There's good reason for why Los Angeles Galaxy striker Chad Barrett did not accompany the club for its current trip to the Pacific Northwest.
Barrett is on trial with Norwegian club Valerenga this week, a club reportedly looking to fill a hole at striker, and he will miss Wednesday's match against the Vancouver Whitecaps and Saturday's battle with rival Chivas USA as he tries to make his case for a move to Europe. If Valerenga sounds familiar, it is the former club of current Portland Timbers goalkeeper Troy Perkins.
Barrett was a big part of the Galaxy's run to the MLS Cup last season, matching his career-high with seven goals and also adding a career-high five assists. He has struggled to match that output this season, scoring just one goal.
Here are some more items from around MLS:
OLSEN TO BE INDUCTED TO DCU HALL OF TRADITION
Ben Olsen has given plenty to the D.C. United organization, starring on the field for years before becoming head coach and enjoying success this season, guiding D.C. United to a much-improved record while earning MLS All-Star Game coaching honors. That dedication has been rewarded with an induction into the club's Hall of Tradition, as Olsen becomes the seventh player to earn the honor.
"His service to our club has always been exemplary, and he’s now writing a new chapter in our club’s history as our coach," D.C. United president and CEO Kevin Payne said. "He remains the heart and soul of our team."
Olsen was granted the fan-voted honor in dominating fashion, beating out other finalists Tony Sanneh and Carlos Llamosa by earning 81 percent of the vote. He will join last year's inductee Richie Williams, John Harkes, Raul Diaz Arce, Marco Etcheverry, Jeff Agoos and Eddie Pope as past D.C. players to earn the honor. His induction ceremony will take place at the Sept. 15 game at RFK Stadium against the New England Revolution.
ANOR OUT FOR SEASON WITH TORN ACL
Bernardo Anor's season has come to an abrupt end, and he faces a long road to recovery.
The attacking midfielder-turned-left back tore his left ACL during the Columbus Crew's 2-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City Saturday night, playing the final 27 minutes of the match with the injury.
In his second season out of South Florida, Anor was recently converted into a defender. He played in 11 games this season (five starts) and scored one goal, but he will have surgery at the end of the month before 8-to-10 months of rehab and recovery, according to the Crew.
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What do you think about Barrett's Norwegian trial? Think it's a no-brainer that Olsen belongs in D.C.'s Hall of Tradition? Did you think Anor was the answer for Columbus at left back?
Share your thoughts below.