The Seattle Sounders will be hoping to have everyone available for a late-season push towards the MLS Cup Playoffs, but head coach Brian Schmetzer will have to do without one of his key midfielders for at least the next one month.
Cristian Roldan will be sidelined for four-to-six weeks after undergoing groin surgery this week, the club announced Tuesday. Roldan had been suffering from left athletic pubalgia, forcing him to miss Friday’s 3-3 draw with the L.A. Galaxy.
The 27-year-old has contributed four goals and five assists in 23 games this season for the Sounders, but could miss up through Decision Day (Oct. 9) if his rehabilitation runs long. Roldan is the latest Sounders midfielder forced to the sidelines this season, joining Joao Paulo and Obed Vargas.
Roldan’s injury could also force him out of upcoming USMNT duty in September, the final friendlies for Gregg Berhalter’s side before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Sounders have failed to win their last three matches and next travel to face rivals Portland Timbers in the penultimate Cascadia Cup showdown this season.
Here is a closer look at all of the recent MLS News:
Revolution signs Nacho Gil
Carles Gil will have a familiar face with him for at least the remainder of the 2022 MLS season.
The New England Revolution signed Ignacio “Nacho” Gil to an MLS contract through the remainder of the 2022 season, the club announced. Gil is the younger brother of Carles, and he will occupy an international roster spot on Bruce Arena’s squad.
“Nacho Gil is a talented midfielder and will be a very good addition to our roster. His experience and knowledge of our team should allow him to make a quick transition to our team,” sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena said in a release. “We look forward to welcoming Nacho to the New England Revolution.”
Gil most recently played with Spanish club Cartagena from 2020-22, totaling 56 appearances and scoring one goal. He has also previously played for Ponferradina, Las Palmas, Elche, and Valencia’s first and second teams.
The Revolution sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, one point out of the final playoff spot.
Inter Miami signs Harvey Neville to first team contract
Harvey Neville has excelled with Inter Miami II during the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season and was rewarded with a first team contract on Tuesday.
Neville, the son of current Inter Miami head coach Phil Neville, signed a one-and-half-year contract through 2024, which included an option for 2025. Neville is the third player to sign a first team deal this year, joining Aime Mabika and Noah Allen.
“Harvey has developed well over these last two seasons with Inter Miami CF II,” chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said in a release. “We’re pleased with his progress as a young player in our system and feel his versatility will offer us cover in a number of areas.”
Neville has registered two assists across 15 appearances for Inter Miami II this season, helping the Eastern Conference club remain in the MLS NEXT Pro playoff picture. He is a former product of the Manchester United academy system and has represented the Republic of Ireland Under-19 national team.
Union signs Rafanello to Homegrown contract
Jeremy Rafanello has rejoined the Philadelphia Union, signing a homegrown contract with the current Eastern Conference leaders.
Rafanello has signed with the Union through the 2023 MLS season with options for 2024 and 2025, the club announced Tuesday. The 22-year-old most recently spent time with New York Red Bulls II and Indy Eleven in the USL Championship, totaling 11 goals and seven assists across 56 appearances.
“We are very excited to bring Jeremy home to the Union,” Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said. “He was a standout in our academy and after developing his game both locally and abroad, we are confident he can contribute to multiple roles in our system. He clearly has the mentality we look for in young players and is yet another example of the strong talent we continue to foster in our academy.”
A Delran, New Jersey native, Rafanello previously represented the USMNT U-19 squad in 2018.
Quick Kicks:
- Colorado Rapids forward Dantouma “Yaya” Toure will miss the remainder of the 2022 season after undergoing successful surgery on his right knee to repair his anterior cruciate ligament. The 18-year-old homegrown player debuted for the Rapids’ first team in July 2021 and scored the game-winning goal for Robin Fraser’s squad in a 5-4 road victory over the New York Red Bulls on Aug. 2, 2022.
i was pro-scally off club tape — scouting — but off his performance in the shirt — he looked nervous, out of his depth, and not the same player. i am pro giving players chances. but i also say judge on them. in 3 months we’re playing world cup games, and we have 2 more games to play. i would use that time on wingbacks who either needed to sort out club situations — and did — or who were more “inconsistent” than “bad.” moore, reynolds, vines, lima, gomez. i think it’s a bad idea with time running out to spend it perseverating on second chances that someone who played poorly this cycle has fixed it. reward the performers. he will have 2 more cycles to show what he has. this one we need to start focusing on the players who have gotten the job done. (and that’s definitely not ream or brooks, either, and they aren’t young to just be back after it for 2026 this winter…..)
Well, no more “looks and eyes” for the USMNT, anyhow. I like Roldan but he’s a Gold Cup guy, not a World Cup guy, and Gregg’s a loyal guy – not always a bad thing – and this sort of simplifies decisions for him.
Pretty much ensures there’s a spot there for Tillman now.
Yeah there is no way he recovers from surgery and get back into adequate enough shape to be considered for the September games….I always felt Tillman would make the team if he keeps progressing and putting up numbers regardless of an injury given the expanded roster, the talent is clear and appetizing. This could give a shot in the arm sort of speak to a player like Eryk Williamson tbh
While I don’t ever wish players get injured; Roldan’s current injury may finally force Gregg to leave him off a roster (for a change). This single opportunity may get Gregg to realize that “looks and eyes” aren’t enough to make a World Cup roster.
Since Roldan wasn’t likely to play anyway I’m hoping that Gregg will use this window to give a chance to fringe players who may actually be able to contribute to this team now and in the future at positions where we we are thin or have concerns.
I want to see Scally get another chance….but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I’d accept Brooks but there’s no chance in hell Gregg would do it. Maybe Senora, but I think it’s a little late for that. I’d love to see another wide attacker….but I can’t think of one who’s worthy.
What I think we’ll get is either Tim Ream or Bello, possibly Wright. Anyway it’s going to be someone who’s going to be a waste.
Sonora hasn’t been very good from what I’ve heard. I honestly haven’t watched him since probably March. In 12 league matches he has 1 a. He had 2g and 1 a in spring season.
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Brooks isn’t even playing.
he doesn’t “do” anything at the international level. i remember like one tackle, leading to a goal, from about 32 caps of effort, and it’s not because he was so busy sweeping up he didn’t need to contribute. he wouldn’t be getting called for anyone else, and i do agree that it probably does GB a favor and removes a reflex choice.
i get on paper he’s a somewhat productive guy who can play a few positions, but the productivity hasn’t translated to the senior team and he is more jack of all trades master of none than some truly “versatile” landon/ beasley/ dempsey type who is international quality where-ever you plug him in. he gets subbed on down a goal. game ends still down a goal. i believe in subs who offer a tactical wrinkle, produce, or get to chopping. like have an impact you remember after. this is “ben olsen.” the coach has not been objective. this hopefully forces him to be more so.