By MICHAEL KLINE
San Jose Earthquake all-time leading goalscorer Chris Wondolowski, 30, became Major League Soccer’s newest designated player on Monday, when he signed a four year deal, the first three of which are guaranteed, with The Earthquakes.
Wondolowski’s time with the club dates all the way back to September 10, 2005, where he made his first appearance as an Earthquake in a 3-0 win against Chivas USA.
The 30-year-old American striker has scored 61 goals in the league over the last three seasons, the most of any player in MLS history over that timespan, and he tied the single-season record with 27 goals in the league last year.
“As my hometown team, I couldn’t be more excited to sign a Designated Player contract with the Earthquakes. These last few years have been amazing and I look forward to continuing my career in San Jose,” said Wondolowski in a statement issued by the Earthquakes.
The two-time MLS Golden Boot winner and reigning MVP will see his salary doubled to $600,000 in 2013, a number that will increase with each additional season.
Here are some other MLS stories to catch you up on the latest league news:
FRINGS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AFTER 18 SEASONS
Toronto FC Captain Torsten Frings has decided to hang up his boots and call it quits after 18 years as a professional soccer player.
The decision came as a result of a slow healing hip injury, which forced him to cut his MLS season short last September.
“During preseason we discovered that my recovery would take longer than expected. I always want to do what’s best for the team and that is why I have decided to step away,” Frings said in a statement.
The German international appeared in 46 games for Toronto, scoring two goals and tacking on three assists in all competitions.
His international career saw him make 79 caps for Germany, appearing in two World Cups, and his club career spanned 14 seasons for Werder Bremen, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
DC UNITED ACQUIRE MARCOS SANCHEZ
D.C. United announced on Tuesday the signing of Marcos Sánchez on a one year loan from Panamanian club Tauro FC.
The midfielder, 23, has been on trial with D.C. United since February 12, and he made four appearances for the club in the preseason.
“Marcos is highly technical player who can play a number of different spots in the midfield,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper.
Sánchez has made 18 appearances for Panama’s national side, providing the assist on their second goal against Costa Rica in a 2014 World Cup Qualifying match earlier this month.
MLS PARTNERS WITH FRENCH FOOTBALL FEDERATION
Major League soccer announced a partnership with the French Football Federation (FFF) on Monday, with the aim of becoming proficient in the development of youth talent, and the ultimate goal of becoming a top league in the world by 2022.
MLS academy coaches will be trained in a 16-month development course, as part of the partnership, and will earn their Elite Formation Coaching License in the process.
“As part of our vision to be among the top leagues in the world by 2022, we are committed to becoming leaders in the area of player development. This initiative will provide an important learning opportunity for MLS youth academies,” said MLS executive vice president of player relations and competition Todd Durbin.
Each MLS club has chosen one coach from their academy to participate in the course, which will take place over the span of the next year.