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MLS has big news from 2 expansion clubs
LAFC and Minnesota United are getting closer to playing in shiny new stadiums.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The once uncertain long-term future of MLS is starting to take shape. LAFC has announced that they’ll be holding a groundbreaking ceremony for their new stadium next week, and some even bigger news is coming out of Minnesota. They’ll make an announcement at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, where MLS commissioner Don Garber is expected to confirm that they’re ready to start play next season.
MLS has been waiting to announce the news while local government approves the team’s proposed stadium. Apparently that process is far enough along that the league feels comfortable letting Minnesota United FC start play quickly. They’re expected to play at the University of Minnesota’s football stadium until their ground is finished.
Old school compilation of the day
While we’re talking about the future of MLS, let’s look back at the 35-yard run-up. (MLS on YouTube)
In the news
Pep Guardiola has stated publicly that Joe Hart can leave. (BBC)
Watford has signed Roberto Pereyra from Juventus. (Guardian)
Joe Allen found out Liverpool had sold him when he got a text from a friend who read the news. (ESPN FC)
Augsburg and Netherlands star Paul Verhaegh is out with an ankle injury. (Bild)
Alessandro Florenzi will miss this weekend’s game with an injury. (Football Italia)
Good news, Arsenal fans: Danny Welbeck will *only* miss four more months. (Telegraph)
You should be reading
Priya Ramesh on Hakim Ziyech, a star who has no business still being at FC Twente. (Stats Bomb)
Danielle Gaither on the life lessons you learn from La Liga. (Unusual Efforts)
Louise Taylor on Duncan Watmore, one of the Premier League’s most interesting young players. (Guardian)
From the rumor mill
Please don’t take anything in this section too seriously, for your own sanity.
Jasper Cillessen could be Barcelona’s Claudio Bravo replacement. (De Telegraaf)
Spurs are targeting goalkeeper Pau Lopez because of Hugo Lloris’s injury. (Standard)
Fulham prospect Ryan Sessegnon is attracting interest from the Premier League’s top clubs. (Mail)
Chelsea is moving for Ricardo Rodriguez. (Mirror)
If Arsenal wants Jose Gimenez, they’ll have to pay his release clause. (Marca)
Milan is trying to sign Leandro Paredes from Roma. (Football Italia)
What to watch on Friday (click for listings, all times ET)
Women's Olympic soccer: Two matches (from 12 p.m.) -- The bronze medal match is early, while the gold medal match kicks off at 4:30 p.m.
EPL: Manchester United vs. Southampton (3 p.m.) -- Paul Pogba will make his debut.
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