After a disappointing 2016 season for the Portland Timbers, some good news finally arrived on the legal front for the team.
The city of Lake Oswego will drop the drunk driving case against Timbers captain Liam Ridgewell, according to the Oregonian.
Ridgewell faced charges of driving under the influence and refusing a breathalyzer test. However, the judge agreed to suppress evidence in court last month, bringing an end to the case.
The centerback and his defense attorney had no comment on the ruling.
Earthquakes hire former Roma executive as general manager
The search for the San Jose Earthquakes’ new general manager is over.
The club announced on Thursday the hiring of former Roma executive Jesse Fioranelli as the team’s general manager.
Fioranelli was a member of Roma’s sporting direction unit in player scouting, development, match analysis and recruitment. He also spent time with cross-city rival Lazio and in Turkey.
Timbers complete acquisition of Roy Miller
While the Timbers received some good news on the Ridgewell front, they also bolstered their backline in the process.
Portland officially completed the signing of Deportivo Saprissa defender and former New York Red Bulls player Roy Miller. Before joining Saprissa, the Costa Rican spent six seasons with the Red Bulls, making 125 appearances and was a member of the Supporters’ Shield-winning team in 2013.
Miller will stay with Saprissa until the end of February as the club will participate in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals.
Union sign defender Giliano Wijnaldum
The Philadelphia Union added some strong pedigree to their roster on Thursday.
The club announced the signing of Dutch defender Giliano Wijnaldum, the younger brother of Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum.
Wijnaldum, 24, has spent his entire career in the Netherlands. He came through the ranks at AZ Alkmaar, where he was teammates with U.S. international Jozy Altidore. The defender went on to represent Go Ahead Eagles, Groningen and Bochum in Germany.
Real Salt Lake reportedly signs Slovakian playmaker Albert Rusnak
Real Salt Lake has reportedly found its replacement for Javier Morales.
According to Fox Sports Netherlands, RSL will sign Slovakian playmaker Albert Rusnak from FC Groningen on a three-year deal.
Rusnak, 22, was a member of Manchester City’s youth setup, but he couldn’t break into the first team. He signed with Groningen in 2015 and has scored nine goals in 61 appearances in the Eredivisie.
Impact re-sign defender Wandrille Lefevre
The Montreal Impact kept their defensive depth intact by re-signing Wandrille Lefevre to a two-year deal on Thursday.
The contract for the Impact homegrown player also includes options for 2019 and 2020.
Lefevre, 28, has played in 45 games in four seasons for the Impact. He also has two caps with the Canadian Men’s National Team after obtaining citizenship in 2015.
Whitecaps’ David Edgar undergoes successful surgery
The Vancouver Whitecaps were dealt a cruel blow.
Defender David Edgar underwent successful surgery on his MCL and PCL after he was involved in a hit-and-run last month.
The Whitecaps did not reveal a timetable for his return, but his 2017 season could be in jeopardy.
FC Dallas’ Fernando Clavijo denies Maxi Urruti departure rumors
Amid rumors of Maximiliano Urruti joining Barcelona SC in Ecuador, FC Dallas’ technical director Fernando Clavijo quickly squashed those links.
Clavijo tweeted that the rumors are “not true” and that Dallas is “looking forward” to having Urruti in 2017. Urruti scored nine goals in 30 games for Dallas last season.
Dynamo complete signing of Leonardo
The Houston Dynamo have completed the signing of ex-LA Galaxy defender Leonardo after selecting him in the MLS re-entry draft.
Leonardo, 28, has 85 MLS regular-season games under his belt and was a key starter during the Galaxy’s run to the 2014 MLS Cup.
Good attorney makes all the difference. Lucky boy