All of that talk about Brandon McDonald trying to bolt for Europe should be put on hold.
The D.C. United centerback agreed to a new contract with the club on Tuesday a couple of months after being acquired from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for allocation money.
McDonald has helped fortify and improve United's defense in his brief time with the club, but a major question when he was brought in was whether the club would be able to retain his services, as his previous contract was set to expire at the end of the season. He had been reported to be interested in exploring his options overseas, but D.C. appears to have held on to him for the foreseeable future.
Here are a few more items from around MLS:
The Seattle Sounders came so close to becoming the first MLS team to win on Mexican soil last year during the CONCACAF Champions League group stage only to completely collapse and yield three goals in a five-minute span midway through the second half and lose, 3-2.
The Sounders will try to avenge that performance against the CCL title holders Tuesday night with their Group D battle in Mexico (8 p.m., Fox Soccer Channel). Both teams won their opening group games by a wide margin, and each can take an early step toward fortifying a place among the top-two places in the group with a victory.
Seattle won't have Lamar Neagle available after he was red-carded in last week's victory over Comunicaciones. All four members of the starting back line (Patrick Ianni, Leo Gonzalez, James Riley, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado) are sitting on yellow cards for the Sounders, who will welcome Osvaldo Alonso back from suspension.
COLORADO SET FOR CCL ROAD BATTLE
The Colorado Rapids will also look to add to their early CCL success by hitting the road and facing Real Espana in San Pedro Sula, Honduras (10 p.m., Fox Soccer Channel).
The Rapids topped Metapan, 3-2, in their Group B opener but will trot out backup goalkeeper Stewart Ceus Tuesday night, as starting keeper Matt Pickens was left behind in Colorado to rest. Defender Marvell Wynne also did not travel with the team, meaning that coach Gary Smith will be relying on his depth in the heart of his defense to get a road result.
KEAN PRAISES JOHN
Centerback George John's move from FC Dallas to Blackburn seems to be right on track, and the player drew high praise from Rovers manager Steve Kean.
"(The United States is) a very good market, because you can get players who have great potential, who hit the ground running, and you can normally get them for a very competitive salary, and he fits the bill," Kean told British reporters. "He is 6-4, a commanding defender, he is quick, aggressive, and he has a really bright future."
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What do you think of D.C. retaining McDonald? How do you see the night's CCL matches unfolding? Can MLS keep its perfect record? Do you expect big things from John in the Premier League?
Share your thoughts below.
