The fog around NY2 has lifted and what's emerged is almost (but not entirely) unexpected. England's Manchester City FC and the New York Yankees are partners. An interesting development, to be sure. They're set to start playing in 2015. What do you think? Is it going to work? Will MLS suddenly be awash with money?

Salt Lake Tribune writer Aaron Falk talked with Jason Kreis about Robbie Russell's retirement; Kreis credited Russell with helping change the culture of Real Salt Lake.

Former RSL right back and defensive stronghold Robbie Russell has retired from D.C. United and will be pursuing medical school — at Georgetown Medical School, reportedly the fifth-most selective medical institution in the U.S. While the game will miss him, much congratulations are in order for his acceptance into Georgetown's pre-med program.

RSL communications is reporting that Carlos Salcedo's red-card-producing-yellow-card has been rescinded, which means the player will be eligible for tomorrow's match. Interestingly, the card has been applied to Beltran, and if I'm to be honest, I have no idea what it's really for. A foul? I didn't see one — or at least much of one. At any rate, it's great to see, because we might really need him on Saturday. And that he did well enough on Wednesday to be eligible for consideration is remarkable in and of itself.

Garth Lagerwey talks to MLSSoccer.com in this look at youth development, MLS academies, exceptions and much more — and there are some interesting rules involved here, like the out-of-area exceptions allowed for sides. I'm of the opinion — like a commenter on that article — that it's more important to develop intelligently than in massive numbers. Obviously we're at a numbers disadvantage, but it seems we've got a great setup and we're now producing players who I'm convinced will see regular MLS time in four to five years — once they're out of college. What do you think?

Exactly what the title says: Jeff Attinella is on-loan at Ft. Lauderdale Strikers. There's no real surprise that he has been sent on loan, as it was either him or Lalo Fernandez that was likely to go, get minutes and get experience. With no reserves matches for a bit, he's off to get time. I wouldn't read anything about the battle for spots into this.

Carlos Salcedo, RSL's first academy graduate to receive playing time with the first team, talks to Grande Sports Academy about his debut, his aspirations, and what it's taken him to get here. From the article: "He told me to be ready and told me how I did. I just feel so thankful with the coaching staff. Because it’s a very good team and it feels so good to have a good head coach and I’m thankful. He said he is going to give me more opportunities."

In case you're wondering what your favorite player makes, or whether you think somebody makes too much, the MLS Players Union has released salary information for perusal. A few things to keep in mind, though. 1. This doesn't speak to the salary cap. 2. This doesn't speak to the overall compensation package for a player. 3. It's still early in the season, and passing judgment on a player's worth is probably a bit hasty.

Sounder at Heart is reporting that Seattle Sounders are exploring a USL-Reserves affiliation with Phoenix FC. This normally wouldn't be interesting, but given that we have a partnership with Phoenix FC at current, this says some interesting things. Does this mean we're looking more closely at establishing a USL team of our own? Or that we are not interested in continuing our partnership with Phoenix FC next year? There's lots of room for speculation, but facts are slim at current.