By RYAN TOLMICH
Despite the upcoming retirement of forward Marco Di Vaio, the Montreal Impact will continue their link with Italy’s Bologna, albeit in a whole new way.
Impact owner Joey Saputo has confirmed that he is part of a bid to acquire the Italian side with aims to finalize the transaction by Oct. 15.
“I would like to thank all the people involved in the transaction,” Saputo said, “especially the loyal supporters of Bologna FC for their encouragement throughout the process.”
Saputo’s acquisition of Bologna could see the Impact owner reunite with Di Vaio sooner rather than later, as the former Bologna striker is expected to take on a non-playing role with the club.
“We’re waiting for it to be confirmed on Oct. 15,” Di Vaio said. “I hope everything goes well. After, we’ll see if there’s a possibility to work again with Joey and with Bologna.”
Here are some more of Friday’s MLS news and notes:
ROGERS LOOKING TO RETURN FOR PAIR OF SEATTLE CLASHES
With a pair of Supporters’ Shield-deciding matchups looming, the LA Galaxy are expecting to head into their series with the Seattle Sounders with their starting left back.
The Galaxy’s Robbie Rogers has recently been hampered by a left hamstring injury and is expected to miss out on this weekend’s meeting with FC Dallas. However, Rogers is expected to resume training next week before rejoining his team against the Sounders.
“I feel really good, actually,” Rogers said. “I [have] just a Grade 1 strain in my hamstring, the outside, so I was happy to figure that out and know what I need to do, and now I can kind of prepare. This week I’m just resting, letting my hamstring heal, and then I’ll probably start training again next week.”
Meanwhile, the Galaxy are also set to see the return of right back Dan Gargan, who returned to training Thursday with hopes of featuring in Sunday’s game.
LE TOUX, CASEY SET TO RETURN FOR UNION
Following last week’s heartbreaking draw against the Chicago Fire, the Philadelphia Union will head into this week’s clash with the Columbus Crew with their two leading scorers.
Sebastian Le Toux and Connor Casey both missed out in the disappointing draw due to an ankle injury and tendonitis, respectively, but the Union duo, who have combined for 20 goals this season, are set to return in an effort to fight for the team’s playoff lives.
“It looks like Seb and Conor are ready to go,” said interim manager Jim Curtin, so that is a positive.
“If (Casey) tells me he is ready, he starts,” Curtin added. “Especially with a knee, getting it loose in a real warm-up before a game is a lot easier than getting warmed up and playing 20 minutes at the end of the game.”
In addition to Le Toux and Casey, the Union will also see the return of defender Sheannon Williams, while Ethan White remains questionable.
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What do you think of Saputo’s potential purchase of Bologna? How do you see the Supporters’ Shield race shaking out? Who do you see making the playoffs out of the Eastern Conference?
Share your thoughts below.
Bologna and Cheese
I am at loss to fathom this transaction? What is there to gain for saputo?
Surely, would like to hear from who know.
joe Santos
What’s so difficult to understand? Owning a Euro Team is the new status symbol among the rich.