Photo by Tony Quinn/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Andres Mendoza may have scored 13 goals in his first full season in MLS, but that didn't stop him from being let go by the Columbus Crew.
At times the subject of controversy due to his behavior, Mendoza was among the players whose options were declined by Columbus on Tuesday. The Peruvian Designated Player headlines a list that includes MLS's all-time leading goal-scorer Jeff Cunningham; midfielders Kevin Burns, Santiago Prim, Dejan Rusmir and Ben Sippola; and goalkeeper Alex Riggs.
Cunningham and Burns will be eligible for the MLS Re-Entry Draft, which begins next week. A full list of players eligible for that process will be made available on Wednesday.
Here are more MLS notes from Tuesday:
JAKOVIC, REAM TO TRAIN ABROAD
Bill Hamid won't be the only D.C. United player to train with West Bromwich Albion this offseason. Sources tell SBI that defender and Canadian international Dejan Jakovic will join the Premiership club for a training stint as well, following in the goalkeeper's footsteps.
Jakovic will join Hamid, Perry Kitchen (SC Freiburg) and Andy Najar (Tottenham) as D.C. players to train overseas this offseason.
Tim Ream, meanwhile is the latest MLS-based U.S. men's national team player to listen to Jurgen Klinsmann's advice of going to train abroad during the MLS offseason. The New York Red Bulls defender is set to join West Brom and Bolton Wanderers for training stints in the coming days. The two clubs have been keeping track of Ream for some time, according to Ream's agent, Patrick McCabe.
UNITED DECLINE OPTION ON NINE PLAYERS
On a day when it acquired defender Robbie Russell, D.C. United declined the options of nine players, including that of long-time midfielder Santino Quaranta.
The other players whose options were declined are Brandon Barklage, Marc Burch, Steve Cronin, Devon McTavish, Kurt Mortsink, Joseph Ngwenya, Clyde Simms and Jed Zayner. All will be available in the Re-Entry Draft, according to a team release.
EARTHQUAKES TO ANNOUNCE SALES OF ON-FIELD LUXURY SUITES
The San Jose Earthquakes released details on their proposed $60 million soccer-specific stadium on Tuesday, details that revealed the club's plans of having 12 luxury suites. On the field.
The dozen luxury suites would cost $350,000 for a five-year contract and include 24-inch padded seats, couches, cocktail tables, flat-screen televisions, a bar area, catered food and a sliding glass door. Each suite accomodates 23 people.
The team is waiting to receive approval on its planned development permit at a public meeting with Planning Director Joe Horwedel on Dec. 14.
———
Think Columbus releasing Mendoza is a good move for the club? Should Ream wait to make a move? Surprised Quaranta was let go by United? Like San Jose's luxury suite ideas, or are you too busy thinking of the blooper-like videos that may come as a result?
Share your thoughts below.