ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Jamieson's star shines bright for LA & US l De Rossi reportedly interested in New York move

Forward To A Friend

Kick Off: Jamieson's star shines bright for LA & US l De Rossi reportedly interested in New York move

Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about today:

1. PATH TO PRO

USL is quite rightly being touted as an ever-more important rung on the ladder of professional soccer in the US, particularly with the growing number of MLS development sides. But it's not all wunderkinds and five-star prospects: there's always been room for guys who fall more into the "solid pro" category, and perhaps no-one better epitomises that than Luke Mulholland, the Real Salt Lake midfielder who worked his way up from the USL PDL to being a regular starter for one of the better teams in MLS.

2. MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Let's not forget the wunderkinds, though. Having made an impact for the US U20's in CONCACAF qualifying, Bradford Jameson IV is showing the benefits of regular playing time for younger players in USL and according to the LA Galaxy II star, "as far as development goes, I think it's going to be influential in the future of US Soccer."

3. PROVISIONAL PLAYERS

Jamieson and 20 others are in the first U20 camp of the year for the US. Head coach Tab Ramos named both a 21-man camp and a 35-man provisional U20 roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Championship. There are 10 MLS players amongst the 35 names included, from which Ramos must select 20 by Friday.'

4. HOUSTON'S NEXT TARGET?

It seems that the Houston Dynamo's signings won't stop with Erick Torres, as reports over the weekend indicate the club could be closing in on 27-year-old Spanish defender Raul Rodriguez, currently with La Liga side Espanyol. The veteran center back would certainly fill a need.

5. AGITATED AGENT

The Dynamo have also expanded their current roster by officially signing Re-Entry Draft selection Chandler Hoffman. However, while the club also picked up Samuel Inkoom in a trade with D.C. United, it seems the Ghanaian's representatives have some issues with the deal.

6. LAFC'S LATEST ADDITIONS

LAFC have added a further two individuals to their ownership group with Lon Rosen and Tucker Kain, both currently executives with the LA Dodgers, coming on board for the new MLS Franchise. That brings the group to 24.

7. DE ROSSI AND THE BIG APPLE

Could an Italian World Cup winner be on his way to MLS? According to stories from Italy,Daniel De Rossi is considering a move stateside for the next stage of his career, with both the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC said to be interested in the 31-year-old midfielder. Take this one with a gigantic grain of salt as De Rossi, a former teammate of Michael Bradley who's perhaps best-known in US circles for breaking Brian McBride's face at the 2006 World Cup, looks the part of an AS Roma lifer.

8. NOUVEAUX AJOUTS?

A more reliable source is reporting that the Montreal Impact are on the verge of adding a pair of DPs ahead of the 2015 preseason, and could find a third, non-DP player in the mix as well. Given their heavy early-season schedule -- they're in the CONCACAF Champions League knockout rounds, remember -- the earlier the better for any and all new additions at Stade Saputo.

9. A CAREER IN SOUTH KOREA

Hey, ever wondered what Ryan Johnson's up to since leaving MLS? Well, it looks like the Jamaican international is heading for a reunion with another former MLS man, Vancouver Whitecaps boss Martin Rennie, with reports that the striker is set to sign for the Scotsman's South Korean side Seoul E-Land.

10. GARGAN TARGETS MORE

While Dan Gargan was brought into the LA Galaxy squad last season to provide much needed depth, circumstances meant that the versatile 32-year-old ended up in a starting role for much of the year. Will Gargan's performances have been enough to earn him a regular spot in 2015?

11. THE EXPORT BUSINESS

While MLS players enjoy a well-earned holiday rest, Christmas is a particularly busy time for Americans in England, with export standouts Geoff Cameron and Brad Guzan both finishing the year with shutouts in the English Premier League.

12. HOWARD TARGETS 2018

Tim Howard, meanwhile, played no part in his Everton side's 3-2 loss to Newcastle Unitedhaving picked up a calf strain in the Boxing Day clash against Cameron's Stoke City. Off the field the US international, who still hopes to play in the 2018 World Cup, has revealed thatspeaking to President Obama on the phone was nowhere near as daunting as an angry Sir Alex Ferguson.

13. KLJESTAN IS AVAILABLE

Could a Sacha Kljestan move to MLS still be on the cards? The US international certainly looks like he might be going somewhere after Belgian side Anderlecht revealed that the midfielder is available for "a fair offer".

14. MEXICO: A TOP 10 TEAM?

Under manager Miguel Herrera, the Mexican national team seems to have found its way again. Herrera's aims for 2015 are to win the Gold Cup and reach the final of the Copa America, and MLSsoccer.com contributor Tom Marshall thinks there should be a third target on the list: get Mexico back into the top 10 in FIFA's world rankings.

15: THE OTHER GIANTS

If Mexico gets into the top 10, where does that leave the US? They're currently ranked 27th by FIFA, third place in CONCACAF behind Costa Rica (16) and El Tri (20), and have plenty at stake in this summer's Gold Cup. Here's Ives Galarcep's early prediction for Jurgen Klinsmann's roster.

MLSsoccer.com Musts

10 players who deserve a call-up to the US January training camp

Top 5 goals of 2014: Teamwork

Armchair Analyst: 10 Gif-able moments to remember 2014 by