Week 11 Rookie Watch

Draftees

2. Joshua Yaro (Philadelphia) - Started vs LA Galaxy, 90 mins
2. Joshua Yaro (Philadelphia) - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins
3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs LA Galaxy, 90 mins, 3 shots, 1 goal
3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, 2 shots
4. Brandon Vincent (Chicago) - Sub vs Vancouver - 28 mins
4. Brandon Vincent (Chicago) - Started vs New England - 90 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs LA Galaxy, 4 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs Montreal, 24 mins, 1 shot
9. Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto FC) - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins, 1 shot
11. Julian Buescher (DC United) - Sub vs NYRB, 16 mins, 1 shot
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Started vs New England, 90 mins
51. Femi Hollinger-Janzen (New England) - Sub vs Chicago - 18 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal

Homegrowns

Joey Calistri (Chicago) - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 assist
Joey Calistri (Chicago) - Sub vs New England, 13 mins
Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Started vs FC Dallas, 90 mins, 1 shot
Alex Muyl (NYRB) - Sub vs DC United, 19 mins

Jordan Morris saw his scoring streak come to an end, but New England's Femi Hollinger-Janzen headed in a goal for the Revs, the first of his career. Philadelphia's Keegan Rosenberry continued to make his case for being an early rookie of the year favorite by adding his first goal along with playing solid defense at right back for the Union. Elsewhere, Chicago's Joey Calistri earned his first career assist while making his first career start in midweek action.

Week 8-9 Rookie Watch

Week 8

Draftees

2. Joshua Yaro (Philadelphia) - Started vs NYCFC, 90 mins
3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs NYCFC, 90 mins, 1 shot
19. Rodrigo Saravia (Columbus) - Sub vs Houston, 16 mins
37. Dennis Castillo (Colorado) - Sub vs Seattle, 30 mins, 1 assist

Homegrowns

Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Started vs Colorado, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal
Alex Muyl (NYRB) - Sub vs Orlando City, 4 mins, 1 shot

Week 9

Draftees

2. Joshua Yaro (Philadelphia) - Started vs San Jose, 90 mins
3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs San Jose, 90 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs San Jose, 4 mins
9. Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto FC) - Started vs Portland, 78 mins
11. Julian Buescher (DC United) - Sub vs Chicago, 18 mins, 1 shot
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Started vs DC United, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal
19. Rodrigo Saravia (Columbus) - Sub vs Seattle, 13 mins
51. Femi Hollinger-Janzen (New England) - Sub vs Portland - 20 mins, 2 shots
51. Femi Hollinger-Janzen (New England) - Started vs Orlando City - 70 mins, 1 shot

Homegrowns

Justin Bilyeu (NYRB) - Sub vs FC Dallas, 10 mins
Joey Calistri (Chicago) - Sub vs DC United, 37 mins
Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Started vs Columbus, 90 mins, 3 shots, 1 goal
Alex Muyl (NYRB) - Sub vs FC Dallas, 18 mins, 1 assist

Jordan Morris stayed hot for Seattle now having scored in three straight matches for the Sounders while Chicago's Jonathan Campbell knocked home his first MLS goal. Elsewhere, DC United's Julian Buescher and Toronto's Tsubasa Endoh returned to action, New York's Alex Muyl and Colorado's Dennis Castillo each earned assists, while the Philadelphia duo of Josh Yaro and Keegan Rosenberry continued to hold down the backline for the Union.

Week 7 Rookie Watch

Draftees

2. Joshua Yaro (Philadelphia) - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins
3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs Seattle, 15 mins
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, 1 shot
19. Rodrigo Saravia (Columbus) - Sub vs NYCFC, 1 min
22. Alex Morrell (Chicago) - Sub vs Montreal, 32 mins, 2 shots
49. Kip Colvey (San Jose) - Started vs Portland, 90 mins

Homegrowns

Tyler Adams (NYRB) - Started vs San Jose, 45 mins
Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Started vs Philadelphia, 82 mins, 3 shots, 1 goal
Alex Muyl (NYRB) - Started vs Colorado, 90 mins, 2 shots

Second overall pick Josh Yaro, Guatemalan international Rodrigo Saravia, and 17 year-old Tyler Adams all made their MLS debuts this week, but the real story this week was the long awaited first MLS goal by Jordan Morris. Morris's goal would end up being the game winner in Seattle's 2-1 win over Philadelphia on Saturday night.

