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MLS Notes: Earthquakes sign Zayner, Rapids activate Smith and more

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Photo by Tony Quinn/ISIphotos.com

After an extensive trial period, Jed Zayner has officially found a new home with the San Jose Earthquakes.

The veteran defender signed with the Earthquakes Wednesday, sealing the deal after initially being on trial with the club in the preseason. Hampered by injuries during his most-recent tenure with D.C. United, Zayner provides cover at both fullback positions for the Earthquakes. Ramiro Corrales and Steve Beitashour are the unquestioned fullback starters for the club, but Corrales, 35, has proven to be injury prone and has already had to miss time with injuries this season.

Zayner is in his seventh year in MLS, spending the first four with the Columbus Crew before moving to D.C. midway through the 2010 season. Despite joining the club so late, Zayner was named D.C.'s Defender of the Year that season.

Here are a couple of more items from around MLS:

RAPIDS ACTIVATE SMITH

Jamie Smith's return to the Colorado Rapids has been a long time coming, and that day is finally here.

Smith will be eligible for tonight's match against the Earthquakes after being activated off the disabled list. Because he takes up an international roster spot and the Rapids had exhausted all of theirs already, the club was forced to make a cut, and it parted ways with rookie Kohei Yamada.

Smith, who tore his ACL during the 2011 postseason, has seen the field for the Rapids reserves in recent weeks, accounting for plenty of production while racking up two goals and an assist in games against Sporting Kansas City and Houston. A big part of the Rapids' midfield under coach Gary Smith, it remains to be seen where the Scotsman will fit into Oscar Pareja's lineup.

MORENO A DOUBT FOR REVS

Colombian forward Jose Moreno is an injury doubt for the New England Revolution this weekend after spraining his ankle during the club's 0-0 draw with the Columbus Crew on Saturday.

Moreno has not trained since and is listed as "out" on the latest injury report ahead of Saturday's match at Toronto FC, though the club can change that distinction on Friday.

GARZA OUT 4-TO-6 WEEKS

Earthquakes rookie Sam Garza had just been coming on strong for Frank Yallop's side, playing meaningful minutes in league play and the U.S. Open Cup, but his first-year surge will be put on hold for the time being. 

Garza reportedly suffered two broken ribs in a training collision with Beitashour on Monday and will miss the next 4-to-6 weeks. Garza assisted on Alan Gordon's game-tying goal against Chivas USA as a substitute on May 13 before scoring two goals in the club's Open Cup win over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the third round of the tournament.

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Do you think Zayner is a good pick-up for the Earthquakes? Think Smith has a place in the Rapids' midfield? Think the Revs will be fine against Toronto FC is Moreno can't go? Disappointed to see Garza go down?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. well, good luck to you Zayner!

    in other news…

    “‘We don’t speak about [negotiations] even if it is a rumour [or not]. What I can say to you right now is that Kaka has a dream to live in the US and play in MLS,’ Kotscho said.”

    “‘If it isn’t now, in the future probably he will join MLS,’ Kotscho said.”

    Reply

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