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MLS Ticker: Red Bulls not in for Podolski; Plata receives Ecuador call up; and more

Lukas Podolski of Arsenal celebrates scoring to make it 2-0

By RYAN TOLMICH

Despite reports of the team’s interest, the New York Red Bulls are not in the market for Lukas Podolski.

After initially being linked to the Red Bulls by German news outlet Bild, sources told Empire of Soccer that the team is not interested in acquiring the Arsenal forward.

Podolski scored 12 goals in 27 appearances for Arsenal last season, but faces added competition with the Gunners’ acquisition of forward Alexis Sanchez.

The German star has been linked with a move away from the Emirates in recent weeks, with New York City FC, Juventus, Galtasaray, Olympiakos and Wolfsburg reportedly registering interest in the World Cup Winner.

Here are some more of Monday’s MLS news and notes:

PLATA CALLED UP BY ECUADOR FOR PAIR OF FRIENDLIES

Having scored 11 goals in 18 games this season, Joao Plata’s achievements have finally been recognized on the international level.

The Real Salt Lake forward has been called up by Ecuador for a pair of U.S.-based friendlies set to take place in September. Ecuador, who finished third in their group at this past summer’s World Cup, will take on Bolivia on Sept. 5 in Miami before facing Brazil September 9 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“I feel very happy and excited to be named to the national team of my country, to represent the colors of the TRI with pride,” Plata said. “This is a new opportunity that I’m sure going to make the most of. I’m very excited about the call, working every day to achieve this. I am very proud, as are my family and friends.”

Plata has made one prior appearance for La Tricolor, which took place on June 1, 2011 at BMO Field when Plata was a member of Toronto FC. 

REVOLUTION ACQUIRE DUTCH FORWARD CASTILLON

Just one day after acquiring U.S. Men’s National Team star Jermaine Jones, the New England Revolution have added another new face.

The Revs announced Monday that they have signed 23-year-old Dutch forward Geoffrey Castillon, a former Dutch youth international. Prior to joining the Revs, Castillon featured for Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen, where he scored two goals in nine appearances while on loan from Ajax.

“Geoffrey is a big, strong target forward with several years of experience in the Dutch first division,” said Revs general manager Michael Burns. “He will add a different dynamic to our attack and also give us more options up front. Once he finalizes the immigration process, we’re looking forward to getting him right into training.”

Castillon has been a part of the Dutch National Team at the youth level, having previously appeared as a member of the U-17, U-18 and U-19 sides. He was a member of the Dutch side that participated in the 2008 UEFA U-17 Championship, where he scored two goals.

What do you think of these reports? Should the Red Bulls look into signing Podolski? Do you see Plata becoming a regular for Ecuador? How do you see Castillon fitting in with the Revs?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Jeez how many more times does the guy need to go back to Cologne? Somebody should buy him a bigger suitcase!

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  2. Big Arsenal for 20 years, and I know the writing is on the wall (probably next transfer window or next Summer). However, I am not buying the RBNY connection. His name does not have enough cache and he currently makes roughly USD11/12 million a season. Also he has repeatedly stated he would like to go back to FC Koln one day (I used to live in Cologne and he is treated like a god there “Poldi”. They guy had his own Karneval float). Additionally, he’s only 29 and still good enough to play for the best team in the world. If he leaves, he is going back to Germany or perhaps Italy.

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  3. I would hate to see Poldi leaving North London but it is almost a forgone conclusion. However, seeing him end up in MLS would soften the blow… he would be a deadly striker in MLS with the right strike partner (Henry?) or AM.

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  4. Lucas in red bull would be really good, giving that Henry and nycfc are taking different directions.
    I would have gotten Lucas, then next year extend Henry to one year with no DP contract. Let Cahill leave and then get a number 10 for Henry and Lucas , basically have 2 new open DP spots by Henry not being a DP and Cahill leaving.
    If you can’t rebrand to red bull metro stars or empire metro stars, then red bull should give their fans 3 good dps. Simple as that:)

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    • I hear you on Lucas and Henry up top but that means sitting Wright-Phillips who was have 20+ goals this season so I have to vote no on that. There is no way Henry comes back as a Non DP now maybe he doesn’t make 4 million but if he comes back he will be a DP

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  5. What a step down in league for Castillon. At his age he should be going to a league that will develop his skills more and knows how to develop young talent. The Dutch league would be great for him…

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  6. i was hoping Podolski would end up in MLS, but he would probably set a new salary record. currently makes $11.6m a season, so i’m not sure how low he would go.

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    • True. But I also think it depends on the desire of the person to come to the USA. He wouldn’t have to learn a whole other language. Then again maybe a time in Greece or Italy really appeals to him, or perhaps he just wants to go back home to Germany.

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  7. Of course any MLS team could use a player of Podolski’s quality, but RBNY need defensive help, not more attacking players. This was demonstrated yet again this weekend, when RBNY scored four times, and should’ve had more actually. Meanwhile, they still conceded two goals at home to the worst team in the league.

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    • I think the argument here is that RBNY will need help on the offensive side of the ball when Henry leaves. Although Podolski is no spring chick either and I don’t think he could provide the creativity that Henry does. Maybe this means they have other targets lined up or Henry will stay longer than everyone thinks?

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    • The Revs have scored 10 goals in their last 12 games. It ain’t exactly like the guys they have in place have an ironclad lock on the job.

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