RSL's Royal Roundup 12-26-16

Maund is back, St. Louis has setback, World Cup expansion, and more

By Kreg Asay Dec 26, 2016, 6:00am MST

Each Monday we'll give you links to RSL, MLS and other Soccer news from the past week that you may have missed.

RSL News

Jeff Cassar completes US Soccer "Pro Course" pilot coaching program (along with eight other MLS coaches).
Jeff Attinella on the move again - the rumored move from Minnesota to ~~RSL-Cascadia~~ Portland is true.
Both Maund and Wingert are returning for the 2017 season.
Will Johnson won't be returning to RSL; apparently Kreis talked him into moving to Florida.

From the "Beating a dead horse" file, one writer opines on how to make MLS better. Does your opinion differ?
St. Louis' plans to join MLS hit a major setback regarding stadium, while Nashville's plans move forward.
NYCFC to start their preseason in Ecuador.
The MLS Website loves it's lists. Here's every MLS team's Christmas Wish List, followed by a list of all-time Top Players for every (still active) team.
How big should MLS get, (and yes it comes with yet another mention of Pro/Rel).
Top 5 controversies of the 2016 season (according to MLSSoccer). What did they miss?
There's a growing problem with the Territorial Rights for MLS Teams.
Roster status for all 22 Teams.
First look at the top 50 Draft Prospects from Soccer By Ives.

Long-rumored changes to CONCACAF's Champion's League schedule may be coming soon.
2017 Gold Cup stadiums announced (the RioT isn't included this time). Goal.com wonders if it's time to let other countries host?
USWNT star Alex Morgan is moving to French side Lyon on half-season loan.
USMNT remains at #28 on the latest FIFA rankings, and also learned that the summer World Cup qualifying schedule has been moved up.
US Soccer once again delays decision on which league will be Division II. NASL may get a stay of execution much to USL's irritation.
One sad aspect of NASL's New York Cosmos, what happens to the former Players?

Top stories of 2016 (according to FourFourTwo website).
Big surprise! FIFA confirmed that the 2018 World Cup WILL be held in Russia regardless of the doping investigations in the IOC.
The Pres. of FIFA still wants to expand the World Cup, here's a look at the top 5 options, FIFA's own research indicates 16 groups of 3 would work best.

Wonder goal from Germany

Also from Germany, ref gets an assist