Week 6 Rookie Watch

Draftees

3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs Orlando City, 27 mins, 1 shot
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Started vs NYCFC, 90 mins, 1 shot
22. Alex Morrell (Chicago) - Sub vs NYCFC, 6 mins
51. Femi Hollinger-Janzen (New England) - Sub vs Toronto, 1 min

Homegrowns

Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Started vs Houston, 79 mins
Alex Muyl (NYRB) - Sub vs Sporting KC, 5 mins

Chicago's Alex Morrell and New York's Alex Muyl each made their MLS debuts this weekend in another quiet week for the 2016 rookie class. Regulars Keegan Rosenberry, Jonathan Campbell and Jordan Morris each all started for their respective clubs, but preseason Rookie of the Year favorite Morris has still yet to tally a goal or an assist in his professional career.

Week 5 Rookie Watch

Draftees

3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs Chicago, 90 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs Chicago, 12 mins
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins
51. Femi Hollinger-Janzen (New England) - Sub vs NYRB, 3 mins

Homegrowns

Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Sub vs Montreal, 33 mins

Jonathan Campbell helped the Chicago Fire to their first win of the 2016 MLS campaign with a 90 minute stint in central defense as the Fire shutout the Union, 1-0. Keegan Rosenberry went the full 90 minutes at right back in a losing effort for Philly. Jordan Morris came off the bench for the first time in 2016 on Saturday night and while he was on the field for Clint Dempsey's game winner, he wasn't involved in the game's only goal. Morris remains scoreless for the 1-3-0 Sounders.

Week 3 Rookie Watch

Draftees

3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs New England, 90 mins
4. Brandon Vincent (Chicago) - Started vs Columbus, 90 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs New England, 1 min, 2 shots
9. Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto FC) - Started vs Sporting KC, 77 mins, 1 shot
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Started vs Columbus, 90 mins
49. Kip Colvey (San Jose) - Started vs LA Galaxy, 90 mins
51. Femi Hollinger-Janzen (New England) - Sub vs Philadelphia, 15 mins

Homegrowns

Joey Calistri (Chicago) - Sub vs Columbus, 1 min
Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Started vs Vancouver, 71 mins, 2 shots

The Chicago Fire continue to set the pace for rookies in 2016 with Brandon Vincent, Jonathan Campbell and Joey Calistri all seeing action for the third straight week. Elsewhere, New England's Femi Hollinger-Janzen made his MLS debut as a substitute in New England's blowout loss to the Union. Meanwhile the winless Sounders continue to struggle in Jordan Morris's debut season losing a third straight to start the campaign.

Week 2 Rookie Watch

Draftees

3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs Columbus, 90 mins
4. Brandon Vincent (Chicago) - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs Columbus, 4 mins
9. Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto FC) - Started vs NYCFC, 59 mins
11. Julian Buescher (DC United) - Sub vs New England, 19 mins
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins, 1 shot
13. Hadji Barry (Orlando City) - Sub vs Chicago, 17 mins
49. Kip Colvey (San Jose) - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, 1 assist

Homegrowns

Joey Calistri (Chicago) - Sub vs Orlando City, 6 mins
Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Started vs RSL, 76 mins

The same 10 rookies who debuted in Week 1 were all in action again in Week 2. Chicago's Jonathan Campbell and San Jose's Kip Colvey each made their first MLS starts while Colvey added his first career assist. Seattle's Jordan Morris was shutout for the second straight match as Seattle fell to 0-2-0.

