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MLS Ticker: Dunivant sidelined up to 6 weeks, Pontius travels, and more

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Photo by Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

By FRANCO PANIZO

In the midst of a strong late season run, the LA Galaxy have received some bad news.

Left back Todd Dunivant is expected to be out for up to six weeks with a left groin tear suffered in the Galaxy’s recent 6-0 demolition of the Colorado Rapids. The 33-year-old Dunivant sustained the injury in the first half of that match after colliding with an opponent, and had to be stretchered off in the 26th minute.

With Dunivant sidelined, LA is now left even thinner at left back. Veteran defender James Riley only recently recovered from a left meniscus tear and Robbie Rogers is still nursing a left hamstring strain, leaving head coach Bruce Arena to have to carefully weigh his options before the club takes on the Montreal Impact on Wednesday.

Here’s more news from around MLS:

PONTIUS TRAVELS TO TAKE ON RED BULLS

Chris Pontius is good to go.

After missing most of the season with a hamstring issue, Pontius has made D.C. United’s 18-man travel roster for Wednesday’s game against the New York Red Bulls. Pontius does not seem likely to start given his extend spell on the sidelines, but he could make his season debut off the bench.

The 27-year-old midfielder has not played in a competitive match for D.C. United since going the distance in their 2013 regular season finale last October.

DYNAMO HOPING TO FIELD USL PRO TEAM IN MCALLEN

The Houston Dynamo are working on fielding a USL Pro team, and they have identified the location of where they want to put it.

Dynamo officials met with the city of McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Monday in an effort to try and make the creation of a USL Pro club come to fruition. Dynamo president Chris Canetti and vice president David Tagliarino presented a broad outline of how they would introduce the team into McAllen, and referred to it as the Rio Grande Valley Dynamo.

MLS has pushed this year for all its club to begin exploring fielding USL Pro sides to help with player development.

CREW ANNOUNCE POGATETZ ADDITION

The Columbus Crew had a hole to fill in their defense after recently selling centerback Giancarlo Gonzalez, and they appear to have found a solution.

A day after Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter said the club had signed veteran defender Emanuel Pogatetz, the club officially announced the addition of the Austrian international and captain as a Discovery Signing.

Pogatetz, 31, arrives in Columbus after most recently playing for FC Nurnberg. He has also played for several other clubs across Europe, including West Ham United, Middlesbrough, VfL Wolfsburg and Hannover 96.

“We think Emanuel is a great addition to the roster,” said Berhalter in a statement. “He’s a highly experienced defender and a captain of his National Team with over 60 appearances for Austria. Emanuel comes to us with Bundesliga and Premiership experience, and he’s accomplished at the highest levels of the game.

“He’s very good in the air and a strong tackler that can possess and pass the ball well. He fits right into what we’re doing and he’s a person who can affect the culture of our club with his experience, attitude and mentality.”

EARTHQUAKES SIGN URUGUAYAN DEFENDER PINTOS

The San Jose Earthquakes have gone to Uruguay to find some defensive help. The Quakes signed Uruguayan right back Pablo Pintos pending approval of his visa and transfer certificate, the club announced Tuesday.

Pintos, 27, joins the Quakes coming off a stint with Defensor Sporting of Uruguay’s first division.

“We are very happy to sign a player of Pablo’s quality,” said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle in a press release. “He is an athletic right back who should help us now and in the future.”

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Who should the Galaxy turn to at left back? Think Pontius sees the field vs. the Red Bulls? Like the idea of the Dynamo’s USL Pro team being in McAllen?

Comments

  1. I’m excited about the PDL team in McAllen. There is a lot of great youth talent down there I think that has trouble getting visibility because they aren’t near enough to the big club teams or the big academies in Mexico. I think this is a great idea!

    Reply
  2. LA needs to develop Oscar Sorto or find some other young’un among its youth ranks. They can’t keep playing older guys and expecting to stay healthy. Dan Gargan is the major exception. He’s been a revelation.

    Reply

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