Photo by USA Today Sports Images
By RYAN TOLMICH
With aims of making a playoff push, the Vancouver Whitecaps have made a move to acquire one of the league’s top playmakers.
The Whitecaps, who currently maintain the fifth and final playoff position in the crowded Western Conference, have acquired midfielder Mauro Rosales from Chivas USA in exchange for fellow midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.
Rosales, who has contributed eight assists in 16 games this season, was in the midst of his first campaign with Chivas USA after spending the previous three seasons with the Seattle Sounders. The 33-year-old midfielder has contributed 42 assists since joining MLS in 2011, which is good for second-best in the league in that timeframe.
“If you look at Mauro’s history, he’s constantly creating goals,”said Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson. “He’s experienced, bright, and has a super football brain. His delivery on crosses is fantastic, and I know he’s a good guy. That’s important in this locker room.We’re very pleased to add a player of Mauro’s calibre as we make our push for the playoffs.”
In exchange for Rosales, Chivas USA add the veteran Reo-Coker, who featured for West Ham United, Bolton Wanderers and Aston Villa prior to joining the Whitecaps in 2013. Reo-Coker has contributed one goal and six assists in nearly two years with the Canadian side.
“Nigel is a fantastic box-to-box player that has proven to be a leader in this league,” said Chivas USA head coach Wilmer Cabrera. “He is an unbelievably versatile player. We feel he can help us with his defending as well as going forward in the attack. We see his experience, leadership and great technique helping us in a lot of ways.”
After the two teams played to a scoreless draw this weekend, both Chivas USA and the Vancouver Whitecaps return to action Saturday on the road against the New England Revolution and LA Galaxy, respectively.
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How will Rosales and Reo-Coker perform with their new sides? Is this a good move for both teams?
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