Week 1 Rookie Watch

Draftees

3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs FCD, 90 mins
4. Brandon Vincent (Chicago) - Started vs NYCFC, 90 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs FCD, 7 mins, 1 shot
9. Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto FC) - Started vs NYRB, 84 mins, 2 shots
11. Julian Buescher (DC United) - Sub vs LA, 15 mins
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Sub vs NYCFC, 45 mins, 1 shot
13. Hadji Barry (Orlando City) - Sub vs Real Salt Lake, 13 mins, 1 shot, 1 assist
49. Kip Colvey (San Jose) - Sub vs Colorado, 45 mins

Homegrowns

Joey Calistri (Chicago) - Sub vs NYCFC, 9 mins
Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Started vs Sporting KC, 83 mins, 1 shot


10 rookies were in action yesterday as the 2016 MLS campaign kicked off with a bang. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia), Brandon Vincent (Chicago), Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto) and Jordan Morris (Seattle) all made the Starting Eleven for their respective clubs, but only Orlando City's Hadji Barry made the scoresheet with a stoppage time assist in Orlando City's wild 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake.

Who's Adding Who - Chicago Fire - Update 2

Latest moves in red.

In:

F Joey Calistri (12/17/15 - Homegrown) - Calistri was a four-year starter for Northwestern and finished his career as the Wildcats' second all-time leading scorer. In total, Calistri ended up with 30 goals and 14 assists including three goals and a career high six assists as a senior.

M Drew Conner (12/17/15 - Homegrown) - Conner was a four-year starter for the University of Wisconsin and served as the team's captain in 2015. In his four years with the Badgers, he amassed 73 starts scoring six goals while tallying 12 assists.

D Brandon Vincent (1/14/16 - SuperDraft) - One of Jurgen Klinsmann's surprise additions to the January USMNT camp, Vincent enjoyed a stellar senior season for National Champion Stanford that included being named the 2015 College Cup's Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Vincent scored six goals and added two assists in 23 matches for the 18-2-3 Cardinal.

D Jonathan Campbell (1/14/16 - SuperDraft) - A Senior defender from the University of North Carolina, Campbell had a goal and four assists for the 15-2-3 Tarheels who reached the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament before falling 1-0 to Creighton.
D Michael Harrington (1/18/16 - free agency) - The third overall pick in the 2007 SuperDraft, Harrington needs just 4 more starts to reach 200 as he enters his 10th MLS season. Harrington has played with Kansas City, Portland and most recently Colorado for whom he started 14 matches in 2015. Harrington finished third in the 2007 Rookie of the Year voting.
GK Patrick McLain (1/18/16 - free) - McLain was with Chivas USA in 2012 and 2013 and made a pair of MLS appearances for the Goats. He spent the 2015 season with the Sacramento Republic (USL) going 11-8-5 with six shutouts and a 1.25 goals against average.

D João Meira (1/23/16 - free) - Meira is a 28 year-old Portuguese central defender who played most recently for Belenenses, who he helped return to the Portuguese top flight.

M Nick LaBrocca (1/27/16 - free agency) - The 31 year-old LaBrocca gets ready for his 10th MLS season after previous stints with Colorado, Toronto and Chivas USA. An All-Star with Chivas USA in 2011 when he scored a career high eight goals and six assists, LaBrocca made just six starts in 2015 with the Colorado Rapids.
D Johan Kappelhof (2/2/16 - transfer from Groningen) - The 25 year-old former Ajax youth academy member comes to the Fire after spending the past five seasons with Groningen, currently in 10th place in the Dutch Eredivisie. Kappelhof appeared in a handful of matches for the Netherlands U21s between 2011 and 2013.
D Rodrigo Ramos (2/3/16 - loan from Coritiba) - The 19 year old Ramos features on Brazil's U-20 National Team and is a 2015 U-20 World Cup veteran. Ramos made his professional debut last June with Coritiba of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.

