The New York Red Bulls partnership synergy is off the charts, as another player is set to arrive from a European partner team.

Norwegian forward Fredrik Gulbrandsen is reportedly set to join the New York team on loan from Red Bull Salzburg, after being forced to wait for three weeks while formalities of the transfer were wrapped up, reports VG Sporten. Gulbrandsen joined Salzburg last summer and has made nine appearances, scoring two goals, for the Austrian team. He’s also represented Norway at the youth and senior levels. Despite delays, the 24 year old forward states he is excited to arrive and ply his trade with the Red Bulls.

“First priority is of course football, but I will not hide that it is a fantastic place to stay. It is an experience that one does not forget” said Gulbrandsen. “Coach in Salzburg said that he wanted to keep me for the team’s sake, but that he could not guarantee me that I got to play every game. After coach New York Red Bulls called me several times and stressed how desired I was, I felt that this was an opportunity I had to take. The level in MLS has improved greatly.”

CREW LOCK UP MERAM WITH MULTI-YEAR DEAL

The Columbus Crew have locked down a core piece of their roster with a multi-year contract extension.

The Crew announced that midfielder Justin Meram has signed a new long-term deal to continue his career as the longest tenured player on the team. The deal involved paying down a portion of Meram’s salary with TAM. Meram has played for the Crew his entire career since being drafted in the first round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, and currently sits eighth in all-time appearances for the team with 155.

“Justin is a player that has become synonymous with Columbus Crew SC,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “He has developed into one of the better playmakers in MLS over the last few years and one of the leaders at the club. We are excited to have him commit to the club and the city of Columbus as we seek to build on our rich history of success.”

REVS’ NGUYEN ‘DAY-TO-DAY’ AFTER ANKLE INJURY IN OPENER

Some good news for the New England Revolution after one of their star players limped off the field last weekend.

The team announced that captain Lee Nguyen was ‘day-to-day’ with an ankle contusion that forced him off less than 30 minutes into the Revs season opener against the Colorado Rapids. Though he didn’t train on Tuesday, coach Jay Heaps wasn’t ready to rule Nguyen out for this weekend’s home opener against Orlando City.

“It was painful for him in the match, but (it’s been) a good couple days of rehab,” Heaps said. “We’ll see. Right now it’s day-to-day, but we’ll see as the week goes on.”

FORMER REVS DEFENDER MCCRARY SIGNS WITH TORONTO FC II

The former 10th overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft has found a new home.

Former New England Revolution defender Jordan McCrary has signed with Toronto FC II of the USL, the team announced. McCrary didn’t feature frequently for the Revolution, making two U.S. Open Cup appearances during the Revs deep run, as well as one appearance for the team’s USL affiliate, the Rochester Rhinos. The former North Carolina Tarheel started 86 matches over his college career, including an NCAA College Cup appearance.

“We are excited to finalize this deal with Jordan as he has earned this contract through his performances during the pre-season with both the first team and TFC II,” said Toronto FC II Head Coach Jason Bent. “This will add depth to our roster and add greater competition for places in our backline.”

WHITECAPS SIGN ACADEMY PRODUCT BALDISIMO TO USL DEAL

The Vancouver Whitecaps took another step with their youth development system, signing another young Canadian.

The team announced the signing of Residency defender/midfielder Michael Baldisimo to a professional contract with the Whitecaps 2 USL team. The 16 year old has featured for Canada’s u-17 Men’s Team and previously made his debut with Whitecaps 2 last summer as an academy call-up. Baldisimo spent the preseason with the first team, making one appearance against Real Salt Lake.

“I’ve worked with Michael since he was 11-years-old,” said Whitecaps 2 head coach Rich Fagan. “I’m proud of him and excited that he’s reached this stage of his career. He’s a promising and versatile player who has a bright future ahead of him. We look forward to helping him continue to develop and progress.”