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MLS Notes: DCU releases Castillo, Wizards re-acquire Thomas and more (UPDATED)

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By AVI CREDITOR

D.C. United released midfielder Christian Castillo on Tuesday, signaling the end of a disappointing stint in the nation's capital for the speedy, El Salvadorian left winger.

Castillo, who scored once in U.S. Open Cup play but not in league play, was a hit among the large Salvadorian population in the D.C. area. He was unable to secure a regular spot in Curt Onalfo's lineup, though, since being acquired from Mexican side Leon.

Castillo's hopes at maintaining a roster spot in D.C. took a hit when the team agreed to a deal with its soon-to-be Designated Player, midfielder Branko Boskovic, a couple of weeks ago.

Here are a couple of other news items from MLS:

UNION TRADES THOMAS TO WIZARDS

The Philadelphia Union traded defender Shavar Thomas to the Kansas City Wizards for allocation money and second-round picks in the 2011 and 2012 MLS SuperDrafts. Thomas, who played with Kansas City from 2004-2006, had been selected by the Union from Chivas USA in the expansion draft, but he hardly saw the pitch.

Thomas made one appearance for the Union, coming on in the 56th minute of a loss at Toronto FC.

SAN JOSE TRIMS ROSTER

The San Jose Earthquakes are reportedly releasing Ramon Sanchez and Andrew Weber. The moves could signal more personnel additions for the Quakes, who have already added Sam Cronin to the mix after a trade with Toronto.

Sanchez, the captain of the El Salvador national team, didn't receive much playing time this season, and Weber never cracked the first team.

CHICAGO CUTS MARTINEZ

Julio Martinez was let go by the Chicago Fire, making him the third Salvadorian to be cut from the league. Martinez, who like Castillo was on loan from Leon, played in three games and scored one goal for the Fire.

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What are your thoughts about the latest MLS player transactions? Surprised that Castillo couldn't stick in D.C.? Think Thomas will get more playing time in for Kansas City? Hope that the Earthquakes have something big on the horizon? Find it odd that three players from El Salvador were cut?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. It seems that they do much better with younger players. Their academy graduates Najar and Hamid are pretty good. Last year draft picks Pontius and Wallace are very good players.

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  2. Yes- Busch played in the inaugural Sacramento Cup vs Chivas USA on 6/12 and evidently had a good game which went to pk’s where i think he saved one.

    Joe’s distribution has never been his strength of course, and despite the best backline we’ve had since the return, he still has the urge to coming running out of his box and create the wrong kinds of havoc. plus, busch is probably a better shot stopper right now, and is very vocal in an organizing, supportive manner.

    cocky? i guess, but to me GK’s are kind of like drummers- different from the rest of us you know?

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  3. How in the world is there any irony involved in the releasing of 3 Salvadorans? Is it “No Firing of Salvadorans” Day today or something?

    Sad to see them go, at lease Osael seems to be performing well lately with Chivas USA.

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  4. DC Josh, it seems that most (non-Salvadorean) fans disagree with you, and that Castillo is mostly to blame for being awful.

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  5. The only person sad Shaver Thomas is leaving Philadelphia is O’Brian White who won’t be able to torch him for a second time on the away leg for Toronto. Allocation money and two second round picks for a guy who has seen 35 minutes and was maybe 4th or 5th on the depth chart at CB. I like the ransacking Philly got, wouldn’t mine a buildup of second round picks which have the chance to be Michael Stephens or Tim Ream.

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  6. Matt – The front office record as of recent years is just poor, it seems everyone that they sign from abroad is a complete miss. Their drafting is basically the only thing keeping this team alive.

    Evaluating talent is one thing, but then the next logical thing is look down the road (is this league too physical, too fast, is the weather too hot, is the language barrier too much)

    You are right a loan like this is easier to digest, but it still adds to their list of failures the past few years.

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  7. Actually, it is a reason to argue with the front office. Castillo was brought in on a red carpet and silver platter and, in his brief stint, delivered absolutely nothing.

    You are right, however, on the fact that it’s not THE biggest nail in their coffin.

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  8. Gee, overreact much? They signed him on a loan deal. They took a chance that a guy who scored twice on the USMNT might be able to play wing in MLS. Who would have thought that Castillo would have been so slow and unwilling to adapt to the more physical nature of this league?

    There are plenty of reasons to argue with the front office, but this is clearly not one of them.

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  9. The Castillo debacle is another sign that the DC United front office has cobwebs in their heads. They have driven this club into the dirt. I used to have a lot of respect for the front office, but I believe it’s time for some changes up top.

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  10. Speaking of Jon Busch…

    Maybe Chicago can release more key/important veterans, say: William Conde & Brian McBride, to make salary room for these two El Salvadorians that won’t see the pitch for us.

    De Los Cobos is on the phone, as we speak.

    Reply
  11. To this day the SJ fans don’t know the reason behind Sanchez falling out of favor- rumors had it as a bust-up with Yallop, and then Yallop said he played too slow. Regardless, we’re excited to have Cronin and a new starting GK in busch! Need a win at home over a hopefully tired DC to keep pace in the west

    Reply

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