While one of last season’s biggest MLS acquisitions remains in the news over an uncertain future, a European star is reportedly gaining interest from an unnamed team.

AC Milan vice president and CEO Adriano Galliani told reporters on Monday that midfielder Antonio Nocerino is on the radar of an unnamed MLS side, and an offer will be coming in the near future. (REPORT)

Argentine midfielder Juan Ramirez, 21, has joined Segunda Division club UD Almeria from the Colorado Rapids, according to the Spanish side’s official website. Ramirez was signed as a young Designated Player in 2015, and went on to score one goal and provide three assists in 27 appearances. (REPORT)

The New York Red Bulls announced the re-signing of midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips, as well as new multi-year contracts for Mike Grella, Sal Zizzo and goalkeeper Luis Robles. The Red Bulls also released goalkeeper Santiago Castano. (REPORT)

Four trialists have joined the Red Bulls for preseason training camp, including last year’s fourth-round draft pick Manolo Sanchez and former Houston Dynamo defender AJ Cochrane. (REPORT)

The Chicago Fire revealed its new primary kit for the 2016 season, which dons sponsor Valspar on the center of the jersey. (REPORT)

After selecting him in the 2016 MLS Draft, the New England Revolution officially signed versatile fullback Jordan McCrary to a contract. (REPORT)

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Which team do you want to see sign Nocerino? Disappointed to see Ramirez leave the Rapids?

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Jordan Morris might be the most well-known MLS Homegrown Player to sign a deal this offseason, but he is far from the only talented prospect in this year’s class.

The last couple of weeks have been dominated by talk of Morris and whether he would sign with the Seattle Sounders and MLS, but what seemed to be lost in all the hubbub was the fact that several other promising up-and-comers also agreed to contracts with their respective hometown clubs in the league this winter. From the New York Red Bulls and their avalanche of signings to FC Dallas and its latest addition, there are plenty of youngsters to keep an eye on in 2016 and beyond.

None of those players might be as ready for life in the pros as Morris, but that does not necessarily mean that they will be limited to sporadic minutes throughout the season. Even if that does wind up being the case, there are plenty of reasons for their respective club’s fanbases to be excited about what is to come from the next wave of MLS players.

Here are the top five MLS Homegrown Players to sign a deal this offseason that are not named Jordan Morris:

DANILO ACOSTA | DEFENDER | REAL SALT LAKE

An 18-year-old Honduran centerback, Acosta is considered by many coaches and scouts as one of the elite prospects in the nation. Acosta made three appearances for Real Salt Lake’s USL affiliate, Real Monarchs, last year, and could be groomed to be the defensive midfielder that takes the baton from Kyle Beckerman in a few years’ time.

DERRICK ETIENNE | MIDFIELDER | NEW YORK RED BULLS

Joined the Red Bulls after just one year at the University of Virginia, and also impressed in 2015 in USL with New York Red Bulls II. A 19-year-old midfielder/winger, Etienne has represented his native Haiti at various youth international levels. He had two goals and one assist in 17 matches for the Cavaliers last season, but also netted three times and added three helpers in 14 appearances for Red Bulls II.

BRANDON ALLEN | FORWARD | NEW YORK RED BULLS

A four-year starter at Georgetown, Allen scored with frequency during his time in college. He netted 50 times to become the Hoyas’ all-time leading scorer while adding 17 assists in 91 appearances, and was one of the finalists for the 2016 MAC Hermann award that was won by Jordan Morris. He might have lots to learn, but do not be surprised if he is one of the Homegrowns to receive the most minutes this year.

DANIEL SALLOI | FORWARD | SPORTING KANSAS CITY

A controversial signing given that he spent just one year in Sporting Kansas City’s academy as part of foreign exchange program while in high school, Salloi has already played professionally in his native Hungary. The 19-year-old striker suited up for Ujpest FC 16 times across all competitions last year, and finished with seven goals and four assists. Four of those goals came in a lopsided cup win, while another came in league play.

JOEY CALISTRI | FORWARD | CHICAGO FIRE

Not the most imposing attacker at 5-foot-10, but Calistri showed plenty of goal-scoring prowess during his time as a four-year starter at Northwestern. Calistri, 22, finished his collegiate days as the No. 2 leading goal-scorer in Wildcats’ history, and racked up a number of conference and regional awards. He scored 30 times and had 14 assists, and also was a senior co-captain for Northwestern last year.

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What do you think about these five MLS Homegrown Players? Which one of them do you think has the most promising future? Expect any of these youngsters to contribute heavily this season?

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A year after the New York Red Bulls won the MLS Supporters’ Shield and came within a goal of reaching the second MLS Cup final in club history, head coach Jesse Marsch believes his team is well-equipped to build on the success of 2015.

