By IVES GALARCEP
The once-icy relationship between the New York Cosmos and Major League Soccer continues to show signs of improving with another deal between the two parties taking place this week.
The Seattle Sounders signed 2014 second-round pick Jimmy Ockford to a contract and promptly loaned him to the Cosmos, sources confirmed to SBI on Tuesday. Ockford first revealed the arrangement via his Twitter account.
The Big East Defender of the Year in 2013, Ockford was the No. 21 overall pick in the MLS Draft, but wasn’t expected to see much playing time with the Sounders this year.
The Ockford loan comes a month after the Cosmos agreed to loan Jamaican midfielder Andre Lewis to the Vancouver Whitecaps after having signed Lewis to a contract before Vancover drafted him with the No. 7 pick in the MLS Draft.
Here are some other MLS stories to round out the day:
TFC ANNOUNCE SEASON TICKETS HAVE SOLD OUT
It has apparently taken Toronto FC just one star-studded offseason to win back the affection of fans who had endured seven disappointing years.
TFC announced on Tuesday that they have sold out season tickets for the 2014 season. Half-season packages and single-game tickets are still available.
TIMBERS SIGN FOCHIVE, LONG
The Portland Timbers have signed two more rookies from their draft class, inking UConn product George Fochive and UC-Riverside product Aaron Long to contracts.
The signings bring the number of draft picks signed by Portland to four. The Timbers have also signed first-round pick Schillo Tshuma and second-round pick Taylor Peay.
TFC PART WAYS WITH WELSHMAN
Toronto FC placed forward Emery Welshman on waivers on Tuesday, parting ways with the No. 16 pick in the 2013 MLS Draft.
Welshman made just two appearances in all competitions for TFC in 2013.
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What do you think of these developments? Surprised to see MLS making deals with the Cosmos, or see the improved relationship as a sign that we could one day see the Cosmos in MLS? Surprised to see TFC sell out of season tickets?
Share your thoughts below.