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MLS Ticker: Giovinco awarded MLS Newcomer; Vermes linked to EPL; and more

Photo by John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports
Photo by John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports

After an incredible and almost unimaginable freshman MLS campaign, Sebastian Giovinco was honored by the league on Monday.

Giovinco, who was named SBI MLS MVP on Monday, was also recognized as MLS Newcomer of the Year, beating out the likes of Didier Drogba, David Villa and Kaka.

Leaving Serie A powerhouse Juventus, Giovinco joined Toronto FC ahead of its 2015 season, and what a season it was. The 28-year-old forward led the league in goals and assists during the regular season, scoring 22 times and setting up 16 different team goals.

Giovinco also contributed to 38 of TFC’s 58 finishes during the course of the season.

Here are some more MLS news and notes:

REPORT: VERMES DRAWS INTEREST FROM EPL CLUBS

Head coach and general manager Peter Vermes has enjoyed a spectacular few years at the helm of Sporting KC, winning the MLS Cup and more.

His time with the Kansas City-based club might be approaching its end, though, as the Kansas City Star reports that Vermes has drawn interest from two unnamed English Premier League clubs, as well as a European national team.

“When anybody is interested in you, you would be lying if you said it wasn’t intriguing,” Vermes told the Kansas City Star. “At this moment, my focus is on Sporting Kansas City.”

Vermes’ current contract with Sporting KC is set to expire in 2017, and club CEO Robb Heineman also said he has received “tons of inquires around Peter” from other MLS teams.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Fire also reportedly had two interviews with Sporting KC assistant coach Kerry Zavagnin for their head coaching vacancy this month.

GERRARD TO PLAY FOR LIVERPOOL AGAIN

Steven Gerrard will suit up for Liverpool once again, but not in a competitive fixture.

The LA Galaxy midfielder will play for his former club in an exhibition game in Sydney on Jan. 7. The match will pit Liverpool’s all-star side against an Australian legends side at ANZ Stadium.

“The squad looks like its a great set of lads,” Gerrard said of the upcoming game, “it’ll be good to get on the pitch with them. Our fans are the best and to play in front of them again will be emotional, I’m sure.”

HENRY JOINS BLACKBURN ON LOAN

Doneil Henry is heading back to Blackburn.

The former Toronto FC defender signed a loan deal that will see him join Blackburn Rovers until Jan. 3, 2016. The Canadian international previously joined the English Championship side towards the end of the 2014-15 season.

“It is great to be back here again, it is a great club,” said Henry. “The last time I was here I felt really welcomed, I got tossed in right away and felt it was made really easy because of how great the guys were here. So I’m just looking to train hard and play my part and give all I have for the team.”

Henry has only featured twice for West Ham United since making the move to the English Premier League club in January.

He could debut for Blackburn on Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday.

PRO ANNOUNCES REFEREES ASSIGNMENTS FOR FINALS SECOND LEGS

Lineups for the Eastern and Western Conference Finals won’t be announced until an hour or two before kickoff, but two people who will be running around on Sunday are known.

On Monday, the Professional Referee Organization announced the referee assignments for Sunday’s second legs of the MLS Playoffs.

In Frisco, Texas, Ismail Elfath will be the head official for FC Dallas vs. the Portland Timbers.

Meanwhile, Baldomero Toledo will make the calls during the second game of the day, as he will work New York Red Bulls-Columbus Crew.

Think Giovinco earned MLS Newcomer of the Year? See Vermes coaching in Europe?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Can’t help but see SG as fighting homesickness and regret. Along w/ some benefits, this is one of the pitfalls of never having left home/staying in one place- it stymies a certain kind of growth. . Hopefully Gerrard realizes soon enough (in time to put his focus/maximize his time in LA) that you “can’t go home again.” Liverpool is not the same club and he is not the same player… he will never again be the star child, the captain and face of the club… it will never feel quite the same. Such is life. Sprint to tape my man, suck the marrow out of the last years of your career… you’ll never get those back either and….. you’ll have the rest of your life and plenty of time in retirement to reminisce about the good ol’ days at Liverpool.

    Reply
  2. Impressive, not only did he score 22 times and have 16 assists but he also contributed to 38 finishes.

    “The 28-year-old forward led the league in goals and assists during the regular season, scoring 22 times and setting up 16 different team goals.

    Giovinco also contributed to 38 of TFC’s 58 finishes during the course of the season.”

    Reply
  3. two things…

    1- Vermes, wow….good for you. hopefully he can break that barrier

    2- please no headlines with just “Henry” unless it’s the real one!

    Reply

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