By CALEB SONNELAND
The Houston Dynamo bolstered its attacking corps with the acquisitions of Spanish striker Sergio Koke and Jamaican midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson on the final day before the early transfer window closes.
Koke joins the club from Greek outfit Aris, where the forward netted 38 goals in 175 appearances. The 27 year old joins Brian Ching, Will Bruin, Cam Weaver, Jason Garey, Alex Dixon and Calen Carr up top as he looks to secure a spot in the starting XI. Koke was speculated to be a Designated Player signing, but the club has given no indication that is the case.
Watson, who has been on trial with the club, comes from Jamaican team Sporting Central, where the midfielder served as captain. Capped eight times by the Jamaican national team, he looks set to contend for either a holding or attacking midfield role.
These signings follow the news of Sporting KC's and Toronto FC's foreign pick-ups.
Here are a couple of other items from around the league:
DONOVAN LISTED AS "DAY-TO-DAY"
Los Angeles captain Landon Donovan continues to recover from the knee injury that has kept him out of action since last Saturday's draw to D.C. United. The club has the influential midfielder listed as "day-to-day."
No final decision has been made in terms of making Donovan available for this weekend's matchup with the Fire, so that means that Mike Magee may continue to find minutes in the the US international's stead on the left.
MLS DISCIPLINES CARRASCO, KIROVSKI
The MLS Disciplinary Committee has suspended Seattle Sounders midfielder Servando Carrasco and L.A. Galaxy midfielder Jovan Kirovski after meeting today.
Carrasco, a rookie, was issued a suspension for one game and was fined $500 for his studs-up challenge on Chicago's Patrick Nyarko on April 9. Carrasco initially received a yellow card for his tackle, but upon review, the committee decided that further action was needed. He will miss the Sounders' match on Saturday when they face the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park at 4 p.m.
The committee also issued a supplemental discipline to Kirovski for verbally harassing an official during the Galaxy's game against D.C. at RFK Stadium last Saturday.
Kirovski was given a red card for his actions after the whistle had been blown to end the match; however, in addition to the automatic $250 fine and one-game suspension that comes with a red card, he was suspended for another match and fined an additional $750.
Kirovski served the first of his two suspended matches when L.A. took on Toronto FC on Wednesday, but the midfielder will now miss the trip to Toyota Park when the Galaxy take on the Chicago Fire.
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What do you think of Houston's signings? Think the Galaxy will be able to beat the Fire without Donovan? Was the extra disciplinary action given to Carrasco and Kirovski fair? How badly will the teams miss them on the field?
Share your thoughts below.
Koke is a helluva drug
I don’t disagree with you about Beckham, you’re right its lame that they don’t give him a suspension. That being said, it doesn’t change the Carrasco’s tackle. He needs to learn not to go in like that.
Why would you mine a person?
Bob Who???
Those guys are all garbage….How about a Michael Stephens or Sean Franklin trade to Chivas for Benny F? Much better than Birchell at Holding Mid for sure
La Koke Nostra!
I remember ever time I watched highlights of Adu’s goals for Aris I would always laugh at the way the commentator would say, KOKE. lol
KOKE, CALVO, PRETAS, ADU!!!! lol
Third time? Landin was the team’s only DP. Koke was given an international slot, not a DP.
lol ZING!
And very good point.
Ha! burn. We will always have HAKEEM!!!
The Timbers opening game / national anthem / wood-cutting was discussed on BOTH ESPN’s Around the Horn (everyone loved it but M@sshole Bob Ryan who was offended by the scarves during the national anthem) and Pardon the Interruption (both hosts gave it an A+) grade) today.
Got a link for that?
It’ll be interesting to see Falihaber in MLS, I think he’d do great in RSL, then again wouldn’t mine him in D.C. or NY either.
Maybe he’s counting one of David Carr, Yao Ming, and Tracy McGrady!
yea just saw that, Chivas USA have the first option to sign him
He was probably worried about finding a Seder in Denmark.
I don’t know. I’d like to see a DP just try going through the motions, loafing it in MLS. Oh wait — that’s been done before.
Winter.
Koke is the real thing.
Third time? I know of Landin and now (possibly a DP) Koke. Did we have another DP I am not aware of?
All of the Greek fans that are posting on Houston boards seem to have been in love with him and are sorry to see him go.
They also say his goal production was down after being moved to central midfield his last two years. However his assists went up.
looks like Feilhaber to MLS
*hits like button
I could swear that red cards are only proper while a game is in progress. ie once the game is over no more cards. However this recollection is from my few hours of AYSO ref training. Don’t make me look it up. Someone tell me if that is the correct rule.
Third time is the charm right? Houston can’t bust every single time right?
“Day to day” usually indicates they’re delaying surgery and hoping it goes down on its own…
A striker who has scored 1 in 5 while playing in the Greek league does not deserve DP money. Would be absolutely ridiculous to give him that contract…
He doesn’t offer the skill, potential or the media/fan attention that would designate him DP worthy.
Jeremy, I fully agree regarding Beckham – his scissors tackle was ugly and deserved a straight red. And after the game, where he did not get tossed, he even had nerve to complain about the MLS refs.
I signed Koke on Football Manager to the MLS. He could turn out to be a good decision. He has to work hard though.
So Houston signs Koke. When is Dallas signing Colombian international FW Gustavo Pepsi?
“Coke is it” was a marketing slogan for Coca-Cola back in the 80’s or 90’s.
I’m so glad Landon took the summer to recharge and rest up for the MLS season. It’s really made a difference in his production this year.
Bad call if they are only going to pick and choose players that they think need additional punishment. Do you see Beckham on this list for the red card he should have received? Nope, you sure don’t. Why do you think that is?
I’m very scared that LA will start its 3rd string midfield and the Fire will still lose the possession battle!
Who knows for sure but he is “day to day” whereas the Gold Cup is months away.
Does LD’s injury have any chance of affecting his availability for the Gold Cup? Sounds like they don’t exactly know what the problem is.
Are you playing tag?
Koke is it.
So if LD cant play then LA’s midfield on Saturday will be…Birchell, McGee and then who? Maybe Bryan Jordan? what happen to Michael Steaphens?
Koke will be a value addition to Houston.
Judging by all the pre-signing talk, it seems surprising if Koke is not a DP.
Good call on the Carrasco tackle.