Soccer By Ives

Union part ways with Mondragon

The man who played as big a part as any in making the Philadelphia Union a playoff team is now headed home.

Philadelphia and goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon mutually agreed to the Colombian's release Monday, clearing the way for the 40-year-old to end his career in his native country. Mondragon had been rumored in recent days with a return to his first club, Deportivo Cali, and that move was confirmed this afternoon. 

After signing with the Union a year ago, nearly to the day, Mondragon transformed Philadelphia into a sound defensive unit, along with center back Carlos Valdes. He was the starting goalkeeper for the MLS All-Star Team against Manchester United in July.

Mondragon suffered a broken finger in September, which paved the way for rookie Zac MacMath to start a few games. MacMath will now be expected to take over permanently in goal for the Union.

Report: Everton, Wigan eyeing John

George John had to hold off on his dreams of a move to Europe this summer when a proposed transfer to Blackburn fell through in the final stages. Those events may ultimately lead John to wind up at a better club this winter, if reports are to be believed.

According to the UK Daily Mail, Everton and Wigan are both on the trail of the FC Dallas defender and are expected to make January bids for the big centerback. While the report doesn't exactly offer much in the way of detail, it shouldn't come as a surprise that smaller-spending English clubs would be interested in an inexpensive centerback option who also happens to hold a European passport.

A winter move away from MLS is all but inevitable now for John, who will be moving into the final year of his current MLS contract once the 2011 season ends. With that being the case, MLS will be more open to approving a transfer and FC Dallas is actually then put in a position where the league, and not the club, has final approval on a potential transfer.

What do you think of this development? Like the idea of George John heading to Everton? Still wondering when he'll get that first national team call-up?

Share your thoughts below.