Top Stories

MLS Notes: Alvarez signs in Portugal, Rapids add Cabrera to staff and more

MLSDB08272011132

Photo by David Bernal/ISIphotos.com

As it turns out, Arturo Alvarez won't be suiting up for Chivas USA heading into the 2012 MLS season after all.

Alvarez, who was selected by Chivas in the first stage of the MLS Re-Entry Draft but never came to terms with the club as he sought opportunities overseas, has reportedly signed with Portuguese top-flight club Pacos de Ferreira on a two-and-a-half-year contract. 

The 26-year-old El Salvador international will be called upon to help Pacos de Ferreira stave off relegation, as the club sits just a point clear of the drop zone in the Primeira Liga. In nine seasons in MLS, Alvarez scored 24 goals and had 19 assists while playing for the San Jose Earthquakes, FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake.

Here are a few more items from around MLS:

RAPIDS ADD CABRERA TO COACHING STAFF

The Colorado Rapids continued their technical staff makeover on Tuesday, officially adding former U.S. Under-17 coach Wilmer Cabrera to Oscar Pareja's coaching staff. 

Cabrera was let go from his role with the U-17s and was replaced by former New York Red Bulls assistant coach Richie Williams, who was a finalist for the Rapids head coaching job before Pareja was ultimately hired. Joining Cabrera on Pajera's staff will be his U-17 assistant for the last four years, Paul Caffrey. Cabrera, Caffrey and Pareja were all coaches together with the U-17s from 2007-2008.

The two new additions will accompany returning goalkeeper coach David Kramer, the lone holdover from Gary Smith's staff. 

LEITCH RETIRES, HEADS UP QUAKES ACADEMY

Veteran MLS defender Chris Leitch announced his retirement, but he won't be stepping far from the game. Leitch has agreed to become the technical director for the San Jose Earthquakes' youth academy

The 32-year-old Leitch, who played in the Earthquakes' organization for the last three seasons and has been in MLS since 2002, was selected by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the second phase of the Re-Entry Draft in December but opted for retirement instead of joining the club. 

As a result, he remains in San Jose, where he'll have a chance to shape the club's youth prospects and bring along homegrown talent, something that the Earthquakes have yet to add to their senior roster.

—————–

Think Alvarez will have success in Portugal? How do you see the new coaching staff faring in Colorado? Think the San Jose academy is in good hands?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. good luck alvarez hopefully in portugal they will use your talent not like in the MLS ..im going to miss you wicked left foot

    Reply
  2. Actually I forgot about Brent Jacobs, who coached the reserves. he left as well so there wasn’t a new position created for Caffrey.

    Reply
  3. it’s no more weird than unprovoked comments by Eurosnobs.

    new to the internet?

    turn about is fairplay but your Mr. Nice Guy routine is noble.

    Reply
  4. Isn’t it weird to attack Eurosnobs when none of them have even commented on this post? The MLS is at a level where players can transfer to Europe and back its a professional league like any other. Its time MLS fans take Henry’s advice and just relax.

    Reply
  5. Actually Colorado also kept the Fitness Coach, Athletic Trainer, Equipment Manager, and Team Administrator from Smith’s staff as well. Essentially the only coach under Smith that wasn’t kept was Steve Guppy, who Cabrera replaced, and anew assistant coach position was added for Caffrey.

    Reply
  6. Good news for Leitch. I was always a fan of him. He was a solid player when compared to the minimal impact he had on the team’s salary cap. Always a place for guys like in the league.

    Reply

Leave a Comment