The New England Revolution lifted a first-ever Supporters’ Shield in 2021 and will now be an early favorite for MLS Cup in 2022 after adding another dangerous attacking weapon to an already-stacked unit.
Jozy Altidore signed with the Revs on Monday after having his contract bought out by Toronto FC. The Revs extended Altidore’s contract for an additional season, which carries him through the 2024 campaign. Toronto FC will still remain responsible for a portion of Altidore’s salary through 2023.
“Jozy is a player we know well and feel confident that he will be an excellent addition to our team,” Revolution head coach and sporting director Bruce Arena said. “I believe Jozy can continue to be an outstanding goal scorer, and we will work hard to get him back to full fitness and in good form over the next couple of months.”
Altidore has totaled 86 goals and 29 assists across 193 combined league appearances to date. He lifted one MLS Cup, one Supporters’ Shield trophy, and three Canadian Championships during his time in Toronto. He’s also played in England, Turkey, and the Netherlands during his lengthy pro career.
Altidore, 32, will be reunited with Arena, who coached him early in his professional career with the New York Red Bulls, and more recently during Arena’s second stint as U.S. men’s national team head coach.
A two-time U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year winner, Altidore has earned 115 caps with the USMNT, contributing 42 goals.
The Revs kick off their competitive schedule on Friday against Haitian side Cavaly AS in the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16.
Here is a closer look at Monday’s MLS news:
Jamiro Monteiro traded to Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes added a new playmaker to their squad on Monday with hopes of clinching a playoff berth this season.
Jamiro Monteiro joined the Quakes after a trade with the Philadelphia Union on Monday. In exchange, the Union received $250,000 of 2022 General Allocation Money (GAM), a 2022 international roster slot, and a conditional $200,000 in 2023 GAM if certain performance metrics are met.
“Jamiro has been one of the most consistently exciting and effective players in Major League Soccer over the past three seasons,” said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch. “In addition to raising our level of creativity, we believe he is a strong fit for our style of play and should make us more dynamic in attack and defense.”
The 28-year-old Cape Verde international joins San Jose after spending the last three seasons with the Union. Monteiro registered nine goals and 21 assists in 75 regular season appearances for the Union, helping the club with the Supporters’ Shield in 2021.
Monteiro was also a catalyst for the Union during international play, leading the club to the semifinals of the 2021 Concacaf Champions League. He tallied two goals and two assists during the competition and was named to the Team of the Tournament, an achievement accomplished by only two MLS players last season.
The Earthquakes have several talented attacking players heading into the 2022 season, including Monteiro, Cade Cowell, Javier Lopez, and Cristian Espinoza.
TFC loans Auro to Santos FC
Toronto FC’s roster makeover continued on Monday, with the departure of another member of the 2021 squad.
Brazilian defender Auro has been sent by TFC on loan to Brazilian side Santos FC for the remainder of 2022, with Santos holding a purchase option at the end of the loan.
The 26-year-old has spent the past four seasons with TFC, registering 109 appearances in all competitions.
Quick Kicks
- The Chicago Fire FC today acquired a third-round draft pick in the 2023 MLS Draft in a trade with the Seattle Sounders. In exchange, the Sounders will receive the College Protected Period Priority for defender Jackson Ragen. Ragen, 23, is a former second round pick by the Fire in 2021 and since has played for the Sounders’ USL affiliate Tacoma Defiance.
- Sporting KC waived forwards Grayson Barber and Tyler Freeman ahead of the 2022 season. Barber, 21, started in two of his nine appearances during his lone MLS season with SKC in 2021. The 19-year-old Freeman has played in 35 USL Championship matches for Sporting KC II since signing an MLS contract in 2018.