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Jordan Morris, who embodies the future hopes and dreams of every U.S. Soccer fan, will begin his professional career with Seattle Sounders. That's despite an impressive trial with Werder Bremen and a contract offer from the club. Morris picking Seattle and MLS over Europe runs counter to what many top-tier Americans have done in the past, but USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann is happy with Morris's choice.
"I'm thrilled that Jordan decided to go pro," Klinsmann told ESPN FC. "This is the really important decision. And I'm thrilled with the Sounders, that he goes into an environment that he knows, that he feels comfortable with, and that he feels now that, 'At this specific point in time, this is the best move for me.'"
Don't worry, Klinsmann critics who believe the manager steers players toward Europe over MLS, the manager isn't disappointing you. It sounds like he wants to see Morris go overseas in the future.
"[Morris] feels he's not ready for Europe," Klinsmann said. "He feels the next big step for him is the Sounders where he knows everybody, and for us it's great because the moment he steps now on the training field he's in a professional environment. That's good."
Jordan Morris turned down Werder Bremen as he was 'homesick' - Eichin [Bild]
Werder Bremen CEO Thomas Eichin offers some insight on why the American spurned his club. "Jordan was homesick," Eichin said. "It's better that Jordan says how he feels straight away. It would have been more problematic after three, four weeks."
Former Premier League standout Patrick Vieira is officially in as manager of New York City FC.
Tottenham Hotspur defeat Leicester City 2-0 to advance in the FA Cup [Cartilage Free Captain]
Leicester City has been the surprise of the Premier League this season, but its FA Cup run ends in the third round. Son Heung-Min scored a fantastic opening goal and added an assist for Spurs.
Damn, broh. Sweet goal for @SpursOfficial by Son, broh. #leitot #FACup pic.twitter.com/vFSTW8GExe
— Sam Dunn (@RealFakeSamDunn) January 20, 2016
Liverpool 3, Exeter 0: The Kids Advance to the Next Round [The Liverpool Offside]
After previously drawing with League Two side Exeter City, Liverpool moved on to the FA Cup fourth round thanks to a relatively easy replay win.
Napoli manager accused of homophobia, uses 'I have gay friends' defense [SBN]
You probably didn't have feelings either way about Napoli, but here's a reason to hope for the club's demise.
What's happening in The A?
The Hawks stayed up late Wednesday night to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers, 104-98. Paul Millsap did Paul Millsap things with 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Kent Bazemore added 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists.