Metzger has distanced himself over the last few seasons as he has become a dangerous threat for Maryland. Vancouver already has some important pieces in the midfield, but Metzger will add reinforcements right off the bat.

14. Columbus Crew: Axel Sjoberg, CB, Marquette

The Columbus Crew will watch most of the top central defenders in the draft come off the board before No. 14, but there's no harm in settling with Axel Sjoberg. The Swedish international can strike up a native bond with head coach Gregg Berhalter and act as a physical option to crack the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

15. FC Dallas: Anthony Manning, D, Saint Louis

Anthony Manning hasn't reached his full potential in the college ranks, but those around Dallas already know of the home-grown talent's ability to impact the match defensively. Manning has the complete package of size to go along with on-ball ability and vision that resembles a midfielder.

16. Real Salt Lake: Aaron Simmons, DM, UCLA

Aaron Simmons carved out a unique role for himself in the defensive midfield for the UCLA Bruins, and Real Salt Lake will be fortunate if he can do the same in the MLS. Simmons might only act as a secondary piece to the squad early on but should develop into a key starter.

17. D.C. United: Alex Bono, GK, Syracuse

Already signed to a GA deal, Alex Bono figures to go off the board in Round 1 to a club that could use a solid squad goalkeeper. That just so happens to be D.C. United, who can nab Bono in Round 1 as a long-term option in net.

18. New York Red Bulls: Tim Parker, D, St. John's

It seems like a formality that the Red Bulls will go defensive with their first-round pick, but there's no telling which direction they will go in. They would do well to grab Tim Parker, a local product from St. John's who fits the bill for a team looking for central-defensive help.

19. Colorado Rapids: Eric Bird, M, Virginia

The Rapids will have a couple of ball-dominating midfielders to choose from at No. 19, and they would thrive by selecting Eric Bird. The Virginia midfielder's sky is the limit when moving forward with the ball, but he also has keen vision to make runs in space.

20. Sporting Kansas City: James Rogers, F, New Mexico

After nabbing a defender and a midfielder with their first two picks, Kansas City won't be able to pass up on some game-changing talent at the forward spot. James Rogers is versatile enough to line up in the midfield, but will project as a dangerous attacker for Sporting.

21. Los Angeles Galaxy: Jose Ribas, LB, Creighton

With a number of star players in the fold and coming off a MLS Cup championship, the Galaxy can afford to go after the best player available. That just so happens to fill a need, as Jose Ribas can use his vision and defensive presence to lock down the left-back position.

Full 2015 MLS Draft Selection Order

A complete list of the four-round draft order can be found below, courtesy of MLSSoccer.com. Rounds 1 and 2 will take place on Jan. 15, while the third and fourth rounds will be via conference call on Jan. 20.

Steven Cook is a Breaking News Team writer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Steven Gerrard has not arrived in Los Angeles yet, but he's already got a personal welcome from LA Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant.

"Welcome to La La Land," Kobe begins, before praising Gerrard's many skills on a football pitch and promising to come down to watch him play.

Next time, Kobe will doubtless be inviting Stevie G and his family down to his house for tea and cake.

[YouTube, LA Galaxy] 

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

As the calendar was preparing to flip over to 2015, fans of both New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls carried a ton of optimism about the new Major League Soccer season. 

Eight days into the new year, all hell has broken loose at both clubs, which has caused the American soccer-viewing public to focus on both teams for all the wrong reasons. 

Just before NYCFC fans began to ring in the new year, they were handed the news about Frank Lampard's extended stay at parent club Manchester City. 

In the days following the official news about Lampard's playing status, many season-ticket holders were angered at the handling of the confusing mess regarding the English midfielder's actual contract status. 

Just as tensions were beginning to subside a bit on the blue half of New York's soccer landscape, the red part of the fanbase received some heartbreaking news. 

In the waning hours of Tuesday night, a report broke from Metro New York's Kristian Dyer about the job status of beloved manager Mike Petke. Less than 12 hours later, the Red Bulls confirmed the parting of ways between the club and the former defender. 

Red Bulls fans felt the same amount of outrage over the managerial switch as their rival supporters displayed a week prior in regards to the Lampard situation. 

Petke was able to end New York's trophy curse in 2013 by capturing the Supporters' Shield. He also destroyed the myth that the Red Bulls can't win playoff games in 2014 with victories over Sporting Kansas City and D.C. United. 

To make matters worse, the Red Bulls almost immediately announced Jesse Marsch as the club's new boss for the 2015 season. 

