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MLS Ticker: Martinez not included in Argentina roster, Elliott signs new Union deal, and more

The Argentina Football Federation released its Copa America roster on Tuesday and one of MLS’ newest faces did not make the cut.

Atlanta United’s Pity Martinez was not included in Lionel Scaloni’s roster for this summer’s tournament despite appearing this past March in a friendly against Venezuela.

The 25-year-old scored his first MLS goal back on March 12th and has improved for Atlanta United over recent weeks. Martinez joined this offseason from Argentina powerhouse River Plate.

Atlanta United are already without Ezequiel Barco who is representing Argentina’s U-20 team at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Jack Elliott signs new contract with Union

Jack Elliott is committing his future to the Philadelphia Union.

The club announced on Wednesday they’ve signed Elliott to a new contract. He will remain with the club through 2021 with a club option for 2022.

Elliott, 23, was drafted No. 77th overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by the Union after playing three years at the University of West Virginia. He would make 30 appearances for Jim Curtin’s side that season and was one of the nominees for MLS Rookie of the Year.

With the rise of centerbacks Auston Trusty and Mark McKenzie, Elliott made only 17 appearances last season. However, the London, Eng. native has returned to the Union’s starting XI this season, making 13 appearances and scoring one goal.

The Union are currently first in the Eastern Conference with 24 points.

Report: Loons’ Romario Ibarra to join Pachuca on 13-month loan

Romario Ibarra is reportedly set to move to Liga MX side Pachuca on-loan.

According to ESPN, Minnesota United are set to send Ibarra to Pachuca for the next 13 months. The 24-year-old Ecuadorian has scored five goals and added one assist in 17 appearances for the Loons since joining in 2018.

Ibarra started four of the Loons opening six matches in 2019 but has seen his playing time take a hit of late. Due to Angelo Rodriguez’s return from injury, Ibarra has only logged 60 minutes over Minnesota’s last six matches.

The forward has won seven caps for the Ecuadorian National Team, scoring three goals. He’s also been name to Ecuador’s 23-player roster for this summer’s Copa America. He will be joined by fellow MLS’ers Carlos Gruezo (FC Dallas), Xavier Arreaga (Seattle Sounders), and Sebastian Mendez (Orlando City).

Sal Zizzo announces retirement from professional soccer

Sal Zizzo is hanging up his playing boots.

The 32-year-old officially announced his retirement on Tuesday via social media. Zizzo is coming off an MLS Cup win with Atlanta United in 2018 and also lifted the 2015 Supporters Shield with the New York Red Bulls.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxvE5Wfl0cM/?igshid=l4j590n7k986

Zizzo totaled 174 combined MLS appearances over nine MLS season, scoring two goals and adding 17 assists. After an unsuccessful spell with Bundesliga club Hannover, Zizzo returned to the U.S. to begin a lengthy MLS career in 2010.

He’s spent time with Chivas USA, Portland Timbers, Sporting KC, the Red Bulls, and Atlanta United. Zizzo won one cap with the USMNT, appearing in a 2007 friendly against Sweden.

MLS Disciplinary Committee fines five players, one coach for Week 12 incidents

Major League Soccer’s Disciplinary Committee has fined five players and one coach for actions during Week 12 action.

Here’s a list of the players and coach fined:

  • Alejandro Pozuelo (TFC) fined an undisclosed amount for failure to leave the field in a timely manner after 63rd minute red card.
  • Alejandro Bedoya (Union) fined an undisclosed amount for simulation/embellishment in 64th minute.
  • Kemar Lawrence (NYRB) fined an undisclosed amount for hands to the face, head, or neck in 90+ minute.
  • Tom Barlow (NYRB) fined an undisclosed amount for hands to the face, head, or neck in 90+ minute.
  • Romario Williams (Atlanta) fined an undisclosed amount for hands to the face, head, or neck in 90+ minute.
  • Vanni Sartini (Vancouver) fined an undisclosed amount for violation regarding entering field of play in 90+ minute.

 

 

 

 

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