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MLS Ticker: Timbers sign Bill Tuiloma, Rapids name Padraig Smith interim GM, and more

The Portland Timbers are adding another reinforcement to their defensive midfield for this season.

On Monday, the Timbers signed defensive midfielder and centerback Bill Tuiloma through the remainder of the 2017 season with an option to keep Tuiloma in Portland after that. Tuiloma, 22, comes to the Timbers by way of Olympique de Marseille, where the Kiwi international has been in the development system since 2013.

Playing almost exclusively for Marseille’s second team during his professional career with the exception of a 2015 loan to Strasbourg, Tuiloma saw almost 2,000 minutes in 22 appearances for Les Phoceens’ second team last season. Although he did not earn a start, Tuiloma was the first substitute off the bench in all three of the All Whites’ Confederations Cup matches this summer.

Tuiloma figures to step into a depth role in both central midfield and on the backline for the Timbers.

RAPIDS NAME PADRAIG SMITH INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER 

The Colorado Rapids announced on Tuesday that Padraig Smith has been named interim general manager of the club. In the wake of Tim Hinchey’s departure from the club, Wayne Brant was also named the organization’s interim chief business officer.

Smith will oversee all aspects of the first team including oversight of the coaching and technical staff, player acquisitions, as well as domestic and international scouting. Smith joined the Rapids in 2015 as the team’s sporting director, and will retain that role going forward.

Smith previously worked at UEFA as well as the Football Association of Ireland. As sporting director, Smith had a hand in acquiring Kevin Doyle, Shkelzen Gashi, and Tim Howard as well as the drafting of 2016 Defender of the Year finalist Axel Sjoberg.

PHILIPE SENDEROS ON TRIAL WITH HOUSTON DYNAMO

The Houston Dynamo have brought in former Swiss international defender Philipe Senderos on-trial this week. The 32-year-old has won 57 caps for Switzerland since 2007, and has been on three World Cup rosters for the Swiss as well. Senderos most recently with Rangers of the Scottish Premier League in 2016-17.

Senderos has also seen time at Arsenal, A.C. Milan, Fulham, Aston Villa, and Grasshoppers.

MINNESOTA UNITED ANNOUNCE STADIUM NAME AS ‘ALLIANZ FIELD’

Minnesota United FC and Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) announced Tuesday a multi-year naming rights sponsorship agreement for the team’s new soccer stadium in St. Paul, which will be known as Allianz Field.

The stadium is planned to be completed by the start of the 2019 MLS season, and will feature a seating capacity of 19,400 for the first year.

“As a global company with a long tradition of stadium sponsorship and strong connection to soccer around the world, Allianz is proud to join Minnesota United FC in bringing this facility to soccer fans in our great state,” said Allianz Life President and CEO Walter White.

“Allianz Field provides us with an opportunity to connect with audiences both new and old, share our passion for soccer and reinforce our ongoing commitment to supporting our community.”

FC CINCINNATI FORWARD CUMMINGS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

After 10 years in professional football, FC Cincinnati and former Colorado Rapids forward Omar Cummings is calling it career.

The former 2007 third-round selection of the Rapids played his final match on Monday evening in a friendly against Valencia FC. The forward was also honored during a halftime ceremony. Cummings scored 39 goals in his 148 appearances with the Rapids, helping them to an MLS Cup title in 2010 and earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2007.

Cummings also played for the Houston Dynamo and the San Antonio Scorpions before joining FC Cincinnati in 2016. The Jamaican international also scored seven goals in 35 international appearances with the Reggae Boyz.

“Omar was a member of our inaugural roster and lent his veteran leadership and professionalism to our club,” said FCC President and General Manager Jeff Berding. “He reached the highest level in this country, playing in the MLS and had a fantastic playing career. During his two years with FCC, he has been a strong voice in the locker room and an ambassador for the sport and our club. We are ecstatic that he will continue to be a role model for our youth soccer players and help with our efforts to grow the game throughout our community.”

Cummings will now transition into a full-time role with the FCC front office working with the youth academy and community initiatives.

Comments

  1. The last time I saw Senderos, a year or two ago, he had gone way down in quality. I think his last stint in England was in Fulham before they were relegated and it was obvious then that he had noticeably declined from his top flight days. I can’t see him helping much even in MLS.

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