Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By IVES GALARCEP
The Vancouver Whitecaps made a key addition to their defense, adding Honduran Olympic Team defender Johnny Leveron on Tuesday.
Acquired via free transfer after his contract with Honduran side Motagua expired, Leveron joins a loaded stable of centerbacks on the Whitecaps roster. A stable that includes Jay DeMerit, Andy O’Brien and Brad Rusin. Despite that packed group, Whitecaps head coach Martin Rennie is still excited about the qualities Leveron brings to the table.
“To be a good possession team, you have to be good coming out of the back and it’s hard to find left-footed center backs who can hit a diagonal ball and play balls into strikers and midfielders and Leverón is one we think can do that,” Rennie told MLSsoccer.com. “And he’s also a solid defender and he’s young. He’s got a lot of experience for a younger player.”
Here are some other MLS stories to catch you up on the latest league pre-season activities:
DYNAMO DEAL WATSON TO FC DALLAS
The Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas were busy on Tuesday, completing a deal with each other that sent Jamaican midfielder JeVaughn Watson to FC Dallas for a second-round pick in the 2015 MLS Draft.
The deal clears the way for Houston to acquire Scottish winger Andrew Driver. Reports in Scotland suggest Driver is joining Driver on loan from Scottish club Hearts.
Watson was one of two additions made by FC Dallas on Tuesday. Brazilian journeyman midfielder Michel joined the club after most recently playing for Greek side Aris FC.
TIMBERS SET TO SIGN SILVESTRE
The Portland Timbers liked what they saw from former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre and now it appears they will be adding the one-time French national team defender.
Timbers owner Merritt Paulson revealed on Twitter on Tuesday that Portland is on the verge of signing Silvestre, pending receipt of a work visa.
Barring visa hiccups, we’ve signed M. Silvestre.Will provide terrific leadership & had great chemistry w players/coaches during stay with us
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) February 19, 2013
QUICK KICKS
Chivas USA played Gangwon FC to a scoreless draw on Tuesday night. (REPORT)
Sounders GM Adrian Hanauer poured some cold water on the “Saviola to the Sounders” rumor, pointing out that another team has a discovery claim on him. (REPORT)
With Silvestre apparently signed, the Portland Timbers are also about to bring in former West Ham striker Freddie Piquionne for a trial. (REPORT)
Real Salt Lake signed rookie forward Devon Sandoval. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these developments? Impressed with the Whitecaps acquisition of Leveron? Think Dallas’ additions will be enough to help offset the loss of Brek Shea? Disappointed to hear Seattle won’t be adding Saviola (or do you think the Sounders are just playing coy)?
Share your thoughts below.