 

Out:

D Adaílton (11/30/15 - option declined) - Miami FC (NASL)

GK Jon Busch (11/30/15 - option declined) - Indy Eleven (NASL)

F Jason Johnson (11/30/15 - option declined) - San Antonio FC (USL)

GK Alec Kann (11/30/15 - option declined) - Sporting Kansas City

D Jeff Larentowicz (11/30/15 - option declined) - LA Galaxy

D Lovel Palmer (11/30/15 - option declined) - Indy Eleven (NASL)

M Chris Ritter (11/30/15 - option declined)

D Daneil Cyrus (11/30/15 - loan expired) - W Connection (Trinidad and Tobago)

D Ty Harden (11/30/15 - out of contract)

F Mike Magee (11/30/15 - out of contract) - LA Galaxy

M Matt Watson (11/30/15 - out of contract) - Carolina RailHawks (NASL)

M Patrick Nyarko (1/6/16 - traded to D.C. United) - DC United

M Jack Harrison (1/14/16 - traded to NYCFC) - New York City FC
D Joevin Jones (1/14/16 - traded to Seattle) - Seattle Sounders
M Harry Shipp (2/13/16 - traded to Montreal) - Montreal Impact

USMNT vs Canada, Final Thoughts

1. Regardless of how it looked, the U.S. comes away from their January camp with a pair of victories, and as we approach the next set of World Cup Qualifiers, the confidence gained from those wins shouldn't be undervalued. Equally notable is the fact that Jozy Altidore scored in both matches, and getting him on a hot streak in 2016 would be huge given some of the other question marks surrounding the USMNT.

2. I thought Brandon Vincent looked excellent in his National Team debut at left back. It wasn't a perfect outing or anything, but he looked confident and comfortable. Canada failed to do anything of note down his side, and Vincent was effective at getting into the attack even forcing a tough save in an attempt on goal. With lots of question marks on defense, it was nice to see a newcomer really seize the opportunity given him in the January camp, and there's good reason to be excited if you're a Chicago Fire fan.

Who's Adding Who - Chicago Fire - Update 1

Latest moves in red.

In:

F Joey Calistri (12/17/15 - Homegrown) - Calistri was a four-year starter for Northwestern and finished his career as the Wildcats' second all-time leading scorer. In total, Calistri ended up with 30 goals and 14 assists including three goals and a career high six assists as a senior.

M Drew Conner (12/17/15 - Homegrown) - Conner was a four-year starter for the University of Wisconsin and served as the team's captain in 2015. In his four years with the Badgers, he amassed 73 starts scoring six goals while tallying 12 assists.

D Brandon Vincent (1/14/16 - SuperDraft) - One of Jurgen Klinsmann's surprise additions to the January USMNT camp, Vincent enjoyed a stellar senior season for National Champion Stanford that included being named the 2015 College Cup's Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Vincent scored six goals and added two assists in 23 matches for the 18-2-3 Cardinal.

D Jonathan Campbell (1/14/16 - SuperDraft) - A Senior defender from the University of North Carolina, Campbell had a goal and four assists for the 15-2-3 Tarheels who reached the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament before falling 1-0 to Creighton.
D Michael Harrington (1/18/16 - free agency) - The third overall pick in the 2007 SuperDraft, Harrington needs just 4 more starts to reach 200 as he enters his 10th MLS season. Harrington has played with Kansas City, Portland and most recently Colorado for whom he started 14 matches in 2015. Harrington finished third in the 2007 Rookie of the Year voting.
GK Patrick McLain (1/18/16 - free) - McLain was with Chivas USA in 2012 and 2013 and made a pair of MLS appearances for the Goats. He spent the 2015 season with the Sacramento Republic (USL) going 11-8-5 with six shutouts and a 1.25 goals against average.

D João Meira (1/23/16 - free) - Meira is a 28 year-old Portuguese central defender who played most recently for Belenenses, who he helped return to the Portuguese top flight.

M Nick LaBrocca (1/27/16 - free agency) - The 31 year-old LaBrocca gets ready for his 10th MLS season after previous stints with Colorado, Toronto and Chivas USA. An All-Star with Chivas USA in 2011 when he scored a career high eight goals and six assists, LaBrocca made just six starts in 2015 with the Colorado Rapids.
D Johan Kappelhof (2/2/16 - transfer from Groningen) - The 25 year-old former Ajax youth academy member comes to the Fire after spending the past five seasons with Groningen, currently in 10th place in the Dutch Eredivisie. Kappelhof appeared in a handful of matches for the Netherlands U21s between 2011 and 2013.

