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MLS Ticker: D.C. United adds Ochoa, Revs loan Altidore to Puebla, and more

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David Ochoa’s MLS career has come to a standstill, but a move to the Eastern Conference could be the spark that the Mexican international goalkeeper needs to get back on track.

Ochoa joined D.C. United on a permanent transfer from Real Salt Lake, joining the Eastern Conference club in exchange for $75,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money (GAM). His contract with D.C. United will run through the remainder of the 2022 season, and should he sign a new contract for 2023, RSL will receive an additional $300,000 in total GAM between the next two years.

RSL also holds a 25% sell-on fee, should D.C. United permanently transfer Ochoa outside of MLS.

“David is an extremely talented and competitive goalkeeper,” said Dave Kasper, President of Soccer Operations. “We believe he has the ability to make an immediate impact for us this season, and someone who we consider a viable option for us longer-term as we evaluate the goalkeeper position beyond 2022.”

Ochoa signed a Homegrown contract with Real Salt Lake in November 2018 proceeding to lead USL affiliate Real Monarchs to the 2019 USL Championship title. Ochoa has made 45 league appearances in MLS since making his pro debut in November 2020, registering six clean sheets.

A former U.S. youth national team player, Ochoa has since switched his international allegiance to Mexico, featuring twice for El Tri’s Under-21 side. His move to D.C. United gives new head coach Wayne Rooney a young goalkeeper going forward with veteranBill Hamid sidelined through injury.

Here is a closer look at the recent MLS News:


Revolution loans Altidore to Liga MX side Puebla


Jozy Altidore’s time with the New England Revolution hasn’t gone as planned and the American forward will now head to Mexico to try and gain regular playing time ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Altidore has joined Liga MX side Puebla on loan for the remainder of 2022, the Revolution announced Friday. The 32-year-old joined the Revolution in February, but has only made four starts and scored one goal in Bruce Arena’s squad.

Altidore, a longtime U.S. men’s national team striker, has earned 115 caps for his country, totaling 42 goals. For his MLS career, Altidore has totaled 78 goals and 25 assists in 193 regular season games.

Gustavo Bou and Giacomo Vrioni have headlined the attacking front for the Revolution this season, especially following the transfer of Adam Buksa earlier this summer. Attacking midfielder Carles Gil is also one of the best at his position in MLS, contributing four goals and 11 assists in league play this season.


Austin FC adds DP forward Rigoni


Austin FC added a new face to its attacking corps on Friday, acquiring Emiliano Rigoni from Brazilian Serie A side São Paulo.

Rigoni, 29, joins Austin FC on a Designated Player contract, signing through the 2024 MLS season with options in 2025 and 2026. He will occupy an international roster spot in Josh Wolff’s squad and takes the place of Cecilio Dominguez, who mutually parted ways with the club earlier this July.

Rigoni began his professional career with Club Atlético Belgrano in his native Argentina in 2013, before also featuring for Independiente. Rigoni played alongside Austin FC midfielder Sebastián Driussi during his time with Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg, helping the club win three league championships, one Russian Cup, and one Russian Super Cup from 2019-21.

“We’re very excited to welcome Emiliano and his family to Austin,” said Austin FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna. “He’s a winger with a lot of quality and experience competing in some of the top leagues around the world. His abilities are an excellent fit for our style of play.”

Austin FC remains in the race for the top spot in the Western Conference this season.


Minnesota United signs Lod to contract extension


Robin Lod has been a key piece of Minnesota United’s 2022 season to date and the Finnish international was rewarded with a new multi-year contract on Friday.

Lod signed a new three-year contract with a club option, the Loons announced Friday. The 29-year-old joined the Loons in July 2019 and has proceeded to total 22 goals and 12 assists in 75 regular season appearances in Adrian Heath’s squad.

“There’s not much I can add to what I’ve said in the past – he’s a consummate professional, an incredibly intelligent footballer,” head coach Adrian Heath said in a release. “Wherever we play him on the field, he contributes in a positive way. Pound for pound, he might be one of the best signings we’ve made since we’ve been at Minnesota.”

Lod has earned 58 caps for his native Finland, totaling five goals in his international career.

The Loons are riding a seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions, totaling five victories in their past six league matches.


Quick Kicks:

  • Former New York Red Bulls goalkeeper David Jensen has joined Turkish club Istanbulspor on a permanent deal. Jensen, 30, made 11 appearances with the Red Bulls following his move from FC Utrecht.

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