Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
With Maurice Edu reportedly on the market for clubs in Major League Soccer, the Philadelphia Union has made a move that jumped them to first in the line for Edu’s services.
The Union announced on Tuesday morning that they’ve acquired the top MLS allocation spot and defender Ethan White from D.C. United in exchange for Jeff Parke and the sixth place in the allocation ranking. The move comes as a surprise after a solid year for Parke with the Union and while White struggled last season with injuries, there was hope that the 2014 season could be the Homegrown signing’s breakout year.
While it’s possible that Edu could remain with Stoke City or move to another club in Europe on loan ahead of the 2014 World Cup, the Union felt strong enough to move up in the allocation order to give themselves a chance. Trading the veteran Parke for White might be a downgrade in central defense but acquiring Edu would be a much needed upgrade to their midfield.
D.C. United meanwhile bring in a talented player in Parke on the wrong side of 30 but still capable of putting in solid performances for a side that really struggled defensively last season.
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CREW ACQUIRE JIMENEZ AND FIRST ROUND PICK FROM GALAXY
The Columbus Crew jumped back into the first round of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft in a trade on Tuesday with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The Crew and Galaxy announced that they had completed a deal, sending a first round pick (14th overall) in the upcoming SuperDraft and midfielder Hector Jimenez to the Crew with a second round pick (23rd overall) and allocation money moving to the Galaxy. Per league and team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Hector is an exciting young player and we are pleased to welcome him to our club,” Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter said in a statement. “He is a player that possesses several strong attacking attributes and will help our squad immediately.”
Jimenez, a former Cal Bear standout, has spent the last three seasons with the Galaxy, making 43 appearances and scoring four goals and adding six assists. Both the Crew and Galaxy now hold two selections in the upcoming draft.
SCHULER FALLS TO EARTHQUAKES IN LOTTERY
Former NCAA All-American University of North Carolina forward is heading to the west coach for the upcoming MLS season.
The 23-year-old was allocated to the San Jose Earthquakes in a weighted lottery that was only contested by the Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake. By virtue of winning the lottery, the Earthquakes cannot take part in another weighted lottery until next season.
“Billy is a talented young player and we are looking forward to working with him. He adds to a deep group of forwards that we have on the roster,” Earthquakes head coach Mark Watson said in a statement.
Schuler spent the last two seasons with Hammarby, playing for current Columbus Crew coach Gregg Berhalter. Schuler spurned MLS advances when he left after his junior season at UNC for Sweden. Schuler scored twice in 26 appearances with Hammarby. In three years in college, Schuler put up 29 goals and 15 assists in 71 games.
D.C. UNITED CONFIRM TRANSFER OF JAKOVIC TO J-LEAGUE CLUB
Originally reported last month, D.C. United finally confirmed the departure of long-time centerback Dejan Jakovic.
The Canadian international completed a permanent transfer to Shimizu S-Pulse in the Japanese J-League, ending a five-year run with D.C. United.
“We would like to thank Dejan for his contributions to our club, and for all that he did on and off the field during his time at D.C. United,” D.C. United general manager Dave Kasper said in a statement.
While D.C. United suffered in MLS play last year, Jakovic helped the club to an improbable U.S. Open Cup title. Last season, Jakovic made 20 appearances for D.C. United in all competitions.
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What do you think of this news? Surprised to see D.C. United trade White? Think that the Union can acquire Edu? What kind of role do you see Jimenez having with the Crew?
Share your thoughts below.