On a day in which excitement was ready to be had due to the release of the 2015 schedule, the Red Bulls supporters were left in a state of shock. Recently appointed sporting director Ali Curtis let one of the franchise's own go in order to bring in a manager with a new vision for the future. 

Of course, with a massive disappointment comes the recovery process, which both clubs are trying to speed up with rumors of new signings. 

Both ownership groups have annoyed their significant others to the brink of a breakup. But in order to keep the relationship together, they have to buy some pricey jewels to right the ship. 

NYCFC is doing that with a rumored signing of United States men's national team cult hero Mix Diskerud, who at 24 would be a perfect player for manager Jason Kreis to help develop further. The potential signing of Diskerud was first reported by Goal's Ives Galarcep: 

If Diskerud does become a member of the expansion side, it will bring some smiles to the faces of supporters for the time being. But those smiles will turn right back into frowns if Lampard doesn't show up in July. 

MLS commissioner Don Garber confirmed to Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl that Lampard will join NYCFC in July earlier this week. 

"I’m going to be supportive of all our ownership groups, making them aware of my point of view," Garber told Wahl. "But we need to work hard now to move forward and recognize that Frank will be joining this team in July along with other Designated Players, who throughout the history of the Designated Player program have almost always joined in July." 

Although Lampard will be in a NYCFC shirt this summer, one has to wonder what type of form he will be in for the remainder of the 2015 season. It is no secret that designated players who enter the league during the summer transfer window tend to struggle with adjusting to the league. 

If that is the case with Lampard, who will have a month to rest his legs after the conclusion of the English Premier League season, the brass of the club will hear plenty of complaints from the club's supporters. 

Having an unproductive Lampard in the lineup throughout the final four months of the season could abandon all hope of making the playoffs in a weak Eastern Conference. If NYCFC misses the postseason and end the season on a bad note, we will certainly hear the critics flying in from everywhere about the handling of the Lampard ordeal.

The focal point of the controversy at Red Bull Arena is 100 percent not coming back, which makes things a bit harder for the club's management. 

Call it a minor coincidence that just hours after the club sacked Petke, they were linked with moves for two United States internationals. 

Goal's Ives Galarcep reported Wednesday that the Red Bulls were in talks with Sacha Kljestan, who is looking for a move away from Belgian side Anderlecht: 

The other player linked with the club was Jozy Altidore, who played for the club before moving overseas in 2008. But those rumored moves would only cover up the disappointing decision to let go of Petke. 

The acquisitions of the two players are not guaranteed either, especially the Altidore signing. ESPN's Taylor Twellman reported Wednesday that Toronto FC and the Portland Timbers are interested in the forward: 

By firing Petke in the manner they did, the Red Bulls ownership lumped even more pressure on to the shoulders of Marsch, who has been a candidate for a few MLS jobs since leaving Montreal in 2012. 

Marsch is seen as one of the brightest young American managers around. But if he doesn't lead the Red Bulls back to the Eastern Conference Final, his first season on the job will be seen as a failure. 

Even if the style of play is attractive and big names come to the club in the offseason, the Red Bulls have put themselves in a tough position unless a spot in the MLS Cup Final is the final result.

The Red Bulls and NYCFC, who are scheduled to meet for the first time on May 10 at Red Bull Arena, have mirrored how the Mets, Jets and Knicks run a franchise in the New York market over the last 10 days. 

Both clubs have a chance to rectify their mistakes over the next few months, but it is going to take a lot of on-field success to erase the damage that has been done this offseason. 

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. 

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard is joining the MLS. He can be an effective player immediately with L.A. Galaxy. 

How will Gerrard impact the game in America?

Watch Bleacher Report's Alex Dimond and Ryan Bailey discuss Steven Gerrard's ability to make a big marketing and goal-scoring push in the U.S. 

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Updates from Thursday, Jan. 8

The New York Red Bulls are not willing to spend the money to bring back Jozy Altidore to the club, according to Doug McIntyre of ESPN.

McIntyre claims that Altidore is seeking an annual salary of around $5 million to $6 million. However, the pressing issue is the transfer fee, which definitely won't be cheap.

Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney revealed that the club will try to sign the American international, per Kurtis Larson of the Toronto Sun.

Meanwhile, Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson admitted that the club is monitoring Altidore, via Jamie Goldberg of The Oregonian.

It appears as if TFC and the Timbers will be the front-runners to sign Altidore. Both ownership groups will be aggressive during the offseason after the two clubs failed to qualify for the 2014 playoffs.

