ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Jozy Altidore returns to MLS | Canadian Larin makes history at SuperDraft

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Kick Off: Jozy Altidore returns to MLS | Canadian Larin makes history at SuperDraft

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

1. WELCOME BACK, JOZY

All signs were pointing to a return to MLS for USMNT forward Jozy Altidore and we received official confirmation on Friday morning. The 25-year-old striker is headed to join Michael Bradley at Toronto FC, where he replaces Jermain Defoe, who is off to Sunderland.

2. THE NEXT JOZY?

As was widely expected, Orlando City took forward Cyle Larin the No.1 selection in Thursday's SuperDraft, making him the first Canadian taken first in the event's history. While Larin couldn't be in Philadelphia, his Canada U20 teammates helped him celebrate. Unfortunately, the joy didn't last long as his Canada Under-20's suffered a gut-wrenching lossin the CONCACAF Championships.

3. THE OTHER 41

After Larin there were 41 other picks made in Thursday's SuperDraft and you can catch up with all the selections here and then get the rundown of all the most important storylines. Meanwhile, stand by for Rounds 3 and 4 of the SuperDraft which are scheduled for Tuesday.

4. ROLDAN SLIPS TO THE SOUNDERS

Cristian Roldan was tipped to be one of the Top 5 selections in the MLS SuperDraft, so it came as quite a surprise when the Seattle Sounders were able to trade up and take the University of Washington player with the 15th selection. It's a move that seems to have been ideal for both the Sounders and Roldan.

5. THE OTHER BESLER

Nick Besler was the Portland Timbers' first selection in Thursday's SuperDraft, No. 5 overall. As Nick gave his acceptance remarks, over in California his big brother, Matt, watched proudly with the USMNT. Timbers head coach Caleb Porter has suggested Besler could see some immediate playing time.

6. HEDGES GETS THE CALL

While FC Dallas selected defender Otis Earle, son of NBC pundit and former Jamaican international Robbie Earle, in the SuperDraft, one of the club's existing defenders finally got the recognition he deserved after Matt Hedges was called up as a late addition to the US national team's January training camp.

7. TRADING PLACES

There were a couple of trades during Thursday's MLS SuperDraft, with the Houston Dynamo sending Servando Carrasco's rights to Sporting Kansas City in exchange for their second-round pick. While the Seattle Sounders sent Sean Okoli to the New England Revolution in order to grab goalkeeper Tyler Miller with the 33rd overall choice.

8. OTHER STORIES FROM THE DRAFT

While it's too early to say which draft selections will be the ones to make an impact, other notable stories from Thursday included the New York Red Bulls taking Hermann Trophy winner Leo Stolz and the Colorado Rapids selecting Navy man Joseph Greenspan, despite uncertainty over his immediate future. Meanwhile, Sporting Kansas City's group of selfie-loving players continues to grow.

9. NEW NAME FOR MVP AWARD

Ahead of the SuperDraft, a ceremony was held honoring recently retired MLS superstar Landon Donovan. As well as providing a moving tribute, there was also a special honor, as it was revealed that moving forward the MLS MVP award will be renamed the "Landon Donovan MVP Award."

10. THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

According to Bruce Arena, the LA Galaxy did not meet with Steven Gerrard prior to the English midfielder signing with the MLS Cup champions. So, how exactly did the club go about signing their latest Designated Player? Plus, are Liverpool FC hoping to bring their captain back on loan next winter?

11. SARVAS MOVES ON

The LA Galaxy traded Marcelo Sarvas to the Colorado Rapids on Thursday in order to move up to third in the allocation order. It only fuels speculation that they could be nearing a move for Sacha Kljestan.

12. EXPANDING THE EXPANSION RACE

It looks like the list of contenders for MLS expansion spots is growing, with MLS Commissioner Don Garber stating on Thursday that he will be visiting St. Louis in the coming weeks. He also discussed the stadium situation around the league.

13. DIEGO'S DEBUT

In the South American CONMEBOL Under-20 Championship, the New England Revolution's Diego Fagundez has ended any chances of playing for the US national team after making his debut for Uruguay's Under-20's in a 1-0 win over Colombia.

14. CANADA LEARN POTENTIAL OPPONENTS

Canada's senior team is in action on Friday with the first of two games against Iceland (4:30pm ET, beIN Sports) and while the Canadians prepare for that, they now know that they'll be playing either the British Virgin Islands or Dominica when their World Cup Qualifying campaign starts in June.

15. GREATEST MOUSTACHE IN MLS HISTORY

That's what many were saying when they witnessed the facial hair on Colorado Rapids manager Pablo Mastroeni. Find out the story behind why the USMNT World Cup veteran adopted his new look.

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