Blue Links 11/21

You may have noticed that our logo has been temporarily replaced with the phrase, "It's On Us". The campaign is a movement to prevent, and change the way we think about, sexual assault. Don't worry, one of the best logos in all of SB Nation will be back in no time :)

Not there was ever any question, but this guy has been named US Soccer's Male Athlete of the Year.

He was always destined to become a star! Proud to have him representing us so well and it is much deserved.

"Its an honor. I know the winners who have come before me, so its special to have my name up there." - Tim Howard

While we all thought it was pretty cool to have 3rd pick in the Dispersal draft of Chivas USA, the club thought otherwise and passed. There were several teams that passed their pick as well, the complete results of the draft are right here.

With the international break finished, Zusi and Besler can officially relax.... for short time. For Graham Zusi, it is about getting healthy after picking up a knock in October.

"No one is more disappointed with how 2014 ended than the players on this team," Zusi said. "We expect to win MLS Cup every year and that will once again be our focus going into 2015. On the national team front, we have another exciting year ahead with the 2015 Gold Cup our focus." - Graham Zusi

For Matt Besler, it is about having a break from his grueling two year campaign. Here is what his 700 day journey with one month of rest has looked like.

"Forty-three matches in each of the last two calendar years. More than 7,400 minutes recorded in eight different countries. Six combined competitions for club and country. Three extended training camps with the national team and two preseason camps with Sporting Kansas City. And numerous friendlies to intensify his globetrotting ventures, ranging from MLS All-Star Games to World Cup tune-ups."

MLS Cup playoffs continue on Sunday with the Redbulls and the Revolution at 12:30p and Galaxy and Sounders at 4p. Here is the bracket.

Robbie Keane, Obafemi Martins, and Lee Nguyen are the finalists for MLS MVP. For me, it is absolutely Lee Nguyen. Simon Borg writes about why Bradley Wright-Phillips was snubbed.

Sporting Club and National World War I Museum to co-host 2nd Annual Truce Tournament. It is a 3v3 tournament with a Premier League Boxing Day watch party complete with kegs and eggs.

Recently, FIFA investigated and found no wrong doings with the Qatar World Cup. They have refused to release the full report, but now a compliance chief will analyze full report. The whistleblower of this corruption, Phaedra Al-Majid, withdrew her accusations because of threats on her and her family. Now the FBI feel the need to protect her.

I know FIFA is clearly one of the most terrible organizations on the planet... but I still don't see this Qatar World Cup happening. If it does I can confidently say I will not watch.

On a lighter note...TURF FIELD WITH THE ASSIST!

Happy birthday to Peter Vermes. Feelin good today PV?

Also, I'm going to sing this out loud because I miss games, and the stadium, and the Cauldron so much.

We’re all part of Vermes’ army

We’re all out to win the League

and were gonna live it up when Sporting wins the Cup

Kansas City has the greatest football team

Now its stuck in your head..