Good morning all. It was a quiet Tuesday in the soccer world but there appears to be more activity on the MLS front today as teams look to sign and trade for players as the start of the regular season approaches.
Here are some news nuggets to tide you over this morning:
Toronto trade winds blowing
Mo Johnston isn't talking but rumors of a Toronto FC-San Jose Earthquakes trade are picking up steam. A Ronnie O'Brien to San Jose trade is in the works. Just who would Toronto take from San Jose? The easy call is Canadian defender Chris Pozniak, but the reality is if TFC really rated Pozniak they would have kept him in the first place.
There isn't much on San Jose's roster for Toronto to ask for. A package of a major allocation and high draft pick could do the trick for O'Brien, a former all-star who endured his share of injuries last season. Toronto FC wants to stockpile allocation money to bring in several new international players during this transfer window.
RSL signs Scottish striker
Real Salt Lake filled its need for a target striker by signing Scottish forward Kenny Deuchar. The 6-foot-3 signing fom Gretna F.C. should offer a useful target man to go alongside quick forwards Robbie Findley and Fabian Espindola. No details on the deal but it's safe to say Deucher is NOT a designated player.
Gonzalez helps Catolica post Copa win
Former Columbus Crew defender Marcos Gonzalez started and played 90 minutes in Universidad Catolica's 1-0 Copa Libertadores win against Peruvian champions San Martin on Wednesday. Sold to Catolica by the Crew last month, Gonzalez has stepped right in and become a key figure on the Catolica team. He was a bit underrated during his time with the Crew but he will definitely not be easy for Columbus to replace.
That's all for now. I'll post some more nuggets through the morning and afternoon so check back in later.
Share your thoughts on these stories below.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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Everyone is going mental over the RO'B trade. Ive got faith but please please Mo, dont let us down. Im a little bit scared because of a lack of signings but i dont think he'd sabotage his own career (ie ridding of an important first team player without a replacement.)
Posted by: Ossington Mental Youth | February 27, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Us 'Quakers are getting excited... hope it happens.
Posted by: Zungazan | February 27, 2008 at 11:51 AM
R.O'B (captain injury)for a major allocation and a first round pick AND Poz... i'd take it. We can use the allocation to get an int'l midfielder, the pick to build the future and poz as a util player. Gimme Gimme Gimme!!!
Posted by: Damiiano | February 27, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Glad to see RSL adding some attacking power.
Posted by: RPH | February 27, 2008 at 12:42 PM
10 goals in his last 21 games? Sounds like a pretty decent signing by RSL. Good for them.
Posted by: Joamiq | February 27, 2008 at 01:24 PM
I would love to see the Revs make a late push for O'Brien - seems like they would have the allocation money to do so and he would be a great fit....
Posted by: Boston8 | February 27, 2008 at 01:59 PM
As a Crew fan, we never thought Marcos was under rated, under appreciated, yes. Good to hear he is doing well, wish him the best.
Posted by: Stuart | February 27, 2008 at 02:48 PM
If Toronto trades O'Brien, perhaps they'll pick up goalkeeper Preston Burpo. Depth at goalkeeper is one of Toronto's greatest needs. Besides, O'Brien would fit in well with Yallop (he's an offensive threat with some bite to his game) and I don't think O'Brien endeared himself to Johnston after injuring his knee while attempting a rough tackle on a teammate during pre-season training. Toronto could have used O'Brien if it weren't for that stupid move.
Posted by: Joseph D'Hippolito | February 27, 2008 at 03:18 PM
RSL now has a good balance of speedy strikers and larger target strikers. They're definitely building a playoff team.
Posted by: Andrew | February 27, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Joseph,
Dont think we will be going for Burpo as we currently have 2 other goalies on trial (one canadian, Wageneer, whos back from an unsuccessful spell in Hollands first division and our draft pick who is impressing). If anything itll almost defo be for the allocation adn draft pick as we will now need to replace 2!!! wingers, most likely at relatively high costs..
Posted by: Ossington Mental Youth | February 27, 2008 at 05:31 PM
also i dont think we'd use a sacred SI slot on a goalie, not with those two prospects
Posted by: Ossington Mental Youth | February 27, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Ossington Mental Youth, which two wingers need to be replaced and why?
Posted by: Joseph D'Hippolito | February 27, 2008 at 08:15 PM