photo by Bill Barrett/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
On the verge of losing one of its top defenders, the New York Red Bulls have locked up another for the foreseeable future.
The Red Bulls signed centerback Stephen Keel to a new contract, the club announced on Wednesday. Keel's extension with New York comes less than a year after he signed with the club, having joined the team after a trial in March 2011. It also comes at a time when the Red Bulls are on the brink of losing Tim Ream.
The 28-year-old Keel enjoyed a solid season last year, playing in 16 games and delivering two assists. He also started in all three of the Red Bulls' postseason matches.
Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Here are more notes from around the league:
D.C. UNITED SIGNS SANTOS
D.C. United has bolstered its attacking options, signing Brazilian forward Maicon Santos. The 27-year-old joins the club after having played for Chivas USA, Toronto FC and FC Dallas during the past two seasons. He has scored 14 goals and assisted on five others in 62 career matches, and should add some depth to a United front line that is lacking options after the loss of Charlie Davies and Joseph Ngwenya.
THOMAS JOINS SPORTING KANSAS CITY
Sporting Kansas City has added some punch to its midfield with the signing of midfielder Michael Thomas. The 23-year-old, who is a native of Olathe, Kansas, joins Sporting Kansas City after two seasons with Ljungskile SK of Sweden's second division. Per league and club policy, terms of the deam were not disclosed.
UNION DECLINE OPTIONS ON FOUR
The Philadelphia Union declined the contract options of Levi Houapeu, Morgan Langley, Ryan Richter and Joe Tait on Wednesday. That has freed up two international rosters spots, which now leaves Philadelphia with nine international players.
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What do you think of Keel being signed to a new extension? How do you see Santos doing with D.C. United?
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