Friday Link-Up

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! Here are your Friday happenings with the Revs and the world of soccer:

The Revolution have signed Re-Entry Draft pick Ryan Cochrane to the roster. Step one of improving the league’s worst defense is complete. Meanwhile, it’s looking increasingly likely that Fred will leave MLS. [Official Revolution Blog]

Meanwhile, New England has also locked up Matt Reis to a new contract. He holds just about every goalkeeping record in franchise history, and keeping him healthy and between the sticks will be incredibly reassuring going forward. [revolutionsoccer.net]

Arch Bell reports that Nottingham Forest has confirmed the signing of Robbie Findley to a 2 ½ year contract. As terrible as Findley was in the national team and the World Cup, he always seemed to score against the Revs, so this is actually good news in Foxboro. [Yanks Abroad]

Jason Davis analyzes what Findley’s move could mean in terms of the perception of Americans abroad. [Match Fit USA]

Juan Carlos Osorio appears to be rejoining the head coaching ranks in MLS. The former Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls manager is to be named the man in charge at Chivas USA, according to Drew Epperley. [WVHooligan]

It would appear that FC Barcelona will be playing a preseason tour in the USA next year. Unfortunately, they won’t be landing in New England. [Boston.com]

One of my personal favorite blogs is starting on the rocky but rewarding road to legitimacy – Elliot is announcing that Futfanatico is available on Kindle via subscription. [Futfanatico]

J.R. Eskilson presents an interesting opinion regarding Teal Bunbury’s choice to play for the USA over Canada. Does it really benefit us over the long run? [Goal.com]

Ives Galarcep is reporting that former Revolution assistant Paul Mariner is rumored to be on the shortlist for the vacant managerial position in Toronto. Mariner stepped down as manager of Plymouth Argyle in May when they were relegated to English League One, but he stayed on as a coach at the cash-strapped club. [Soccer By Ives]

Sean and Brian made a Revolution Christmas list. It’s a little longer than most of us would hope…but I’m not sure I agree with the complaint against the uniforms. I liked this year’s kits. [New England Soccer Today]