By CAITLIN MURRAY
So, Camilo Sanvezzo to Liga MX’s Querétaro? Not so fast.
The Vancouver Whitecaps came out hard against photos Querétaro tweeted Monday showing Camilo wearing a Querétaro jersey, with Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi calling it “unacceptable and inappropriate.” The tweet had implied Camilo was undergoing medical evaluations ahead of joining Querétaro’s Gallos Blancos.
In a statement issued Monday, the Whitecaps said they had picked up Camilo’s contract option for the 2014 season back in November, a deal Camilo initially agreed to back in February 2012. The Whitecaps told Querétaro so last week and again today in writing.
“They were well aware of the fact that he was contracted to Whitecaps FC,” Lenarduzzi told reporters Monday. “From where I stand right now, I really believe the situation has been misrepresented to Camilo. I think he’s put a lot of faith in an agent and gone with his agent’s advice.”
Camilo is under contract with the Whitecaps and cannot join Querétaro without the Canadian Soccer Association transferring his international transfer certificate, which they haven’t, the Whitecaps said.
“We’re frustrated that it’s actually gotten to this stage,” Lendarduzzi said. “Having said all that, I think you need to take a step back from your frustration and make the best decision available to our club and also hear Camilo out.”
The Whitecaps won’t give up Camilo without a fight. The 2013 MLS Golden Boot winner had scored 22 times for the club last season and tallied six assists.
Here are some other stories happening in MLS today:
EARTHQUAKES LOOK TO BRING PIERAZZI FROM FRANCE
The San Jose Earthquakes are inching closer to a deal to bring in French player Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi, the club told local media Monday.
The two sides have agreed to terms, but the deal has not been finalized yet. A defensive midfielder, Pierazzi, 28, could give the Earthquakes some needed help where Rafael Baca left for Mexico’s Cruz Azul.
Pierazzi was previously the captain of AC Ajaccio in Ligue 1, France’s premier division. Ajaccio is the only club he’s played for, having joined in 2006. Pierazzi reportedly comes to MLS on a free transfer.
UNITED ADDS HOMEGROWN DEFENDER IN ROBINSON
D.C. United’s latest homegrown talent is 19-year-old Academy product Jalen Robinson.
The club announced Monday they signed the former Wake Forest player for the 2014 season.
“Jalen is one of the most athletic players in all of college soccer who can play center back or right back,” said United GM Dave Kasper in a club press release. “He is very composed on the ball as he looks to play out of the back, and he also excels at one on one defending.”
He will become the seventh homegrown player in United’s history, joining 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year Andy Najar, goalkeeper and U.S. international Bill Hamid, defender Conor Shanosky, defender Ethan White, forward Michael Seaton and midfielder Collin Martin.
Robinson has represented the United States at the U-15, U-17, U-18 and U-20 level.
GALAXY ADD COACHING ASSISTANT IN ARENA
The Los Angeles Galaxy have added a new coach to its staff, the club announced Monday.
A former head coach in the Galaxy Academy, Kenny Arena joins the Galaxy as an assistant coach after spending the last two years as the head coach at Florida International University.
“We are pleased to add Kenny to our coaching staff,” said Galaxy coach and GM Bruce Arena. “Kenny’s familiarity with the Galaxy, experience in player development and his knowledge of the college game make him a good fit for our club.”
Arena led the Panthers to an 8-8-2 record in his first season in charge, giving them their most wins in a single season since 2005, and left FIU with a 14-18-3 record overall.
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What do you make of the Camilo/Whitecaps saga? Will Camilo be lighting up scoreboards in MLS again in 2014? Would Pierazzi be a good addition to the Earthquakes?
Share your thoughts below.