Out:

D Adaílton (11/30/15 - option declined)

GK Jon Busch (11/30/15 - option declined) - Indy Eleven (NASL)

F Jason Johnson (11/30/15 - option declined)

GK Alec Kann (11/30/15 - option declined) - Sporting Kansas City

D Jeff Larentowicz (11/30/15 - option declined) - LA Galaxy

D Lovel Palmer (11/30/15 - option declined) - Indy Eleven (NASL)

M Chris Ritter (11/30/15 - option declined)

D Daneil Cyrus (11/30/15 - loan expired) - W Connection (Trinidad and Tobago)

D Ty Harden (11/30/15 - out of contract)

F Mike Magee (11/30/15 - out of contract) - LA Galaxy

M Matt Watson (11/30/15 - out of contract) - Carolina RailHawks (NASL)

M Patrick Nyarko (1/6/16 - traded to D.C. United) - DC United

M Jack Harrison (1/14/16 - traded to NYCFC) - New York City FC
D Joevin Jones (1/14/16 - traded to Seattle) - Seattle Sounders

Who's Adding Who - Chicago Fire

In:

F Joey Calistri (12/17/15 - Homegrown) - Calistri was a four-year starter for Northwestern and finished his career as the Wildcats' second all-time leading scorer. In total, Calistri ended up with 30 goals and 14 assists including three goals and a career high six assists as a senior.

M Drew Conner (12/17/15 - Homegrown) - Conner was a four-year starter for the University of Wisconsin and served as the team's captain in 2015. In his four years with the Badgers, he amassed 73 starts scoring six goals while tallying 12 assists. 

D Brandon Vincent (1/14/16 - SuperDraft) - One of Jurgen Klinsmann's surprise additions to the January USMNT camp, Vincent enjoyed a stellar senior season for National Champion Stanford that included being named the 2015 College Cup's Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Vincent scored six goals and added two assists in 23 matches for the 18-2-3 Cardinal.

D Jonathan Campbell (1/14/16 - SuperDraft) - A Senior defender from the University of North Carolina, Campbell had a goal and four assists for the 15-2-3 Tarheels who reached the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament before falling 1-0 to Creighton.
D Michael Harrington (1/18/16 - free agency) - The third overall pick in the 2007 SuperDraft, Harrington needs just 4 more starts to reach 200 as he enters his 10th MLS season. Harrington has played with Kansas City, Portland and most recently Colorado for whom he started 14 matches in 2015. Harrington finished third in the 2007 Rookie of the Year voting.
GK Patrick McLain (1/18/16 - free) - McLain was with Chivas USA in 2012 and 2013 and made a pair of MLS appearances for the Goats. He spent the 2015 season with the Sacramento Republic (USL) going 11-8-5 with six shutouts and a 1.25 goals against average. 

D João Meira (1/23/16 - free) - Meira is a 28 year-old Portuguese central defender who played most recently for Belenenses, who he helped return to the Portuguese top flight. 

M Nick LaBrocca (1/27/16 - free agency) - The 31 year-old LaBrocca gets ready for his 10th MLS season after previous stints with Colorado, Toronto and Chivas USA. An All-Star with Chivas USA in 2011 when he scored a career high eight goals and six assists, LaBrocca made just six starts in 2015 with the Colorado Rapids.