The Red Bulls signed four players to new contracts on Monday afternoon, including reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Luis Robles and Mike Grella, joining other key pieces of the New York backbone that have re-upped with the team this offseason.

“That was the emphasis coming out of last year and you have to credit Ali Curtis for all the work that he did,” Marsch told SBI. “I don’t know the number of restructured or re-signed players but it’s in the high-teens.

“We’ve worked hard to honor the years that these players have had and honor the group and try to keep it assembled as much as possible. I think we’ve accomplished a lot of that, and in there we’ve injected a lot of young players. It’s important that as much as we emphasize making sure that the core group pushes itself and continues to move the process along, it’s really important that we bring these young guys into the process and give them the chance to contribute.”

While the squad’s veterans will be the ones that likely make or break the team’s success in 2016, the Red Bulls also added six Homegrown talents this offseason, in addition to Justin Bilyeu and Zach Carroll, whom the team selected in the recent 2016 MLS Draft. Marsch expects all of the team’s young players to make immediate contributions to the team.

“We think highly of a lot of these young players, and we think that we have a talented core young players that will push this thing along, and that’s part of the cycle of how we’re doing things,” Marsch said. “That being said, we’re hopeful to make an important change or two if need be. Again, Ali (Curtis) has a strategy of how to put this team together and in a lot of ways I think it’ll help us be successful.”

The Red Bulls will continue their preseason in Orlando, Florida for two separate cycles, returning to its Hanover training ground in-between. New York is set to play a series of scrimmages in their time down south, including matches against MLS sides Montreal Impact and Orlando SC, as well NASL club Jacksonville Armada FC.

Marsch’s hopes for the preseason are simple, though: keep the veterans in tip-top shape and integrate the new players into his system prior to the team’s regular season kick-off at Red Bull Arena against Toronto FC.

“Down there we will go through a series of video sessions to get a lot of these guys up to speed with the way tactically that we do things,” Marsch said of his preseason training approach. “We will have certain days down in Florida where the second session for the older, established group will be very light, almost technical work, and then the session for the younger group will be more about are training methods and pushing the session and making sure that they get up to speed with the pure speed of play.”

Photo by Noah K. Murray/USA Today Sports

Matt Miazga is leaving the New York Red Bulls this winter, and joining an English Premier League powerhouse that has had its eye on him for some time.

ESPNFC.com reported on Wednesday that the Red Bulls are set to sell Miazga to Chelsea within the next 24 hours. The MLS club was hoping to keep the 20-year-old centerback for the 2016 season and beyond, but the fact that Miazga was entering the final year of his deal left the Red Bulls in a position to have to transfer him in order to not lose him for free at the end of the campaign.

Chelsea, which is currently under the leadership of interim manager Guus Hiddink, has had its eye on the U.S. Men’s National Team centerback for quite some time. Sources have told SBI that Chelsea was in pursuit of Miazga prior to him signing his first professional contract with the Red Bulls back in 2013.

Miazga, who has a Polish passport, is coming off a breakout 2015. He not only helped the Red Bulls capture the Supporters’ Shield as a starting defender, but also made his way from the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team to the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team to the full side coached by Jurgen Klinsmann in a matter of months.

What do you think of Miazga leaving the Red Bulls for Chelsea? How do you see him doing there? Wishing he would have stayed in MLS at least one more season?

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A couple new jerseys made their rounds on Thursday, while MLS journeyman Kenny Cooper is reportedly training with one of his former clubs.

Cooper is said to be on trial with the New York Red Bulls. The 31-year-old equaled his best scoring output, 18 goals, in his lone season with New York back in 2012. (REPORT)

Cameroon forward Alexis Meva, 18, is reportedly leaving the Barcelona youth system to join MLS Cup champions Portland Timbers. (REPORT)

The Timbers also revealed their new secondary jerseys for the 2016 season via their official Twitter account. (REPORT)

The Red Bulls competed in their first preseason friendly of 2016, defeating South Florida by a scoreline of 3-1 after three 30-minute periods. Veteran forward Bradley Wright-Phillips, rookie Brandon Allen and midfielder Manolo Sanchez scored for the MLS side. (REPORT)

The San Jose Earthquakes revealed their secondary jersey for the upcoming season. (REPORT)

Real Betis defender Heiko Westermann, 32, would like the opportunity to play in the U.S. in the future. (REPORT)

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Think Cooper will join the Red Bulls? What do you think of Meva possibly joining the Timbers? Like the Earthquakes’ secondary jersey? What about the Timbers’ jersey?

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Forward Krisztian Nemeth is heading to Qatar pending a physical, while a young attacker is receiving interest from Serie A.

