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MLS Ticker: D.C. United, FC Dallas win at ATX; Keane supports Doyle move to Colorado; and more

Blas Perez

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By ADAM TROXTELL

Two MLS teams face off in a Sunday Texas shootout after winning in the ATX Pro Soccer Challenge in Austin on Friday.

FC Dallas was the first team to reach Sunday’s preseason tournament final with a 3-1 win against the Columbus Crew. Ryan Hollingshead grabbed two goals and an assist in the first half as FC Dallas cruised.

Blas Perez put FCD ahead in the 29th minute, linking up with Hollingshead and young designated player Mauro Diaz in the build-up. Hollingshead netted two goals in six minutes to put Dallas up by three at the half.

Icelandic midfielder Kristinn Steindorsson pulled one back for Columbus in the 65th minute.

D.C. United defeated hosts Austin Aztex 2-0 in the second of Friday night’s semifinals. After nine minutes, rookie Miguel Aguilar struck from 20 yards out for the lead.

Jairo Arrieta set-up Conor Doyle for the second goal before halftime. D.C. United sent out a squad absent of many starters, though goalkeeper Bill Hamid did enter in the second half to deny Austin from getting a goal back.

Here are some more MLS items to catch you up on the latest:

KEANE: DOYLE WOULD BE ‘GREAT’ FOR MLS

With Irish striker Kevin Doyle reportedly in talks with Colorado Rapids, he received a welcoming gesture from a fellow countryman.

LA Galaxy striker and league MVP Robbie Keane has welcomed Doyle’s proposed move to America from English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Keane told reporters a deal for Doyle is beneficial for both parties.

He also said he has spoken to Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni about Doyle and encouraged him to sign his Irish teammate.

“If he goes to MLS, I will be delighted for him,” Keane said. “Kevin scores goals so he would be perfect for [Colorado.] It will be great for the league, great for him, and I told Pablo that you could not wish to have a better person.”

Doyle, 32, went on loan to English Premier League side Crystal Palace, but did not score in three appearances. Wolverhampton manager Kenny Jackett has said the club is eager to do what is best for Doyle and open to him leaving.

GILBERTO CLOSE TO JOINING VASCO

The saga involving Toronto FC’s Brazilian designated player appears to be nearing an end.

Gilberto is reportedly on the verge of joining Vasco da Gama, the Brazilian club he has been training with for the past few weeks. Globoesporte quoted Vasco vice president Jose Luis Moreira as saying Toronto had verbally agreed for a deal to go through, and all that’s left is to sign the paperwork.

The Brazilian striker did not report to Toronto for preseason training, and head coach Greg Vanney said last week that he was “not 100 percent clear on the situation.” With the signings of Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco, that plus captain Michael Bradley puts them over the limit of three designated players.

Gilberto scored seven goals in 28 games for Toronto last season.

Comments

  1. Doyle would be a great pickup for Colorado, at the right price. I could see him linking up well with Gabi Torres + the Rapids definitely need some more firepower. *5/10 comment*

    Reply

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