By MICHAEL KLINE
A Major League Soccer spokesperson has cleared the air, denying that the MLS have held discussions with RSE Ventures concerning an expansion team in Miami.
Recent reports have held that the MLS was “pushing hard for Miami expansion team,” but the MLS spokesperson has squashed those claims.
“We have not had any formal discussions with RSE Ventures,” the MLS spokesperson said. “We remain focused on securing a 20th team for Major League Soccer in New York, but we do believe we will have an MLS team in the Southeast at some point.”
Stephen Ross, chairman of RSE Ventures and Miami Dolphin owner, released a statement of his own through Twitter, further confirming the MLS spokesperson’s comments: “While we’ve not taken part in formal discussions re ownership of a MLS team, we’d certainly keep an open mind (with respect to) any proposals that could bring an MLS franchise to Miami.”
Here are some other stories to catch you up on the latest news and notes in MLS:
SAL ZIZZO TO MISS 4 WEEKS AFTER SUCCESSFUL KNEE SURGERY
Portland Timber midfielder Sal Zizzo is expected to be sidelined for four weeks, after successful surgery to repair a medial meniscus tear in his left knee was completed.
Zizzo suffered the injury in training yesterday, just a day after being substituted into the Timbers’ season-opening match against the New York Red Bulls.
After being acquired from Chivas USA in 2010, Zizzo has notched 51 appearances in three seasons, recording one goal and eight assists.
PHILADELPHIA UNION SIGN MATT KASSEL
The Philadelphia Union have added New York Red Bulls academy product Matt Kassel to their squad.
Kassel was released from the Red Bulls academy in February of 2012, and has spent the preseason on an extended trial with the Union, making an appearance at fullback.
Last season the central midfielder scored six goals in 18 appearances for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the USL Professional Division, and was named to the USL Pro All-League second team.
TORONTO FC ADD THREE MORE TRIALISTS
Toronto FC have confirmed through an official tweet that Canadian international Jamie Peters, Charleston Battery forward Ryan Richter and former D.C. United midfielder Lance Rozeboom have joined the club on trial.
The three players will join Jake Hustedt and Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault on trial, with only three of Toronto’s 30 roster spots left remaining.
FC DALLAS SIGN GOALKEEPER
Despite already having three goalkeepers on their roster, FC Dallas has added a fourth by signing Kyle Zobeck, the team announced on Monday.
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What do you think of these developments? Think there’s something to the Miami MLS story, or just see a lot of posturing going on? See Zizzo’s injury hurting the Timbers or do you think they have the depth to cope?
Share your thoughts below.