Sporting Kansas City has agreed to transfer Nemeth to Qatari side Al-Gharafa SC. The 27-year old scored 10 goals in 2015 for Sporting, his lone season with the club. (REPORT)

New England Revolution attacker Diego Fagundez is reportedly in talks with Italian side Genoa. Fagundez first joined the Revolution in 2011, when he became the youngest signing in team history at the age of 15. (REPORT)

Nocerino, 31, has reportedly rejected a bid from D.C., and is leaning towards joining Orlando City SC to reunite with his former AC Milan teammate Kaka. (REPORT)

The New York Red Bulls have extended the contract of Homegrown defender Connor Lade and re-signed goalkeeper Kyle Reynish. (REPORT)

D.C. United fell 1-0 to Swedish side IF Elfsborg in Friday’s preseason friendly. (REPORT)

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Will Sporting miss Nemeth’s presence up front? Can Fagundez succeed at Genoa should he join the Italian club? Is Nocerino a good fit for Orlando City?

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A 20-year-old American centerback is Stamford Bridge bound.

In a press conference on Friday, head coach Guus Hiddink revealed Chelsea is to sign the 20-year-old American, and he will be part of the first team squad for the remainder of the season once the paperwork is complete.

The U.S. centerback will transfer from the New York Red Bulls to Chelsea for close to $5 million (£3.5 million), which was first reported by the Daily Mail.

“He (Miazga) is a promising player,” Hiddink told reporters. “We’re not rushing but he will be one of the squad members for the future. (He is a) young guy, stepping up to the national team. You can see what players are capable of in training.”

Miazga undoubtedly had a superb 2015, earning a starting spot with the Red Bulls while working his way up from the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team to the senior squad within a few months. He earned his first senior cap against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in a CONCACAF World Cup qualifying match last November, which cap-tied him to the U.S. as he had ties to Poland.

The defender was recently training with the U.S. camp in preparation for upcoming friendlies against Iceland and Canada, but U.S. Soccer confirmed on social media that Miazga had left.

What do you think of Hiddink’s comments? Think Miazga will play for Chelsea next season or do you think he will be loaned out?

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The deal is done. Matt Miazga is officially a Chelsea player.

Chelsea and the New York Red Bulls both announced on Saturday morning that Miazga has officially joined the English Premier League side on a four-and-a-half-year deal, thus completing his move from MLS.

“I am very happy to sign for Chelsea, a world-famous club with a reputation for major success,” said Miazga. “I am delighted to be in the Premier League, the best league in the world, and can’t wait to meet my teammates and get going. I am still at the beginning of my career but I believe this is the place to develop and learn from some of the best players in the world.”

Miazga came up in the Red Bulls’ academy system, and signed his first professional contract with the club in 2013 at the age of 17. The 20-year-old centerback enjoyed tremendous success with the Red Bulls as a starter in 2015, helping them claim the Supporters’ Shield.

“It is a bittersweet day for the New York Red Bulls,” said Red Bulls sporting director Ali Curtis in a statement released by the club. “We are very happy for Matt to get the opportunity but it is tough to see him leave after coming through our academy to the first team – there is a different feel when one of your homegrown players leaves.

“We tried everything we could to keep Matt but we understand and respect his desire to play in Europe. Moving forward, we’ll either reinforce the team from within our existing player pool or we will acquire a player from the international market. Additionally, the proceeds of this transfer provide us with greater resources to put back into our youth system.”

Miazga also excelled in the ranks of U.S. Soccer last year, rapidly working his way up the ladder. Miazga began 2015 with the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team, but was promoted to the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team before making his first appearance for the senior U.S. Men’s National Team in a CONCACAF World Cup qualifier in November.

What do you think of Miazga signing with Chelsea? Do you see him finding minutes with the first team? How badly will the Red Bulls miss him this season?

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Photo by Casey Sapio/USA Today Sports

The U.S. Men’s National Team’s first game of 2016 garnered most of Sunday’s attention, but a young American’s potential move to Portugal headlines transfer news in MLS.

Erik Palmer-Brown has reportedly left Sporting Kansas City’s training camp in Tucson, Arizona, and is heading across the Atlantic to join Portuguese club FC Porto on loan. The 18-year-old defender made seven appearances for Sporting KC in 2015, and has been a member of the U.S. Under-15, -17, -18 and -20 Men’s National Teams. (REPORT)

The Seattle Sounders are reportedly close to signing 21-year-old Panamanian defender Roberto Chen, who was in Seattle to complete a physical. Chen has made 16 appearances for his country since debuting in 2011. (REPORT)

The New York Red Bulls played in two friendlies on Sunday, beating NASL club Jacksonville Armada, 5-2, but losing to Montverde Academy, 1-0. (REPORT)

MLS Cup champions Portland Timbers lost, 1-0, to PDL side FC Tucson in their first friendly of 2016. (REPORT)

New York City FC defeated Florida Gulf Coast, 1-0, at the FGCU Soccer Complex. Patrick Mullins scored the friendly’s only goal. (REPORT)

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Photo by Geoff Burke/USA Today Sports

One city appears to already be the favorite for an MLS expansion spot.

