Star Spangled Stories: Dest injury update, an MLS debate, & a new song for McKennie

Good morning! There’s been a lot of news this week for our United States national teams. Get yourself up to date with what is going on at the January camp, injuries, and moves overseas.

Dest ruled out for Copa del Rey tie
Sergiño Dest will not play in FC Barcelona’s Copa del Rey match with Rayo Vallecano, as he deals with a thigh injury.

Re-united and it feels so good
Christian Pulisic & Thomas Tuchel are back together again at Chelsea FC. This article from CBS Sports looks at a potential new role for the American.

Behind The Crest: Competition Heats Up in January Camp
This is a great series and a fun glimpse into the USMNT during this January camp. We get to see plenty of goofing around and some good insight from Gregg Berhalter.

The Rise of Kristie Mewis
This is a nice quick read that looks at Kristie Mewis finding her place for the USWNT during a wild year of 2020.

What’s next for Dunn?
Forbes interviews Crystal Dunn about her career and the extra challenge that she has endured as a woman of color.

Paul Tenorio starts MLS Homegrown rules debate
The actual article is behind the paywall at the Athletic, but Tenorio brings up a very interesting debate about territories for Major League Soccer teams, and the ability for clubs overseas to slide in wherever they want.

Full Circle: Keeper Turner working towards international debut
Matt Turner has taken a unique path in his rise to the national team after not getting drafted into MLS, not playing in Europe, and getting experience in the USL.

Striker Stonks!
You’ve got $100 bucks to invest in American strikers. This is a fun excersie from @tutulismyname on Twitter. Where are you putting your money?

MLS announces 2021 season dates
FINALLY players and coaches know what is going on for the 2021 MLS season. February 22 is when preseason begins and the weekend of April 3-4 will open up the regular season.

Dahlkemper Is Ready for Something New
Abby Dahlkemper is now the third USMNT star to sign with Manchester City. SI takes a look at what it the rise in players heading abroad.

Bremen head coach very happy with Sargent
Werder Bremen head coach Florian Kohfeldt talks about his striker’s play this season and was glad to see his work rewarded with the stunner over the weekend. While Bremen may not be a top club, it is really valuable for Josh Sargent to be playing under a coach that has such confidence in him.

FIFA announces timeline for picking 2026 World Cup host cities
There are 23 candidates right now and will be taken down to 16 before matches begin.

Green stays hot, scores winner on Tuesday
Julian Green helped snap a winless streak for Greuther Fürth, scoring the winner on Tuesday in a 1-0 win over Osanbrück.

Clark reportedly headed to Leipzig in 2022
The New York Red Bull forward Caden Clark has reportedly has a deal with RB Leipzig and he will make the move to the Bundesliga club after he turns 18.

McKennie “like gold” for Pirlo
ESPN’s Gab Marcotti has high praise for Weston McKennie and how much of an impact he’s having for Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus squad.

New Juventus song for McKennie - “We Are Wes!”
Juve fans have created a ridiculously catchy song for McKennie. “He is Big Mac for Buffon.”

What other stories have you seen over the past week involving USMNT and USWNT players? Hit the comments and let us know!