Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/USA TODAY Sports
Jermain Defoe is back — well, almost. After undergoing treatment in England for a groin injury, Defoe is with Toronto FC again and participating in light training, it was reported Thursday. He’s expected to resume full training by next week, though that rules him out for TFC’s match Saturday against the Portland Timbers.
Jordan Morris, the Stanford forward who was given a surprising first cap with the U.S. Men’s National Team earlier this month, may be destined for MLS. Going to Europe could be an option for the bright young striker, but Seattle Sounders Sporting Director Chris Henderson said Thursday he expects to see Morris joining the Sounders.
SBI’s Mike Gramajo spoke with Orlando City SC coach Adrian Heath about roster-building for the USL Pro club’s entrance into MLS next year. Heath said OCSC is better positioned for the upcoming drafts than New York City FC, the club that will also join MLS next year.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI this Thursday:
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
MLS Ticker: Defoe returns to training, Sounders keen to sign Morris, and more
Orlando City positioned to capitalize on next stages of team building
Soumare handed one-game suspension for stepping on Seaton
Texeira double powers FC Dallas past Sounders
The SBI Show: Episode 166 (Talking Hope Solo, MLS news, and more)
AMERICANS ABROAD
Americans Abroad: Wednesday Rewind
Americans Abroad: Weekend Preview
CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
The SBI View: Petke not to blame for Red Bulls’ CONCACAF Champions League exit
Red Bulls crash out of CCL after scoreless draw with CD FAS
D.C. United advance to CCL quarterfinals with win over Tauro FC
Soccer Thursday: Your Running Commentary
INTERNATIONAL
Thursday Kickoff: Man City thrash Sheffield Wednesday; Barcelona drop points; and more
Gulati pressuring FIFA to release ethics report regarding 2018, 2022 World Cup