The Portland Timbers seem to have found an answer to the hole that Maximiliano Urruti left when he was chosen by FC Dallas in the MLS Re-Entry Draft.
According to ESPN FC, the 2015 MLS Cup champions are set to acquire forward Jack McInerney from the Columbus Crew. The MLS Cup runners-up are expected to receive allocation money for the deal.
If finalized, McInerney will become the second player sent to the Timbers from the Crew, as Chris Klute also made the move out West in December.
The 23-year-old American striker played seven games in total for the Crew last season after making the move from the Montreal Impact. He scored two goals and provided one assist for the Crew, but netted four other times in MLS for the Impact during 2015.
What do you think of McInerney heading to the Timbers? Expect him to succeed in the Western Conference?
Share your thoughts below.
He’s played 48 games in two years. 13 goals total. So let’s say he averages 7 goals a season. Is that really something to get excited about? I haven’t watched him a ton but when I have seen him play he seems to either be really on fire or really lost and trying to finds the game. What’s your take?
I’m not an expert on Jack Mac, but when I saw him play for the Union, he seemed to be pretty one dimensional. He would play off the shoulder of the defense and run onto passes behind the backs. If the goalie stayed on his line, he could score. However, if the goalie charged the ball, Jack was often not able to move around the obstacle and would sometimes just collide with the goalie. He’s not too technical. When teams spotted his weakness, his scoring streak stopped. He can’t really receive the ball and then turn and shoot like Adi or Kamara. He needs his team mates to provide perfect service. Perhaps with Portland’s talented midfielders, he can find success.
There were rumors that he was moody and surly in the locker room, blaming others for his lack of goals. On the other hand, those rumors also said the whole vibe in Philly’s locker room was a mess. Perhaps his journey from team to team has matured him. If he is willing to be a team player and focus on his assigned roll, I think Porter might help him find his game.
Jack McInerney is a “bench striker” and even at only 23 (and all the time he’s been a pro) he hasn’t been a significant part in any national team programs or camps. Crew is not losing much by letting him go
I’m confused as to why this guy has not settled down somewhere. He scores at a good clip when presented with chances. What gives with Jack Mc?
ATL United, I hope he is on your radar.
JacMac is somewhat of an enigma. Like any striker he is streaky, but really needs a patient coach for the dry spells. You also need the right system to get the most out of him. He’s a luxury player in some ways because he needs other players to do the work of getting it near the box and to actually get him the ball for him to score. He’s not a dribbler, and he’s not going to pass and move. He relies on positioning to be successful.
He is, however, a true striker. His one reason for being on the field is to take shots, and as we have seen, he has a good amount of goals under his belt.
I would have liked to have him stay with the Crew, but the system is not set up for him to be successful. Portland & Porter can probably get a lot more out of him.
I’m a Timbers fan and this would be a fantastic signing. McInerney is exactly the type of poacher who could do well for the Timbers – we have plenty of guys capable of creating scoring opportunities (Valeri, Nagbe, Melano), but finishing has been a challenge up until the last few regular season games + playoffs. McInerney knows how to make intelligent runs and get into positions to score, and he’d be perfect as a 2nd half foil for Fanendo Adi. Also, he’s still young. I love this signing if it happens.
Very big mistake this guy Mclnerney has an attitude problem and he’s a real ” hot dog” . Probably as a sub and at $ 75k salary I’ll take him.
That’s a solid pick up for the Champs.
I agree. The kid is talented and has a nose for goal. Will he be a good lockeroom fit is the question.
Crew must have someone big lined up. They let Schoenfeld and now Jack Mac go. That leaves one forward in Kie Kamara on the roster.
I’m sure the timbers were able to get Mac for less ten the $350k he made last season.
You must live under a rock, they’re bring in Radamel Falcoa! 😉