The Vancouver Whitecaps added a veteran fullback with loads of World Cup experience to his name by signing South Korean defender Lee Young-Pyo.
According to reports, the 34-year-old Lee is joining the club on a one-year deal with an option for one more. While Lee can play on either side of the field, it appears that he will play right back based on comments made by first-year manager Martin Rennie, who already has left backs Jordan Harvey and Alain Rochat in the fold.
Lee brings a wealth of experience to the Whitecaps defense, with career stops at PSV Eindhoven, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund on his resume. He has also appeared in three World Cups — including starts in all four games for South Korea in the 2010 World Cup — and has 127 caps under his belt.
Here are a couple of more items from around MLS:
PAUSE STAYING IN CHICAGO
The Chicago Fire's captain isn't going anywhere.
Chicago announced that it came to terms on a two-year extension with Logan Pause that will keep the veteran midfielder in the Windy City through the 2013 season.
Pause, 30, has been with the Fire his entire MLS career, which spans back to 2003. He started 28 games last season and trails only C.J. Brown on the club's all-time list of games played.
MLS UNVEILS NEW BALL
Goodbye Jabulani, hello PRIME.
MLS will introduce a new match ball during the 2012 season, replacing the unpredictable adidas Jabulani with PRIME, a ball that is supposedly designed for superior consistency in all conditions.
Here's a look at the new ball:
Do you think the Whitecaps have addressed a big need by signing Lee? Think Chicago made the right move by keeping Pause on board? Do you like the look of the new ball?
Share your thoughts below.
the tango is coming back for euros 2012
I read the same thing about the MLS cup winner
This has a better graphic design to it. Maybe more importantly, the panel design is kind of unique, too. I hope it really is more stable of a ball in-flight.
those balls are made by 12 yr old Indian kids. get your facts straight!
man, those 12 yr old indonesian kids are good
so which are you going to go with, wendell? over or under 16?
34 is a fact….one that i don’t think was highlighted enough in the article…thats all….
Vancouver Flash Back:
“Demerit is a very solid defender. As long as he stays healthy, that’s an impressive signing.”
I was surprised to read that people had trouble seeing the silver ball. I had no issues whatsoever (watching both on a relatively small HD tv and a larger SD tv).
i agree
shhhhhh….
i love lee young-pyo
Lee is a very solid defender. As long as he stays healthy, that’s an impressive signing.
Are there any other Koreans in MLS? Nobody is popping into my mind at the moment.
he’s got a valid point. Sure, its onyl a year, but at 34 he’s certainly past his prime. We talk about US defenders being over the proverbial hill for WC 2014 ie) Boca, Dolo and they’ll be the same age at WC as this guy is now. It’s totally understandable to bring his age into the equation.
From what I read once, it’s the Champion that gets to play with the Silver Ball only??? Maybe it’s MLS Cup Champion, Supporter’s Shield Champion and US Open Cup? Cause I remember seeing it often? lol
But maybe it’s just me?
Let’s bring back the Adidas Tango. Best ball. Vintage.
In all fairness to the Commissioner, rumors circulated by lower-level Addidas employees confirm that Don Garber tested the game-worthiness of the ball by kicking it against the side of his garage for a full half-hour before approving its use in MLS 2012. Lay off the Commish!
I think they’re only silver for the cup games right? But my word it was hard to track the ball during those games.
It’s pretty standard for balls used in American sports leagues to have the commissioner’s signature.
It’s not silver enough, I fear we may actually be able to see it…
Wow, that guy really has his head up his own behind
I don’t know Adam, but based on that comment I’m putting the over/under on your age at 16.
Please, he doesn’t sign each ball personally. They teach kids in the sweatshops how to imitate his signature and THEY sign them. They then try to forge a transfer document so they can come play for the Cosmos.
34 years old!!!!! whats the over/under on total games played for Lee this year?
I wonder how long it takes him to sign every one of them before the season starts?
lol, it sure looks like it!
Is that don garbers signature on the ball?
is this ball the new revised version of the beloved “tango” that will be coming out for Euro 2012?
+1
Nice looking ball. Looks a lot like the Torfabrik they’re using in the Bundesliga.
I can’t wait to see news of DC United signing a talented international. Of course, I’ll have to wait a very long time….
That ball is very round. I like that.