MLS commissioner Don Garber insists that the league will begin searching for a stadium site in St. Louis immediately. He did not promise St. Louis an expansion spot, but he did say that now “is the right time” and a team could open as soon as 2020. (REPORT)

The Philadelphia Union announced the acquisition of 25-year-old Dutch midfielder Roland Alberg from Eredivisie club ADO Den Haag. The Union used Targeted Allocation Money, and inked him for two years. (REPORT)

The San Jose Earthquakes re-signed 23-year-old midfielder Cordell Cato to a multi-year deal. The Trinidad & Tobago international has been a member of the Earthquakes since 2013, appearing in 28 regular-season games in 2015. (REPORT)

The New York Red Bulls and broadcast partner MSG Networks have agreed to a multi-year rights extension. MSG Networks will televise at least 17 Red Bulls match in 2016. (REPORT)

FC Dallas defeated the New England Revolution, 2-1, in Casa Grande, Arizona. Rookie Timo Pitter scored both goals for FC Dallas, while Revolution rookie Michael Gamble assisted Steve Neumann’s score. (REPORT)

FC Dallas also made a move on Friday morning by agreeing to a new contract with defender Walker Zimmerman, who appeared in 20 games last year in the regular season. (REPORT)

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What do you think of Garber’s comments? Think Alberg will do well with the Union?

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Photo by Gary Rohman/MLS/USA TODAY Sports

Hanover, NJ — After spending a week in Orlando, Florida for the team’s first-half of preseason training, the head coach Jesse Marsch and the New York Red Bulls returned to New Jersey on Monday.

U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper Luis Robles and Canada defender Karl Ouimette joined the team at Monday’s training session, after having served significant stints with their respective national teams throughout the month of January. Robles started in net during the USMNT’s 3-2 win against Iceland on Jan. 31, while Ouimette was an unused substitute for Canada in the team’s 1-0 loss to the U.S. on Friday.

“I got feedback that he was looking really sharp,” Marsch said of Robles’ return. “Obviously getting a cap was a really good experience for him. I gave him the option to have the day off and he didn’t want to take it. He was anxious to get back within our team and I think that he really considers this his family. Having him back is great, and you really start to feel like the group is coming together now that him and Karl Ouimette are back.”

Here are more of Monday’s Red Bulls Notes:

MARSCH PLEASED WITH EARLY PROGRESS

It’s still early for teams as they continue preparation for the upcoming MLS season, but the Red Bulls are excited about where they sit with about a month until opening 2016 against Toronto FC.

“Certainly you can talk about breaks at the end of the year and how things played themselves out but we try to talk about what we can control,” Marsch said. “For us, it’s our process and I look at last year as a good first step and a good foundation for how we have progressed.

“Now, we have to make sure that going into this year that we don’t go backwards at all, that we don’t even pick up where we left off, but that we’re ready to take even more steps forward. We’ve added sophistication, some tactical things, some reactionary and habit things within our team. We’re continuing to create clarity for our entire player pool for how we play and how we do things.”

TRIO CONTINUE TO REHAB INJURIES

Following Monday’s training session, Marsch clarified the state of his side’s recent injuries. Attackers Shaun Wright-Phillips and Anatole Abang, as well as defender Ronald Zubar are all suffering hamstring setbacks, according to the Red Bulls head coach.

“We’re hoping that all three of those guys will be back in training when we get back to Orlando and potentially all three will be able to get back into training before then or some type of modified version,” Marsch said. “They’re all a week to 10 days away from being back in fully.”

All three of the players’ injuries came during RBNY’s stay in Orlando.

COOPER REMAINS WITH SQUAD

After re-joining the Red Bulls this offseason as a trialist, forward Kenny Cooper continues to impress with the team and has earned himself another week to train with the group.

“He’s going to be extended through this week and then we’ll see how it goes from there,” Marsch said. “It’s not the easiest week to evaluate guys, but it’s an important week for Kenny to get up to speed with fitness and sharpness. It’s good to have him here, he’s been fantastic and a great guy to have around.”

Cooper, 31, previously for the Red Bulls in 2012, when he recorded 18 goals in 31 appearances for the club. Due to an ongoing injury battle last season, the veteran attacker only made one appearance for the Montreal Impact, who signed Cooper in April 2015.

LOCAL TRIALIST JOINS TRAINING

In addition to the current roster, Marsch revealed the name of a trialist that has joined the Red Bulls for the upcoming week.

“There’s a young kid from Rider named Florian Valot that we have in this week for training,” Marsch said, “but other than him it’s the same group.”

