The Portland Timbers have succeeded in securing some competition for Jake Gleeson at goalkeeper, while Minnesota United is a step closer to bringing back a fan favorite.
The Portland Timbers acquired goalkeeper Jeff Attinella from Minnesota United for a second-round pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
Attinella was previously selected by the Loons in last week’s MLS Expansion Draft, but is now heading to Rose City in a deal that reports suggest could pave the way for Minnesota United to secure the services of Club Leon midfielder Miguel Ibarra.
Attinella, who was Nick Rimando’s backup at Real Salt Lake for the last four seasons, could still find his way into a starting role depending on the fallout from Jake Gleeson’s legal proceedings. At the least, Attinella’s arrival will spur a goalkeeper competition in the preseason.
The Timbers have also completed the signing of Deportivo Saprissa defensive midfielder David Guzman. The Timbers were in dire need of help at that position after Jack Jewsbury’s retirement and Will Johnson’s departure a year ago.
The 26-year-old has been with Saprissa since 2009, and has made nine appearances with the Costa Rica national team.
Here are some more MLS news items from the past day:
Atlanta United signs Peterson
Another MLS free agent has completed a move to Atlanta United.
Following the signing of Jeff Larentowicz, Atlanta United announced Wednesday that the club has signed free agent midfielder Jacob Peterson to a multiyear deal. The 30-year-old, who has 11 years of MLS experience, scored six goals for Sporting KC last year.
“We set clear goals during this offseason to add league experience in key areas,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said. “Jacob is another player who’s enjoyed a long and productive career in MLS and we’re pleased that he’s decided to sign with our club.”
The move to Atlanta sees Peterson join the fifth club of his career after previous stops with the Colorado Rapids, Toronto FC, San Jose Earthquakes and, most recently, Sporting KC.
D.C. United land Herediano forward
The D.C. United attack will be bidding farewell to one Costa Rican striker, and have already secured the services of a replacement.
D.C. has acquired Herediano forward Jose Guillermo Ortiz on loan for the 2017 season, announcing the move on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old forward enjoyed a breakout spring season with Costa Rican side Alajuelense, scoring 15 goals to lead the Costa Rican league.
Ortiz’s arrival comes as reports surface of former D.C. United striker Alvaro Saborio nearing a deal to return to Deportivo Saprissa.
Revs bolster coaching staff
The New England Revolution added Carlos Llamosa to the technical staff as an assistant coach. A member of the 2002 U.S. World Cup team, Llamosa most recently served as an assistant coach with the New York Cosmos in the NASL. He also spent time on the Chivas USA coaching staff from 2010-2013.
The Revs also hired Aidan Byrne as the club’s new head of fitness. Byrne joins from New York City FC, where he spent the past two seasons as physical performance coach.