The rebuilding of the Columbus Crew roster took another step forward on Thursday with the club formally announcing the signing of Chilean defender Sebastian Miranda.
Miranda, 30, has played his entire professional career in Chile save for a stint in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg in 2005-2006. He most recently played for Union Espanola in Chile's top flight.
The 5-foot-8 Miranda is expected to challenge for the starting right back position, which was vacated when the club opted not to re-sign Frankie Hejduk.
Here are a couple of more items involving Major League Soccer teams:
MARINER DEPARTS PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Paul Mariner has left his post as coach at Plymouth Argyle, giving further credence to the report linking him to Toronto FC's open head coach position.
Mariner, a long-time assistant to Steve Nicol with the New England Revolution, joined Plymouth Argyle's staff 14 months ago, but the club was relegated to League One in May and is in financial straits. Mariner was considered one of MLS' top assistants and potential head coaching candidates when he was with the Revolution.
SMITH: CUMMINGS WILL BE WITH CLUB FOR OPENER
Omar Cummings may or may not be headed to Aston Villa on a short-term loan, but regardless, he will be with the Colorado Rapids for the team's season opener against Portland in March, according to head coach Gary Smith.
Smith told MLSSoccer.com that "My involvement will be if he's on trial and it turns into something more substantial. Then, he must be back for that first game."
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Do you like the signing for the Crew? Think Mariner would be a good coaching selection for Toronto? Happy to hear that Cummings will be with the Rapids for the season opener regardless of a potential loan?
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