5 things we learnt: MLS Week 14

New York City FC ended their 11-match winless run and Montreal Impact won on the road in MLS for the first time since 28 September 2013.

But here are a few things you may have missed this week…

1) More Designated Players on the way?

David Villa was among the latest batch of MLS DPs

The Designated Player rule, also known as the David Beckham rule after a certain high-profile signing, allows a team to sign three players on contracts exceeding the salary cap.

However according to Metro New York the league could be in line to amend the rule and allow franchises to sign four players on more lucrative deals.

Ideally they would want each side to have four very good players rather than spending the additional allowance on having one superstar – like Beckham was for example. 

2) D.C. United set for new home

There was speculation that the USA’s capital MLS side would be leaving Washington D.C., but the franchise have now been able to reach an agreement with the city.

Reports suggested a move to Virginia was on the cards before yesterday’s announcement confirmed that a new 20,000-25,000-seat soccer specific stadium will be built.

Perhaps more importantly however, is that the agreement contains a ‘no relocation’ clause and protects one of the league’s founding members from moving on.

The Women's World Cup is in Canada this year

3) Could the Men’s World Cup be heading to Canada?

With the Women’s World Cup kicking off in Canada this week, Canadian Soccer Association president Victor Montagliani said the country could also host the men’s event.

The fallout of the FIFA corruption scandal means that soccer’s world governing body may be forced to strip the 2018 or 2022 competitions from Russia or Qatar respectively.

And Montagliani believes his country ‘deserve’ to host the tournament having shown their commitment to the sport and hosted several youth tournaments in recent years.

4) LA Galaxy can’t hit the target

For only the third time in their 20-year history MLS giants LA Galaxy failed to register a shot on target in their defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps this weekend.

Galaxy had 65.6% possession in the match and played nearly the entire second half in Whitecaps territory as well as having the returning Robbie Keane to call on.

It was the first time they have failed to have on shot on target at home and ended their 29-game unbeaten run at the StubHub Center in all competitions.

Dom Dwyer hit 22 goals in MLS last season

5) Soccer’s power couple

MLS’ second top goalscorer in 2014, Dom Dwyer, married USWNT striker Sydney Leroux on Valentine’s Day and have now released a family photo shoot.

Along with their dog, Boss, the Sporting Kansas City striker and his partner, who is currently taking part in the Women’s World Cup, donned their respective strips. 

With finding the back of the net in their blood, should the two have any offspring in the coming years they may be USA’s most potent striker to date.

Check out the full gallery here.

Images courtesy of David Villa, Bongarts and Jamie Squire, with thanks