Valot, 22, played both as a midfielder and forward in his two seasons at Rider. In 2015, the Frenchman started in 16 matches for the Broncs, recording six goals and two assists, before the team fell to Virginia in the NCAA Men’s College Cup first round.

A pair of transactions made by D.C. United, as well as a new addition to the New York Red Bulls has MLS buzzing on Tuesday.

D.C. United has traded forward Conor Doyle to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a 2017 third-round selection. The 24-year old spent his last three seasons with D.C., tallying four goals and an assist. (REPORT)

Luciano Acosta will reportedly join D.C. United on Wednesday. The 5-foot-3 midfielder comes over from Argentine club Boca Juniors. (REPORT)

Orlando City SC is currently in discussions with D.C., as the Lions look to acquire the discovery rights to AC Milan midfielder Antonio Nocerino. (REPORT)

Ghanaian defender Gideon Baah has signed with the Red Bulls. The centerback most recently played for Finnish side HJK Helsinki and made 29 appearances across all competitions for the team in 2015. (REPORT)

The Philadelphia Union have acquired English goalkeeper Matt Jones from Portuguese Primeira Liga side Belenenses. Jones, 29, attended Sacred Heart University in Connecticut and holds a U.S. permanent residency card. (REPORT)

The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Seongnam FC on Tuesday, 1-0, after Mark Sherrod scored in the 87th minute from Tommy Thompson’s cross. (REPORT)

What do you think of the moves in D.C.? Will Baah help solidify the Red Bulls defense?

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Photo Credit: New York Red Bulls

With Damien Perrinelle still recovering from a season-ending knee injury from last November, and the recent sale of Matt Miazga, the New York Red Bulls are in need of starting-caliber centerbacks.

The Red Bulls added a candidate to help fill that need  on Tuesday, signing of Ghanaian defender Gideon Baah. The 24-year old Baah joins New York after spending the past two seasons with Finnish club HJK Helsinki, where he made 42 appearances and scored two goals.

“He has a lot of qualities that fit the position the way we like it to be played,” head coach Jesse Marsch said of the Red Bulls’ new signing. “He’s got very good feet. He’s a very smart soccer player. In the past, he has played both left back and centerback, but we primarily think that he’s a centerback and that’s how we plan on using him.”

As it so happens, Marsch wasn’t the only one pushing for Baah’s Red Bulls arrival. Midfielder Lloyd Sam, who has grown into one of New York’s veteran leaders, also had extensive talks with his fellow Ghanaian teammate. Both men earned their first caps with the Ghana national team in October’s international friendly against Canada, when the players entered the match as second half substitutes.

“He was telling me Red Bull is a great club,” Baah said. “They play good football actually, and it’s good for me, it suits me. He didn’t need to talk to me much because I had the opportunity to watch them last year on Eurosport in Finland. I think it was an easy decision for me, and I think Lloyd [Sam] played a very big role, but at the end of the day I as a player and as a person love to come here and that’s why I’m here.”

Marsch believes Baah can be a good fit for the Red Bulls, and believes having Baah in with the team early in training camp should help his transition to MLS.

“It’s nice because he’s a natural left-footer so he fits in nicely on that left side of the centerback,” Marsch said. “It’s going to take some time for him to adjust to how we play. We’ve already tried to show him what we’re all about and how we play and do things. The good thing about having him here now is that we have a month to integrate him into the team and tactics but I’m very certain that he’ll be a good fit and a good player here.”

While the transition from Finland will be a task that Baah will quickly be looking to overcome, the young defender is eager to adapt to Marsch’s up-tempo style of play and realize his potential in MLS.

“It’s really demanding I should say,” Baah said. “They press high and I think that that’s the only challenge but the coaches and the technical team are really there also to help me adapt to the system. I know that with my potential and abilities that I can fit in really well.”

Photo by Kevin Jairaj/USA Today Sports

While Matt Miazga’s rise with the New York Red Bulls has been well-documented, another young Red Bull is preparing himself to fill the void left by the newly-signed Chelsea player.

After joining the Red Bulls last season, centerback Karl Ouimette probably didn’t see as much time as he would have liked. The 23-year old served as a spot starter on occasion, making 11 appearances with the team, and bounced back and forth between the senior team and the club’s USL side Red Bulls II.

Now that Miazga is gone, and 2015 starting central defender Damien Perrinelle is set to miss considerable time recovering from a torn ACL, Ouimette not only sees the absences as an opening in the lineup, but also as a learning experience for molding his own future.

“Matt [Miazga] was able to establish himself last year and I want to do the same,” Ouimette told SBI. “I’m just trying learn from all the good role models here. All the centerbacks are good fighters, very good players and good people, so I want to be part of the starting lineup.”

A product of the Montreal Impact academy and former senior team player, Ouimette realizes that nothing is set in stone and that while he does know that he is capable of being a starter that he still has a lot to prove to himself and the coaching staff.

In addition to his growth with the Red Bulls, Ouimette is also making his rounds with the Canada national team. After first appearing for his native country in 2013, the youngster has since been capped in 13 more matches and played in various CONCACAF World Cup qualifying matches.

“For me it’s a priority just to try to get a spot on the field this year, be confident and be a leader out there,” Ouimette said.

“I just like to think short-term. I know that I still need to prove myself. I’m still young, and sure I think that I did some good things last year, but it’s all about competing and being able to have the confidence in my teammates and coaches to do the job on the field.”

With Perrinelle and Ronald Zubar currently out injured, Ouimette and newly-signed defender Gideon Baah are the team’s only healthy options at centerback.

Regardless of the team’s injuries though, head coach Jesse Marsch believes that Ouimette will provide the Red Bulls with stability at the centerback position this season.

“I think it’s a big year for Karl,” Marsch said after Tuesday’s training session. “After being around here last year and working to establish himself within the group, I think now’s a year for him to prove that he understands what it takes and that he can be a big contributor.

“We’re expecting that from him. It’s good to have him back from Canada camp and I think that he’s looked sharp in the first couple of days that we’ve had him back. I think that expectations for Karl have grown and now he’ll be ready to meet that.”

Photo by Dan Hamilton/USA Today Sports

The 2015 MLS Defender of the Year will remain in the league for a couple more years.

Laurent Ciman has signed an extension with the Montreal Impact, one that will see the defender stay with the Canadian club until 2018. The 29-year-old centerback was voted MLS Defender of the Year in 2015 after making 27 regular season appearances. (REPORT)

The Impact also revealed their new jerseys for the upcoming MLS season. (REPORT)

The Chicago Fire are reportedly interested in bidding for Malmo FF midfielder Enoch Kofi Adu. The 25-year-old Adu has scored two goals in 42 appearances the past two seasons for Malmo. (REPORT)

New York City FC defeated USL club Oklahoma City Energy FC, 1-0, in a scrimmage at the IMG Academy. David Villa scored the game’s only goal. (REPORT)

The New York Red Bulls waived second-year defender Shawn McLaws. (REPORT)

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Photo by Eric Bolte/USA Today Sports

One trade and a glut of preseason matches headline the latest roundup of MLS news.

The Colorado Rapids announced the acquisition of 23-year-old right back Eric Miller from the Impact in exchange for general allocation money and a first round pick in the 2018 MLS Draft. Miller played in 21 games for the Impact in 2014 before appearing in just nine last season. (REPORT)

Defender A.J. Cochran helped the Rapids to a 1-0 win — their third preseason win this year — against USL side Sacramento Republic FC at Bonney Field. (REPORT)

The Montreal Impact played its USL side, FC Montreal, to a 1-1 tie. Romario Williams scored the only goal for the MLS club. (REPORT)

The Houston Dynamo easily defeated Houston Baptist, 5-0. Mauro Manotas netted two in the rout, while Erick Torres, Will Bruin and Cristian Maidana scored the other three goals. (REPORT)

NASL club Jacksonville Armada FC took down Orlando City SC, 2-1, at Community First Park. Kaka scored the game’s first goal, but Mechak Jérôme and Alhassane Keita answered for the Armada. (REPORT)

D.C. United defeated NASL club Tampa Bay Rowdies, 1-0, thanks to a goal from Fabián Espíndola. (REPORT)

Real Salt Lake edged South Korean side Seongnam FC, 1-0, on Sunday. Yura Movsisyan scored the game’s only goal. (REPORT)

The New York Red Bulls revealed their new secondary jersey for the upcoming 2016 season. (REPORT)

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How do you think Miller will do with the Rapids? Which preseason result stood out the most to you?

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While several friendlies will be played later on Wednesday, here are the storylines that are making rounds in MLS.

Minnesota United could reportedly enter MLS as soon as 2017, but may have to do so under a different name. According to Sports Illustrated, the club may be forced to moved on without the “United” name following the introduction of fellow expansion side Atlanta United. (REPORT)

The Seattle Sounders have revealed their new primary and secondary kits for the 2016 MLS season, via the club’s new mobile app. (REPORT)

The Chicago Fire are reportedly targeting Dutch attacker Michael de Leeuw, after recently signing centerback and former FC Groningen teammate Johan Kappelhof. (REPORT)

Orlando City SC defeated the New York Red Bulls, 3-2, in Wednesday’s friendly. Kaká, Adrian Winter and Pedro Ribeiro each scored for Orlando, while Bradley Wright-Phillips and Kemar Lawrence tallied for the Red Bulls. (REPORT)

D.C. United has extended its affiliation with USL side Richmond Kickers through the 2017 season. (REPORT)

What do you think of the naming rights issue? Is de Leeuw the right target for the Fire? What do you think of Seattle’s new kits?

