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Evening Ticker: Cronin traded to San Jose, more bad news for Australia and more

Sam Cronin

Photo by ISIphotos.com

By TRAVIS CLARK

The San Jose Earthquakes are using this World Cup break to add depth to its midfield, acquiring the promising Sam Cronin from Toronto FC.

The San Jose Mercury News is reporting that Cronin is being sent West in exchange for allocation money. The 23-year-old U.S. international had started just four games this season for Toronto prior to the World Cup break, and clearly wasn't a favorite of current TFC coach Preki.

His sputtering start to the 2010 came after an excellent rookie season that saw him start 26 games and earn his first cap for the USA in last summer's Gold Cup. He could get a chance to start right away, as San Jose midfielder Andre Luiz is struggling with a knee injury.

Here are a few more stories for Thursday evening:

MORE BAD NEWS FOR THE SOCCEROOS

Australia will be without another member of their first XI for Saturday's must-win clash with Ghana. Defensive midfielder Vince Grella, who only lasted a half in the 4-0 loss against Germany, has been ruled out of the matchup with the Black Stars, and facing a fitness battle to be ready for Australia's third game versus Serbia. Anything short of a win means Australia is likely to go home after the group stage.

POLICE TO ACT AS STEWARDS FOR ENTIRE CUP

The steward strike that has caused disturbances at various World Cup venues continued through this week, and with negotiations between the tournament organizers and the group of stewards going nowhere, the decision was made for the police to take over duties at four stadiums for the rest of the tournament.

Adding more bad news to the situation, another round of protests, this time in Cape Town, resulted in the police using stun grenades and rubber bullets to quell the stewards.

INTER CHASING MASCHERANO

With Rafa Benitez out the door, a number of his former Liverpool players could be following suit and making an Anfield exit of their own. Javier Mascherano is one of those rumored to leave, reportedly a target of Benitez's new club Inter Milan. The 26-year-old seems to be at least entertaining the idea of reuniting with Benitez to help the Serie A side defend its domestic and European titles.

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What do you think of the trade for Cronin? Can Australia win tomorrow? What do you make of the protests? Will Mascherano play for Benitez once again?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. it would be tough, but fulham is such a great club, and with the money fayed has given roy (or his replacement) they can really expand their squad and give the domestic tournaments a better go, along with the EPL

    Reply
  2. The rumours out of TO are that we will be using the allocation money to sign Andrew Ornoch, a more talented and gritty midfielder that’s CDN and comes with european experience to boot.

    Reply
  3. Read some articles before making a comment like you did. It’t not that they can’t do their jobs.

    They are protesting because they are not being paid the wages that they were supposed to be earning.

    And learn some grammar…”stewards cant do there job”…THEIR – not there

    Reply
  4. youre hosting a freaking world cup… why dont you act like it… instead you have immature and hardly convincing protests… stupidity NEVER in million years will there be another world cup in Africa.. too much price gauging, corruption, immaturity, crime, unpreparedness…. uh-uh

    Reply
  5. ” The San Jose Mercury News is reporting that Cronin is being sent West in exchange for allocation money ”
    ====
    Is there any source as to how much allocation money was acquired for Cronin?

    Also, must this allocation money be used in a given year? Can clubs use this towards non-DP player salaries or even keep it all together for profit?

    Reply
  6. Absolutely not (or at least we’re hoping).

    If you need a reminder why their supporters are and have been absolute scum for far too long, LINK:

    http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/american-flag-burning-by-liverpool-fans-should-incense-yanks

    I feel no sympathy when their inept owners were overwhelmingly approved to take over the club.

    Let that ship go down to the bottom of the sea, preferably with no Americans on board and that includes Dempsey or Bradley.

    Rather see Deuce and Bradley go to Aston Villa with fellow American owner Randy Lerner and classy manager Martin O’Neil, while pushing for a Champions League spot.

    Reply
  7. Would be a good fit for Michael and he is ready for the challenge…though he won’t come cheap for Liverpool…they aren’t dealing with MLS and ‘Gladbach paid 13M Euro’s for him two years ago….if he continues to impress in South Africa expect a fee in the range of 15M pounds…

    Reply
  8. Maybe. I think it’s a good place for MB, but my money’s on Dempsey (which would break my heart) following Roy Hodgson to Liv’pool. Roy’s rather enamored with the lad.

    Reply
  9. As an Aussie, the loss of Vince Grella is a blessing in disguise. While his physical style would suit playing against Ghana, he is yet another holding midfielder. His abscence will hopefully see Brett Holman and perhaps David Carney get a run and promote a more attacking style. 4-6-0 is not a plan!!!

    Reply

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