CBA negotiations between MLS and the MLSPU "are still in the early stages, but the latest round of talks have yielded little progress," according to sources cited by Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC. Galaxy D and MLSPU Exec Board Member Todd Dunivant revealed that the two sides "met on Tuesday for the first time this month." But after the union "received MLS' latest proposal, the second day of meetings was canceled." At issue "was the league's proposal on free agency, which Dunivant characterised as merely maintaining the status quo." He added, "Their proposal had nothing to do with free agency, not a mention." Dunivant said that the two sides "did talk a little bit about guaranteed contracts and options, but there was minimal movement." He added, "We're very far apart" (ESPNFC.com, 1/22).
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REPORTED ATTENDEES AT TUESDAY MLS-MLSPU CBA MEETING
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MLS Commissioner Don Garber
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MLS President & Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott
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MLS Exec VP/Player Relations & Competition Todd Durbin
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MLSPU Exec Dir Bob Foose
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Galaxy D Todd Dunivant
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Dynamo D Kofie Sarkodie
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DC United D Bobby Boswell
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Real Salt Lake D Chris Schuler
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MINOR ADJUSTMENTS: USL Pro on Wednesday announced that it "will have 24 teams" in '15, 10 more than last season, including a developmental team for the Red Bulls. In Sacramento, Bill Paterson noted league officials "also announced 12-team Eastern and Western Conference alignments." Teams "will play each conference opponent home and away during the 28-game regular season, plus six matches against geographic rivals." The schedule "will be released this month." Twelve teams, six from each conference, "will qualify for the playoffs" (
SACRAMENTO BEE, 1/22).
