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Ladies and gentleman: A deal has been reached!
Deal is done. #CBA
— Kyle Martino (@kylemartino) March 5, 2015
___
Let's recap the day's insanity.
The morning began with the Chicago Fire boarding their scheduled flight to Los Angeles, a good sign for fans hoping a deal can be struck in time. D.C. United plans on playing its scheduled CONCACAF Champions League home leg vs. Alajuelense at RFK Stadium tonight as well.
Next stop: Left Coast. Cya soon @LAGalaxy pic.twitter.com/OgBGzhSOGQ
— Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) March 4, 2015
Soon afterwards, Taylor Twellman appeared on ESPN with Bob Ley to discuss the ongoing negotiations, which center around the power struggle between the players and the owners for free agency.
According to Jeff Carlslie at ESPN FC, the latest offer proposed by the league would grant free agency to players 28 years of age or higher with 8 years of MLS experience, and a 10% cap on salary increases.
83 players would be eligible for free agency after the 2015 season, including Alan Gordon, Dan Gargan, Robbie Rogers and Todd Dunivant.
(Bob Ley for his part voiced an impassioned rant, warning that a strike would "Break the needle on the stupid meter")
Meanwhile in D.C., negotiations continue with representatives from both sides trying to hammer out a deal with the season two days away. Not too long ago, the Washington Post's Steven Goff had this to add.
Not expecting any potential #MLSCBA deal until 3-5 pm ET, at earliest
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) March 4, 2015
Then Jeff Carlisle broke the latest news, which suggests the owners are starting to loosen up a bit.
I'm told there has been some movement in union direction on 28/8 free agency offer & 10% cap on FA salary increases. More to come. #mlscba
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) March 4, 2015
UPDATE: BIG NEWS
I’m told players union is voting to on latest #MLSCBA offer, which must mean it was good enough to bring to members for a vote. #Progress
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) March 4, 2015
Then Kyle sent out a tweet, and the rest is history.
Working on a post with all the details. Stay tuned.