Original Text

Sunderland forward and U.S. international Jozy Altidore is interested in returning to MLS, per ESPN's Taylor Twellman:

Twellman claims that three teams are keen on signing Altidore. Toronto FC, Portland Timbers and his old club—the New York Red Bulls—are the potential suitors.

Altidore has yet to score in 11 Premier League appearances this season. He has just one league goal since joining Sunderland last year, via ESPN FC.

However, the 25-year-old was prolific in The Netherlands. He scored 38 goals in 52 Eredivisie matches with AZ Alkmaar, per ESPN FC. He's also spent time with Villarreal and Hull City, among others.

It's unknown whether Altidore would be a designated player. However, all three teams that Twellman claims are interested in the American's services need help upfront.

Portland rotated their strikers in 2014. Maxi Urruti, Gaston Fernandez and Fanendo Adi shared the load, but having someone of Altidore's caliber could give head coach Caleb Porter a consistent option. 

Toronto's future all depends on Jermain Defoe's situation. The Englishman is linked with a move back to the Premier League, per Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror. If they signed Altidore, that would immediately solve their striker crisis.

Thierry Henry's retirement was a blow to the New York Red Bulls, but landing Altidore would give them a complementary option with last season's Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Welcome to Major League Soccer, Steven Gerrard, and also perhaps the teenage slang that goes with it. 

Gerrard's move to the Los Angeles Galaxy was completed on Wednesday, and Major League Soccer welcomed the Liverpool legend to the league with a tweet that would have old-school linguists up in arms. 

But the kids will love it! 

MLS celebrated the reunion of Gerrard with one-time Liverpool team-mate Robbie Keane (good) but did so with the use of #bae, slang for "baby" or "boo" (bad). 

Heck, they're trying to ban the word! 

[Major League Soccer]

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

It's been confirmed that Steven Gerrard will move to the LA Galaxy this summer after agreeing to join the franchise as its third designated player.

The Liverpool captain's deal at Anfield expires in June, and after already announcing that the 2014-15 campaign would be his last, the official LA Galaxy website posted footage of Gerrard talking about his move:

I'm very excited to begin the next chapter of my career in the United States with LA Galaxy. 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.

My discussions with Bruce Arena (manager) and Chris Klein (president) were extremely positive, and the future of the team is very bright. I am committed to helping the LA Galaxy compete for trophies and to having an impact in Los Angeles, and I will give my all for the club.

In the meantime, I will continue to give everything for Liverpool for the remainder of this season before joining up with the Galaxy.

It's a move that shows Major League Soccer retains its ability to draw world-class players, but the issue at hand is that not enough of those stars are coming in their prime.

Samuel Luckhurst uses David Beckham's experience in the United States as a time stamp to show how little things have changed down the years, with MLS still seen as a retirement hub for ageing stars:

But why is that seen as such a stigma? Granted, those across the pond would love to see the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and other world icons arriving at their gates while still in their youth, but such evolution is a process that will take decades.

And speaking of Ronaldo, it's clear that even the very best see the States as an appetising venture. The Daily Mail quotes the Real Madrid star's agent, Jorge Mendes, as saying a future move of his own is on the cards:

It's important to note that Major League Soccer isn't even 20 years old yet. The division's first fixture took place in April 1996, meaning the Premier League alone—the English top tier's 1992 reincarnation—has a longer lifespan.

Just as La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga have had to, MLS must concentrate its efforts in promoting grass-roots development. With a population of well over 300 million, the talent should be there to benefit.

Gerrard had other options in front of him, too, and chose his American switch despite the fact he very well could have carried on in England or undoubtedly drawn attention from other European suitors.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce this week, the 34-year-old said he would have penned another Liverpool deal had the club acted more swiftly in 2014:

Yes, if a contract had been put in front of me in pre-season I would have signed it. I’d just retired from England to concentrate all my efforts on Liverpool. I didn’t want my club games to be tailored. My injury record had been fantastic for the past two and a half years and I had a great season from a personal point of view last season.

It’s all ifs, buts and hindsight now. That period between the summer and the end of November gave me thinking time. There’s no blame and I’m not angry about it. There are other people in the squad and the club had other things to worry about.

But Liverpool's loss is America's gain in this scenario—more specifically, a gain for Los Angeles. 

Another ageing superstar of the West Coast city, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, spoke of his joy at seeing Gerrard agree to a deal with the Galaxy, per the club's official YouTube account:

Upon reaching the conclusion of his current deal, Gerrard will have spent a remarkable 28 years with Liverpool, first joining the English giants' academy at nine years of age.

