The rumors of Patrick Vieira joining Major League Soccer have picked up steam once again, and this time the Frenchman wants to join his compatriot Thierry Henry in New York. Vieira, 34, told the French media outlet the Orange Sport that after his contract with Manchester City ends at the close of the season, he’s eager to join MLS. Former Brazilian international and Real Madrid left-back Roberto Carlos is also talking up a potential move stateside, but not until 2012. Carlos, 37, is currently with Brazilian side Corinthians, but said that a recent trip to the United States helped influence the potential career move. - MLSsoccer.com
MLS COMBINE AND DRAFT
MLS Combine is taking place at Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, until January 11. The 2011 MLS SuperDraft will then be held on January 13 in Baltimore. Expansion club Vancouver Whitecaps FC has the first pick of the three rounds in the draft. Portland, another expansion team, will select second in the first round, followed by D.C. United, Chivas USA, Philadelphia and New England.
JOHN ROONEY SIGNED WITH MLS
Wayne Rooney's younger brother John has signed with Major League Soccer and will be eligible for selection at next week's draft. The 20-year-old forward is taking part to the MLS combine in Florida. Rooney has played for Macclesfield Town in England's League Two and had trials with Derby County of England's League Championship in 2009 and MLS Seattle Sounders last August. - Associated Press
CHIVAS USA HIRES ROBIN FRASER
Real Salt Lake assistant Robin Fraser will take over head coaching duties for Chivas USA. Fraser joined Real Salt Lake in June 2007, less than four months after new head coach Jason Kreis took control of the squad. Fraser helped guide the 2009 squad past the L.A. Galaxy to claim the MLS Cup 2009. - Associated Press
TORONTO FC HIRES ARON WINTER
Former Dutch international Aron Winter joined Toronto FC as the technical director and head coach. Longtime New England Revolution assistant Paul Mariner will serve as the director of player personnel, while former Ajax youth coach Bob De Klerk joins the team as the first assistant. Interim general manager Earl Cochrane, assistant GM Jim Brennan and interim coach Nick Dasovic will all remain with the club.
2010 MLS RE-ENTRY DRAFT
D.C. United: Joseph Ngwenya
Columbus Crew: Aaron Hohlbein
D.C. United: Josh Wolff
Chivas USA: Jimmy Conrad
New England Revolution: Ryan Cochrane
LA Galaxy: Juan Pablo Ángel
Chicago Fire: Cory Gibbs
Sporting Kansas City: Frankie Hejduk
Seattle Sounders: Chris Seitz
Columbus Crew: Jeff Cunningham
LA Galaxy: Luke Sassano
Colorado Rapids: Tyrone Marshall
New England Revolution: Fred
10,000 SEASON TICKETS IN PORTLAND
The Portland Timbers have surpassed 10,000 season tickets sold for its inaugural 2011 Major League Soccer season. The team also said it plans to cap season ticket sales at 12,000 and all 23 stadium suites have been sold on a multi-year basis. The Vancouver Whitecaps were at over 13,000 season tickets sold and looking to cap at 15,000 when they last reported sales in mid-December. - The Oregonian
