Brotherly Game Daily Links: McKenzie finishes second in MLS Defender of the Year voting

Philadelphia Union

McKenzie finishes runner-up for MLS Defender Of The Year
The 21-year-old garnered 20.75% of the votes from his peers after aiding the Union to the seventh best defense in MLS history with just a .87 goals against average. McKenzie appeared in 22 matches in 2020 for the Supporters’ Shield winning Union, scoring two goals and adding three assists while regularly marking the opposition’s top scorer.

MLS News

Austin FC reveal primary jersey before inaugural MLS season in 2021
The jersey, which was revealed on Wednesday, includes Austin FC’s signature verde and black identity in a vertical stripe pattern, while the colorway is designed to reflect the city’s vibrancy and creative energy.

Sources: MLS Cup playoff teams could forfeit if COVID outbreaks occur
Major League Soccer has completed its protocol for the playoffs, and included in that document is how it handles outbreaks of COVID-19 within one of the participating teams. One source with knowledge of the situation stated that MLS will make every effort to reschedule games in which one or both of the teams is suffering from a COVID-19 outbreak.

Earthquakes star Chris Wondolowski reverses course on planned retirement
In a declaration that should ignite celebrations among Earthquakes fans, the team’s erstwhile captain said he wants to help San Jose continue its upward trajectory that has begun under coach Matias Almeyda.

Nashville’s Zimmerman earns Defender of the Year honors
Nashville allowed an average of 0.96 goals a game, lowest of an expansion team in league history. The team had nine clean sheets and allowed just 22 total goals, third-fewest in the league.

LAFC star Diego Rossi tests positive for coronavirus
Rossi is the third LAFC player to test positive while on international duty in South America in the last week after defender Diego Palacios and midfielder José Cifuentes tested positive while with Ecuador. All three will quarantine in their home countries and follow local restrictions and protocol prior to returning to Los Angeles.