While the first Cascadia clash of the new year was anything but friendly on Wednesday, the Chicago Fire have continued to boost their back line.
The Chicago Fire acquired Brazilian youth international defender Rodrigo Ramos on a one-year loan from Brazilian Série A club Coritiba. The 20-year-old made two appearances during the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup. (REPORT)
While Nicolas Mezquida and Clint Dempsey were involved in a heated first-half discussion, the Vancouver Whitecaps trumped the Seattle Sounders, 2-1, in their first preseason match of the year. Striker Darren Mattocks scored two second-half goals to counter Darwin Jones’ goal for the Sounders. (REPORT)
The Columbus Crew announced the signing of midfielder Rodrigo Saravia after he was selected 19th overall in the 2016 MLS Draft. The 22-year-old has also reportedly been called into the Guatemalan national team ahead of a friendly vs. Honduras on Feb. 10. (REPORT)
The New England Revolution defeated the San Jose Earthquakes, 2-0, in Tucson, Arizona. Kelyn Rowe and Charlie Davies scored for the Eastern Conference club. (REPORT)
Toronto FC defeated Ventura County Fusion, 3-0, in its second preseason game of the year. Sebastian Giovinco scored the first, while Jordan Hamilton scored a double to seal the win at Anteater Stadium. (REPORT)
The Portland Timbers tied the Houston Dynamo, 1-1, in Tucson. Midfielder Dairon Asprilla scored the game’s first goal, while Mauro Manotas netted the second.
The Earthquakes also announced it had loaned midfielder Leandro Barrera to Argentinian side Club Atlético San Martín. The 24-year-old played in six games for the MLS side in 2015. (REPORT)
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Think NYCFC will land Casillas? What do you think of Wednesday’s preseason results? Like the additions by the Fire and Crew?
Share your thoughts below.
As a CF97 fan I can tell you right now I have no problem with the organization putting such focus upon the back line. Last season our defense was absolutely awful and we pretty much got rid of everyone (including JJ unfortunately). No one knows how any of these international defenders will pan out in MLS and it’s nice to have options. Who knows, maybe AH will wake up and get us a USL team. A guy can dream…
Our attackers last season didn’t do too bad. We essentially have 3 DP forwards (Accam, Iggy and Gilberto) so I can see why management has put offensive aquisitions on the back burner. We already have a very promising young CAM in Harry Shipp who (like almost every roster member) was played out of position past season. Thanks again Yallop… I’d rather see the team put some more money into the midfield as we at least need another wing (DP level would be nice). I would also make maybe one more move for another forward as some more depth would be nice.
Once again the Fire is only concerned with defense. They need to score goals and play attacking/attractive soccer to get fans back. They have 2 forwards on the roster and 1 is Gilberto (bust). How about signing a creative CM or QUALITY striker????
Actually, the FIre need to sure up their defense. It was our flaw last season, so I’m glad to see new faces back there. However, I suspect he’ll get used as a winger rather than a wingback.
As for our striker pool, you have Accam who led the Fire in scoring and Gilberto who had a solid 1 goal every 2 games record. Igbo is a striker by nature, though fast enough to run the wing instead.
IMO, we need a sure thing up top, however, if we can’t take the pressure off by playing solid defense a master goal scorer won’t make a difference.
Timbers 1st team looked very good in their half. Valeri was Mr. Nice Guy and denied being fouled in the box, otherwise 2-1 more than likely. Our new kids looked like new kids, but JackMac did well, especially in the start of 2nd half.