By IVES GALARCEP
In one of the stranger scenes in recent memory in Major League Soccer, long-time standout midfielder Shalrie Joseph showed up at Seattle Sounders training. No trade with Chivas USA had been announced, leading to some serious head-scratching.
The Sounders revealed that Joseph is a camp invitee, with sources telling SBI that the Sounders and Chivas USA are in trade talks to send the veteran midfielder to the Pacific Northwest.
Chivas USA head coach Jose Luis Sanchez Sola stated earlier in the pre-season that Joseph was not in the team’s plans, making a trade likely, and now it appears the Sounders have moved into position to acquire the former New England Revolution star.
“It feels good to train with some guys who actually appreciate what I can bring to a team,” Joseph told The Seattle Times after Friday’s training session.
Joseph is slated to make Designated Player money in 2013, but a move to Seattle could lead to a new contract being worked on. Chivas USA could also winding up paying a portion of Joseph’s salary to make the deal work.
Here are some other notes from around MLS:
RED BULLS SIGN IZQUIERDO
The New York Red Bulls were on the market for some more midfield reinforcements, and after getting an up-close look at what Spanish midfielder Ruben Izquierdo could do in their lineup, the Red Bulls decided to make him the latest addition to the team’s roster overhaul.
The Red Bulls signed Izquierdo on Friday, bringing the former Charlton Athletic in to provide depth in variety of attacking positions. The young and versatile Spaniard can play on either wing, and can also play as a forward or in an attacking midfield role.
Izquierdo played for the Red Bulls in their pre-season victory against Swedish side Malmo on Thursday, impressing with his quickness and technical ability.
CREW SIGN SANCHEZ
Some five years after having an Argentine playmaker lead them to an MLS Cup title, the Columbus Crew have gone back to South American for another skilled Argentine to help an attack that sorely needs a boost.
The Crew have signed former Estudiantes midfielder Matias Sanchez, inking the 25-year-old to a deal that was announced on Friday. Sanchez spent five seasons with Estudiantes, helping the club win the 2009 Copa Libertadores. Sanchez was also a member of the Argentine Under-20 national team that won the 2007 Under-20 World Cup. He started and played 90 minutes in the Under-20 World Cup Final.
QUICK KICKS
The Portland Timbers posted a 3-0 pre-season victory against FC Tucson on Friday. (REPORT).
The Montreal Impact have acquired Argentine forward Andres Fabricio Romero on loan. (REPORT)
FC Dallas beat Mexican side Atlante, 3-2 in pre-season action in Cancun, Mexico on Thursday. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these developments? See Seattle being a good fit for Joseph? Think the Red Bulls were wise sign Izquierdo. Impressed with the Crew’s ability to land a player with Sanchez’s resume?
Share your thoughts below.