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In wake of the Chicago Fire’s most recent trade, a replacement for Harry Shipp may reportedly be coming from the top Dutch league.

The Fire are reportedly interested in acquiring 29-year-old midfielder Michael de Leeuw, who currently plays for FC Groningen, but allegedly had their bid rejected by the Dutch club. He has scored six goals so far during the 2015-16 Eredivisie season, but the Fire would reportedly need to negotiate with the Philadelphia Union over his Discover rights. (REPORT)

Orlando City SC midfielder Cristian Higuita was named to Colombia’s Under-23 team ahead of two friendlies against Honduras in at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Colombia’s U-23s are preparing for a Olympic qualification playoff series against the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team. (REPORT)

The New York Red Bulls announced changes to its youth development system, with Red Bulls Academy Director Bob Montgomery taking the new role of director of coaching education and youth partnerships. (REPORT)

D.C. United has reportedly agreed to extend its partnership deal with Leidos through 2018. (REPORT)

Double Post Bar, personalized by the Timbers Army, will open at Providence Park against the Columbus Crew on March 6. The bar is named after Sporting Kansas City defender Saad Abdul-Salaam’s infamous penalty miss, which hit both posts in the ninth round of the playoff shootout vs. the Timbers last year. (REPORT)

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What do you think of the Fire’s interest in De Leeuw? How do you think Higuita will do with Colombia’s U-23s?

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New York City FC added to its defense with a loan signing on Saturday, while MLS preseason action was in full swing.

Boca Juniors sent 22-year-old Federico Bravo on loan to NYCFC for the season, the club announced on Saturday. Bravo is a defensive midfielder who has made 37 appearances for Boca Juniors over the last two years. (REPORT)

The New York Red Bulls continued their preseason on Saturday with games against the University of Central Florida and Toronto FC. The Red Bulls won the 70-minute game against UCF, 5-2. The team then faced Toronto FC afterward and drew 1-1 in another 70-minute game. (REPORT)

The Columbus Crew tied Real Salt Lake, 1-1, in the Desert Diamond Cup. Kei Kamara canceled out Jordan Allen’s 17th-minute goal to force the tie. (REPORT)

The Philadelphia Union reached an agreement to sign their 23rd overall selection in the 2016 MLS Draft, Taylor Washington, the club announced on Friday. Washington is a left back out of George Mason University. (REPORT)

The Montreal Impact defeated D.C. United, 4-1, in their second preseason game at Rowdies Suncoast Invitational. Dominic Oduro scored a brace for the Canadian side, while Michael Salazar and Romario Williams netted the other goals for the Impact. (REPORT)

The Union cruised to a 2-0 win against NASL club Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Suncoast Invitational. Ken Tribbett and Leo Fernandes scored the Union’s two goals. (REPORT)

NYCFC took down Danish club HB Koge, 2-0, at IMG Academy. Khiry Shelton and David Villa netted late goals to secure the win. (REPORT)

Quincy Amarikwa netted a double to lead the San Jose Earthquakes to a 2-1 win vs. USL side Sacramento Republic at Bonney Field. (REPORT)

Maximiliano Urruti and Mauro Diaz both scored two goals to help FC Dallas defeat Alianza FC, 4-0. (REPORT)

The Colorado Rapids and the Houston Dynamo played to a 0-0 tie. Ricardo Clark missed a penalty kick during the tie in the Desert Diamond Cup. (REPORT)

Sporting Kansas City and the New England Revolution battled to a 1-1 result in the Desert Diamond Cup. Graham Zusi netted the first goal of the game, while Teal Bunbury equalized in the second half. (REPORT)

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What do you think of Bravo’s signing? Which preseason result surprised you the most?

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Coming off of back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances, the New York Red Bulls are eager to take another big step in 2016.

Head coach Jesse Marsch and the Red Bulls have continuous emphasized the importance of keeping its core group of players together, something that they were able to do for the most part over the offseason.

The team’s biggest loss, Homegrown and U.S. Men’s National Team centerback Matt Miazga, certainly hit the club hard in January, but Marsch remains excited about the team that stands in front of him.

“Our goal all along was to keep as many of our core players together as possible,” Marsch told SBI. “I think that we absolutely succeeded in that area, and now that we have done that, we can focus on the next challenge ahead.”

“We know that we’re going to be a target this season. That comes with the territory when you win the Supporters’ Shield. At the same time though, we still have our goals, and while we were able check a bunch of them off of that list last season, we still have more to accomplish this season. Ultimately we wanted to be the team there on that final Sunday playing for MLS Cup and our guys have trained extremely hard so far this offseason to make sure that they can play in that match at the end of the season.”

Marsch, now in his second season with the Red Bulls, proved the doubters wrong after being hired last winter. The former MLS player is confident that he and his team can do that again this season, and win a few trophies in the process.

