MLS mid-week news roundup

Julian Gressel of Atlanta United has been named MLS Rookie of the Year over Philadelphia defender Jack Elliott and Minnesota United forward Abu Danladi. Gressel scored five goals and racked up nine assists in his first season, playing 2048 minutes. Meanwhile, Danladi scored eight goals with three assists in 1391 minutes. The vote tallies are below.

The MLS playofffs are currently on break in observance of the FIFA international window spanning from November 6 to November 15. While we wait for the conference finals to kick off, the future landscape of MLS continues to change its shape. Nashville’s city council approved a financing plan for a soccer-specific stadium, a decision that gives their MLS expansion bid a major boost.

Reports are beginning to surface that New England Revolution have named former United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel as their new head coach. Friedel most recently has coached the United States U-19 squad while also working as an analyst for Fox Sports. The former Premier League goalkeeper is expected to sign his deal this week.

Montreal Impact have also named a new head coach in Remi Garde. The Frenchman had most recently coached Aston Villa in England. Prior to coaching in the Premier League, Garde had coached Olympique Lyonnais where he coached the club to a Coupe de France title in 2012.

US Soccer call-ups revealed for Portugal friendly

USMNT’s interim head coach Dave Sarachan called in a squad of 21 for next week’s friendly in Portugal. In a look to the future, Sarachan has called a fairly young and inexperienced squad. Minnesota United fans will quickly look and find their star striker Christian Ramirez’s name missing from the roster, in favor of the likes of Philadelphia’s C.J. Sapong and Orlando’s Dom Dwyer.

News bits

• Both NYCFC midfielder and former Italian international Andrea Pirlo and LA Galaxy defender Robbie Rogers have both announced their retirement from professional soccer this week.
• Landon Donovan appears to have changed his mind and will not run for president of USSF according to recent rumors.
• Howard Webb, who helped bring Video Assistant Review (VAR) to MLS, reflects on its first year of implementation.
• New MLS side LAFC have worked with supporters to bring soccer pub culture to their new stadium.

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