Out:

D Adaílton (11/30/15 - option declined)

GK Jon Busch (11/30/15 - option declined) - Indy Eleven (NASL)

F Jason Johnson (11/30/15 - option declined)

GK Alec Kann (11/30/15 - option declined) - Sporting Kansas City

D Jeff Larentowicz (11/30/15 - option declined) - LA Galaxy

D Lovel Palmer (11/30/15 - option declined) - Indy Eleven (NASL)

M Chris Ritter (11/30/15 - option declined)

D Daneil Cyrus (11/30/15 - loan expired) - W Connection (Trinidad and Tobago)

D Ty Harden (11/30/15 - out of contract)

F Mike Magee (11/30/15 - out of contract) - LA Galaxy

M Matt Watson (11/30/15 - out of contract) - Carolina RailHawks (NASL)

M Patrick Nyarko (1/6/16 - traded to D.C. United) - DC United

M Jack Harrison (1/14/16 - traded to NYCFC) - New York City FC
D Joevin Jones (1/14/16 - traded to Seattle) - Seattle Sounders

Haiti and Panama Earn Final Copa América Berths

Haiti and Panama each won their respective play-in games on Friday to clinch the final spots in the 16-team field for the 2016 Copa América Centenario. Haiti defeated Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 while Panama upended Cuba 4-0. MLSers Kevan George (Columbus, Trinidad & Tobago), Joevin Jones (Chicago, Trinidad & Tobago) and Anibal Godoy (San Jose, Panama) all appeared for their respective teams while former FC Dallas Striker Blas Pérez scored his 38th international goal for Panama and former LA Galaxy keeper Jaime Penedo started in net for Panama and earned the shutout. Here's a look at all 16 teams that will be participating in this summer's tournament along with their rankings in the latest FIFA poll:

2. Argentina
5. Chile
6. Brazil
8. Colombia
11. Uruguay
13. Ecuador
23. Mexico
32. United States
37. Costa Rica
46. Paraguay
47. Peru
55. Jamaica
65. Panama
70. Bolivia
79. Haiti
83. Venezuela

Odds and Ends

Ridgwell to Debut this Weekend?

Portland Timbers center back Liam Ridgewell is on loan until February with English Football League Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion, and may get his first action this weekend as Brighton takes on Hull City on Saturday morning. If he does, he'll have a chance to match up against former Chicago Fire striker Shaun Maloney who joined Hull City in August after spending just eight months in Chicago. Maloney has scored one goal since returning to England.

Copa América Centenario Playoffs

Today Panama City will play host to the final two play-in games for the Copa América Centenario. In the first match, Panama will take on Cuba, and in the second Trinidad and Tobago will play Haiti. Current MLSers Aníbal Godoy (Panama, San Jose), Joevin Jones (Trinidad and Tobago, Chicago), Kevan George (Trinidad and Tobago, Columbus), and Cordell Cato (Trinidad and Tobago, San Jose) will all be suiting up for the matches as well as a number of former/unsigned MLSers including Soni Mustivar (Haiti), Blas Pérez (Panama), Gabriel Torres (Panama) and Daneil Cyrus (Trinidad and Tobago). The actual tournament, which will be held in the United States, will begin in early June.

Making Moves

1. Jeff Larentowicz signs with LA Galaxy - The versatile veteran Larentowicz marks LA's second big addition (goalkeeper Dan Kennedy being the first) in an offseason in which they've watched two of their regulars (Omar Gonzalez and Juninho) depart for Liga MX. The Ginja Ninja will begin his 12th MLS season as one of only 30 field players with over 300 career appearances and he ranks 17th all-time among field players with 26,139 minutes played. Now 32, Larentowicz is coming off back-to-back six goal seasons for the Chicago Fire, but it remains to be seen where he'll fit into the mix with LA who almost certainly isn't done setting their roster for 2016.

2. Brad Davis traded to Sporting Kansas City - Only two players in MLS history have more assists than Brad Davis's 122. They are Landon Donovan (136) and Steve Ralston (135). And now, for the first time in over a decade, the Missouri native won't be suiting up as a member of the Houston Dynamo. Instead he returns "home" following a trade to Sporting Kansas City in exchange for draft picks. Davis, who has six double digit assist seasons in the past seven years, likely became expendable following Houston's recent deal with the Philadelphia Union that brought in both Cristian Maidana and Andrew Wenger. Now the former U.S. National Teamer and World Cup veteran finds himself on a deep and talented roster that is poised to make a deep Champions League run in 2016. In addition to trading for Davis, Sporting Kansas City has also brought in veterans Lawrence Olum and Justin Mapp, while returning almost their entire roster from 2015.

