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MLS Ticker: Robles signs new contract, Perez Garcia to leave Orlando City and more

Photo by Gary Rohman/MLS/USA TODAY Sports

The New York Red Bulls reaffirmed their commitment to stability between the posts by signing Luis Robles to a new MLS contract on Wednesday. The 33-year-old stalwart has racked up both team and league records during his tenure with the Red Bulls.

Robles holds the franchise record for shutouts (43), goals-against average (1.30), wins (73), games played (157), and minutes played (14,130). His streak of consecutive starts is an MLS record.

Luis Robles also took home MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2015, the same year the Red Bulls won their second supporter’s shield. Robles was a key figure in both years the Red Bulls won the trophy for best regular season record.

“We are pleased to reach new terms with Luis,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. “Luis has been an important part of our club on and off the field, and we look forward to continued success with him as our goalkeeper.”

The contract is referred to as a multi-year deal. Additional details were not disclosed.

Matias Perez Garcia to leave Orlando City

Matias Perez Garcia took to Instagram to reveal that he and Orlando City could not reach an agreement on a new contract and would depart the club. As of June 30, Perez Garcia’s contract will expire.

The post, written in Spanish, thanked the supporters and club while relaying the inability for club and player to come to an agreement.

The writing on the wall for the 32-year-old’s exit has been on the wall since June 17 when he scored a goal and an assist in Orlando City’s 3-3 draw with the Montreal Impact. Head coach Jason Kris and general manager Niki Budalic indicated that Orlando City and Perez Garcia were very far apart in their negotiations, and the process of finding a replacement was underway.

Orlando City will open significant salary space with the midfielder’s departure. Perez Garcia was on a guaranteed salary of $260,004 according to the MLS Player Union’s salary figures.

Sam Nicholson signs with Minnesota United

Heart of Midlothian midfielder Sam Nicholson is on his way to the great white north, signing for Minnesota United FC, according to an ESPN report. Nicholson, 22, is a free agent left winger that has spent the last four season with Hearts.

Last month, Nicholson visited the Minneapolis area and the Edinburgh News reported that a deal with Minnesota was imminent.

Nicholson made his professional debut for Hearts in 2013. Despite his 109 league appearances and 14 goals, Nicholson has missed a large portion of the 2016-17 season due to knee injury. Earlier this month, reports floated around that Nicholson had been offered a contract with Glassgow Rangers, which the team scurried.

Sam Nicholson will join Minnesota United when the MLS secondary transfer window opens on July 10th. His first match could be a friendly against Mexican side Atlas in Minneapolis on July 15th.

Castillo drawing interest from Villareal CF

Fabian Castillo left FC Dallas less than a year ago, and it appears he may be on the move yet again this summer.

Futbolistos.es is reporting that Villareal that they are in advanced negotiations to bring the Colombian international to the team this summer. The 25-year-old Castillo departed MLS as one of the brightest stars on FC Dallas, scoring 40 goals across all competitions for the club.

Castillo’s technical ability and speed make him an ideal candidate for a team looking to for a boost to their front line or wings. Villareal finished a distant fifth last season in La Liga to Sevilla and Athletico Madrid.

Villareal have struggled to climb above fourth place since finishing second in the 2012-13 season. They will once again compete in the UEFA Euorpa League this season.

 

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