After revealing that he would depart for pastures new at the end of 2014, the 34-year-old held an emotional interview with LFC TV, looking back on what he's accomplished with the club over the past 17 years:

However, Gerrard will soon begin a new chapter in his career, joining former Liverpool team-mate Robbie Keane at LA Galaxy and hoping to bring the franchise its fourth MLS Cup in the space of five seasons.

Given his age, some will continue to criticise Major League Soccer as little more than a lucrative pension plan for those flying in, but Gerrard can prove he still has a lot to offer and make the league more entertaining than ever.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

New York City FC appears to have moved on from the Frank Lampard debacle. According to Ives Galarcep of Goal.com, NYCFC is closing in on the signing of U.S. international Mix Diskerud.

Diskerud is out of contract after talks broke down between him and Norwegian club Rosenborg, per Sports Illustrated.

The USMNT member was being courted by Xolos Tijuana in Mexico, per MLSSoccer.com, and the Columbus Crew, via Ryan Rosenblatt of SB Nation. STV claimed that even Scottish side Celtic was interested in Diskerud.

However, none of those deals came to fruition, which meant Diskerud was still available on a free transfer. Now it appears as if one of MLS' newest teams is set to sign the Norwegian-born American international.

NYCFC holds the top spot in the allocation ranking, so if Diskerud were to join the league, he'd go through that process due to the fact that he's a national team player.

It's still unknown whether Diskerud would be signed as a designated player. NYCFC has used two of its three spots on Lampard and striker David Villa.

If NYCFC agrees to a deal with Diskerud, it would be a great acquisition. The 24-year-old can complement the defensive qualities of Ned Grabavoy in midfield. 

Diskerud is a midfielder who covers a lot of ground and has solid passing ability. Without Lampard, head coach Jason Kreis needs someone of that calibre to create chances in the final third.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

The New York Red Bulls have confirmed that they've parted ways with head coach Mike Petke, per the team's official website.

Assistant Robin Fraser has also been removed from the technical staff page of the club's site. 

Dave Martinez of Empire of Soccer claims that the Red Bulls are lining up Jesse Marsch as the new coach. Marsch's last job was with the Montreal Impact in the club's first season in MLS.

The always reliable Taylor Twellman has since confirmed Martinez's report:

Original Text

The New York Red Bulls have fired head coach Mike Petke, per Kristian Dyer of Metro New York:

According to Dyer, sporting director Ali Curtis sacked Petke after a meeting at Red Bull Arena. Goal.com's Ives Galarcep believes that the club's reasoning was due to a disagreement between management and the coach:

Regardless, the move still comes as a surprise. Petke claimed the Supporters' Shield in 2013, which is the only trophy the club has won since the rebrand.

He also helped guide the Red Bulls to the Eastern Conference finals this year. They lost to the New England Revolution 4-3 on aggregate. 

There's also a rumor involving one of Petke's assistants, Robin Fraser, departing New York for Toronto FC, which was also reported by Dyer on Big Apple Soccer.

French legend Thierry Henry retired in December, so the Red Bulls were set to undergo a few changes in the offseason. It appears as if finding a new coach is now at the top of the agenda.

This news is just the latest saga involving teams in the city that never sleeps. Frank Lampard extended his loan with Manchester City, sparking outrage from New York City FC fans.

As Sirius XM's Nicolino DiBenedetto points out, it's safe to assume that commissioner Don Garber didn't picture this debacle when he approved the formation of another New York club.

There have been reports of Red Bull wanting to sell the team, but Garber immediately rejected those claims in October, via MLSSoccer.com.

It will be hard to replace a man of Petke's qualities. He was clearly beloved by the supporters, especially after the success he's had as both a player and coach.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Steven Gerrard has confirmed he will join LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer after he leaves Liverpool in the summer.

The 34-year-old, who last week announced his departure from Anfield, will link up with Bruce Arena's team in July after the end of the current Premier League campaign.

Arena is quoted by Sky Sports from an interview with the LA Times as saying:

Steven Gerrard arrives in July and by then we will certainly have a plan available.

He's a player of quality. I'm not concerned about how he's going to fit in with our team.

We have a club now with a proven history of success. All those things go hand in hand in making LA Galaxy a very attractive team for players such as Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard is following a familiar path for Premier League players. David Beckham starred for the Galaxy, while Robbie Keane is the club's main striker.

But is the Liverpool midfielder making the right move?

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here