3. Simon Dawkins signs with San Jose Earthquakes - After spending the past three years in England playing for Aston Villa and Derby County, Simon Dawkins returns to MLS and the San Jose Earthquakes. The Tottenham Hotspur Academy alum was loaned to San Jose for the 2011 and 2012 seasons during which he scored 14 goals out of the midfield and helped the Quakes to the 2012 Supporters Shield. The Jamaican International, who just turned 28 last month, becomes the fourth designated player under contract with San Jose joining Chris Wondolowski, Innocent and Matías Pérez García, but speculation is the Quakes will use the additional cash the league provided to buy down García's DP contract. Dawkins now gives the Quakes yet another offensive weapon as the league's third weakest attack in 2015 continues to make big strides towards a hopefully stronger 2016.

U.S. U-23s Throttled in Loss to Brazil, 5-1

An early 1-0 lead quickly became a distant memory as the U.S. U-23s found themselves on the wrong end of a rout in Brazil. The two teams went into halftime tied at one goal apiece before the floodgates opened up and Brazil wound up winning 5-1. The U.S. were outscored 7-2 in their two game series with the Brazilians. It was a disappointing trip for the U.S. as they get ready for next year's two-game series with Colombia to determine the final spot in the 2016 Olympics. Colombia split two games with Brazil earlier this year in the South American Youth Football Championship, dropping their first match 2-1, before beating them 3-0. Here's a look at how MLS was represented in the Starting XI of today's defeat:

Starters vs Brazil

Dave Romney - LA Galaxy
Eric Miller - Montreal Impact
Dillon Serna - Colorado Rapids
Matt Polster - Chicago Fire
Khiry Shelton - New York City FC

U-23s Drop Opener in Brazil, 2-1

The U.S. U-23s dropped the first of two friendlies scheduled with Brazil, 2-1 on Wednesday. Jerome Kiesewetter, who scored 4 goals during Olympic Qualifying, converted a penalty kick for the U.S.'s only goal after they'd already fallen behind 2-0. Of the 11 U.S. starters, four weren't a part of the group that participated in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (John Brooks, Eric Miller, Julian Green, Khiry Shelton), and a fifth (goalkeeper Charlie Horton) was on the U.S. roster, but didn't appear in any matches. Here's a look at how MLS was represented in the Starting XI.
 
Starters vs Brazil
 
Boyd Okwuonu - Real Salt Lake
Eric Miller - Montreal Impact
Fatai Alashe - San Jose Earthquakes
Matt Polster - Chicago Fire
Khiry Shelton - New York City FC

Season in Review: Chicago Fire

Record: 8-20-6, 30 pts, 10th Place Eastern Conference
Goals For: 43
Goals Against: 58

Team Leaders

Goals: David Accam - 10
Assists: Harry Shipp - 8
Shutouts: Sean Johnson - 4
All-Stars: None