Here’s a closer look at what to expect from the New York Red Bulls in 2016:

NEW YORK RED BULLS SEASON PREVIEW

2015 FINISH: 18-10-6, 60 points (first in Eastern Conference)

KEY ACQUISITIONS: Tyler Adams, Brandon Allen, Derrick Etienne, Alex Muyl, Scott Thomsen, Gideon Baah

KEY LOSSES: Matt Miazga, Anthony Wallace, Roy Miller, Dane Richards

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: Gideon Baah — The 24-year old was only signed in February by the Red Bulls, however, it’s more than likely that Baah will be an opening day starter at centerback. Jesse Marsch told SBI that he is very confident in the young Ghanaian’s abilities, and that while he will likely be deployed in the center that he also gives the team depth on the left side if necessary. Baah previously spent time with Finnish sides FC Honka and HJK Helsinki, before joining New York.

PRESSURE IS ON: Gonzalo Veron — The Red Bulls aren’t a star-driven organization, at least, not like they used to be. Veron was added by the club in 2015 as a Designated Player, but mostly appeared off of the bench. Despite showing quick bursts of speed and some brilliant passes, Veron struggled to find his feet in his first MLS campaign. This offseason, though, Marsch has experimented heavily with Veron and Bradley Wright-Phillips as a tandem up front, instead of playing the Argentine on the flanks again. Regardless of where he plays, Veron will need to contribute more in 2016 in order to justify his DP status.

OUTLOOK

If you’re looking for significant changes in the Red Bulls starting lineup this season, there won’t be many. That was Jesse Marsch and New York’s intension all along though.

Other than the loss of Matt Miazga, New York’s opening day lineup will largely look familiar to the Red Bulls fan base.

The team did however go out and add seven Homegrown players, making nine in total on the current roster. While it’s highly probable that some of those additions will see more time with New York’s Red Bulls II team than the senior side in 2016, the academy has shown a ton of promise. University of Virginia attacker Derrick Etienne and Georgetown forward Brandon Allen were among the signings, and the team will certainly get contributions at some point from both players.

“It was definitely a transition process getting to know the guys and trying to figure out the tempo of the offense, things like that,” Allen told SBI. “I think once the initial challenges subsided, I have been able to just be myself and do what I know I can do on the field. We have a very good team, so I know that it won’t be the easiest to break into this team, but I’m very confident in my abilities and believe that if I keep pushing myself then I can make contributions for us.”

Marsch is confident that the team’s young players will prove to be key in the team’s success, especially with a congested schedule as the season rolls on.

“I think that it was important to bring in a lot of these young guys to compete with our veteran group,” Marsch told SBI. “Competition is something that we always strive to create within our team, whether its on the training ground or in real matches. It’s obviously a lot to ask of these young players to come in and go up against the Dax McCartys and Sacha Kljestans of the team, but at the end of the day it’s a great learning experience for each of them.”

“Not all of our Homegrown signings will be with the first-team this season, but by adding these players this offseason we’ve not only created competition but added depth as well. We’ll be playing a lot of matches this year, with the regular MLS schedule and Champions League, as well as Open Cup. I think having these guys will only benefit us and give us plenty of options when some of our core guys need a break.”

While changes will be far and few for the Red Bulls in 2016, the back line will be one area to really keep an eye on. Other than Miazga’s move to Chelsea, Damien Perrinelle continues his recovery from a knee injury suffered in the MLS Cup Playoffs, while the battle at right back will be a critical talking point as well.

Gideon Baah was brought in recently to provide depth at the centerback position, joining Ronald Zubar and Karl Ouimette, who both made appearances for the Red Bulls in 2015. Sal Zizzo, Connor Lade and Chris Duvall will all be in the mix for time at right back, although Zizzo appears to be the favorite while Duvall continues to work his way back from a serious leg injury.

The Red Bulls boasted one of the best, if not the best, attacks in MLS last season. A great deal of the team’s success can be attributed to the stability in midfield. Dax McCarty and Felipe will continue to hold down the fort in the center of the park for New York, while Sacha Kljestan, Lloyd Sam, Gonzalo Veron and Mike Grella will be in the mix to create chances above the two holding midfielders. Other than Veron, who arrived with the team in August, all five starting midfielders made over 30 appearances for the club last season.

Up front, Bradley Wright-Phillips enters his third full season for the Red Bulls. Although his goal-scoring total dropped in 2015, Wright-Phillips still posted very productive numbers, scoring 17 goals and adding seven assists. Anatole Abang and some of the team’s younger additions, like Etienne and Allen, will figure into the team’s plans as well when BWP needs to rest. The Red Bulls led MLS last season with 62 goals scored, and they’ll be looking to build on that total in 2016.

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP