Alfredo Pacheco is officially a New York Red Bull. Finally.
The Salvadoran left back is now formally on the roster after the club received Pacheco's International Transfer Card on Thursday, putting an end to a drawn out loan process that dragged on for two months.
Pacheco is expected to step in and start at left back for the Red Bulls when they take on Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Those wondering what this means for Danleigh Borman, who has emerged as an impressive left back option, should know that Borman has played well enough to be back in consideration for playing time on the left flank, where Khano Smith has yet to impress.
Here are some other news tidbits from the MLS and the rest of the world to get your day started:
USMNT launches Supporters Club
If you ever wished that the U.S. men's national team had its own official supporter's club, that wish has come true. U.S. Soccer has created U.S. Soccer SC, a fan membership program designed to provide special benefits to fans of the U.S. men's national team. Among the benefits of the new program is priority status to secure tickets for the 2010 World Cup. That alone probably makes the 49.95 membership fee worthwhile.
No TFC deal for Perlaza
Ecuadorian defender Jose Luis Perlaza left Toronto FC after a short trial and will not sign a deal. Perlaza's stint with Toronto was cut short by an anle injury. The central defender has signed with Ecuadorian club Barcelona. TFC fans wondering whether Perlaza was the mystery central defender Toronto FC has long been eying can relax. He is not. TFC sources tell me that the centerback the club was eying all winter is now a summer transfer window option after his club balked at selling him in the midst of a promotion fight (and yes, I'm still working to get the name of this mystery defender.)
Vieri in LA for cards, not Galaxy
Former Italian national team star Christian Vieri had been linked in recent weeks with a possible move to the Los Angeles Galaxy. As it turns out, Vieri was actually in LA, but not to meet with Bruce Arena. Vieri recently took part in some poker tournamentsas part of his suddenly burgeoning career as a poker player. There is no truth to the rumor that Vieri was playing 1-2 limit in between tournaments.
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What do you think of these developments? Think Pacheco can help the Red Bulls turn things around? Will you be joining U.S. Soccer's new supporter's club? Are you a concerned TFC fan resigned to a Serioux-Harmes centerback tandem until the summer? Will you be searching LA casinos for a chance to crack Vieri?
Share your thoughts below.