Year in Review

Chicago made a lot of noise this past offseason bringing in players like David Accam, Kennedy Igboananike, Adaílton, Guly Do Prado, Jon Busch, Michael Stephens, Joevin Jones and Shaun Maloney. Unfortunately, most of the moves didn't pay off. Do Prado parted on mutual terms in early August after fifteen scoreless appearances while Maloney, the Scottish International, was transferred to Hull City a few weeks later after scoring just 3 goals in 14 appearances. Big Brazilian center back Adaílton failed to provide stability along a back line that surrendered a league worst 58 goals, and overall the club just never really got into a groove peaking with a three game winning streak that ended in early April; in Chicago's final eight matches, they lost seven times. Several midseason moves fell flat for the Fire as well including their trade of Quincy Amarikwa to the Quakes for defender Ty Harden. The Fire then watched Amarikwa - who went scoreless in 14 games for the Fire this season - finish as the Quakes second leading scorer with six goals and third on the club in assists with four. Harden, meanwhile, made just three starts for Chicago. The Fire also had to endure winning the rights to Didier Drogba only basically having to trade him to Montreal instead. And you all know how that Drogba guy ended up doing up north. Finally, Mike Magee - who scored 21 goals in 2013 - never fully recovered from last season's injury and was limited to just 3 starts while being held scoreless. It wasn't all bad though despite the club record 20 losses. Accam finished the season with ten goals and Igboananike added seven more of his own. Harry Shipp showed his rookie season wasn't a fluke with a solid second season including eight assists, SuperDraftee Matt Polster garnered USMNT U-23 attention with his performance, and Joevin Jones showed tremendous versatility playing all over the field while making 28 appearances. Finally, Gilberto, although a consolation prize following the loss of Drogba, finally gave the attack some consistency and credibility as his five goals were the fourth most on the team despite his appearing in just ten matches.

What's Next?

The Fire have an open Designated Player spot on their roster so they could go out this offseason and make a splashy signing to go along with Accam and Gilberto. It will be interesting to see how they use that though as their biggest needs aren't necessarily in flashy positions. There's no question that Chicago will need to address the issues along their back line going forward. Offensively, despite their shortcomings in 2015, this group has the playmakers to be competitive in the East, but adding depth to their attack certainly wouldn't hurt them. Goalkeeper becomes a bit of a question mark as well with ongoing rumors about Sean Johnson's departure overseas, but even if he leaves, they do have veteran Jon Busch, as well as Alec Kann who made six saves in the season finale on the roster. The Fire last made the postseason in 2012, and they have their work cut out for them, but they at least appear to have some pieces in place to begin to turn things around.

MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch - Week 34

As the 2015 MLS regular season drew to a close yesterday, we saw 11 different rookies take the field across various competitions during the final week of the season. Highlights included Dominique Badji's second goal of the season, Fatai Alashe's second assist of the season, and multiple starts by Sporting KC's Saad Abdul-Salaam, as well as Colorado's Axel Sjöberg and Badji. Here's a rundown of all the rookie action in the final week of the season:

MLS

1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins, 1 shot
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Started vs New England, 56 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs FC Dallas, 90 mins, 1 assist
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs NYRB, 90 mins, 3 shots, yellow card
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC -  Started vs Colorado, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs LA, 90 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Houston - 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Portland, 90 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Sub vs Vancouver, 1 min
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Sub vs Real Salt Lake, 20 mins
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 74 mins, 1 shot
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal

CCL

13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Sub vs Olimpia, 28 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs Comunicaciones, 90 mins

MLS's 20-Goal Scorers

As we enter the final week of the regular season with Toronto's Sebastian Giovinco and Columbus's Kei Kamara neck-and-neck for the Golden Boot, and several other players within striking distance of 20 goals, it's worth noting that no player in MLS history has EVER scored more than 20 goals in a season more than once. Here's a rundown of all the 20-goal scorers in MLS history and a look at how they fared in the aftermath of eclipsing the 20-goal plateau:

Roy Lassiter - 1996, 27 - Lassiter is still tied for the most goals scored in a single season after scoring 27 in the league's inaugural campaign. Lassiter did score 18 goals with DC United in both 1998 and 1999, but failed to reach double digits in his final three season in the league. Career Goals: 88

Raúl Díaz Arce - 1996, 23 - El Salvador's official all-time leading scorer with 39 goals in 68 appearances, Díaz Arce helped DC United win back-to-back titles in 1996 and 1997. He scored 15 goals during the 1997 campaign in just 22 matches, and then scored 18 in 1998 with New England, but split the 1999, 2000 and 2001 campaigns between multiple clubs averaging less than nine goals a season his final three years in the league. Career Goals: 82

Eduardo Hurtado - 1996, 21 - Hurtado tallied 21 goals for the Galaxy in 1996, but reached double digits only one more time (11 goals in 1998) before washing out of MLS in 2000. Career Goals: 47