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When talking about players whose careers have been derailed by injuries, one of the first names that come to mind in recent memory is the one of Giuseppe Rossi. The Italian-American forward began his career as one of the most promising Academy graduates from Manchester United, but he never lived up to his potential and […]

The post Giuseppe Rossi Would Be A Great Addition To The MLS appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Giuseppe Rossi Would Be A Great Addition To The MLS appeared first on Soccer News.

According to a recent report from ESPN, Ricardo Quaresma’s wage demands have led to Toronto FC going off the idea of signing him. The 35 year old appeared to be set for one final big payday over in Major League Soccer in North America, but it seems like he may have taken things one step […]

The post Quaresma wage demands stop Toronto move appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Quaresma wage demands stop Toronto move appeared first on Soccer News.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids bolstered their defensive depth Monday ahead of their season opener, announcing the signing of former D.C. United centerback Kofi Opare. It was a move originally reported by Stephen Goff of the Washington Post, but later refuted by Opare on social media.

Nonetheless, Opare had been spotted throughout the preseason on teammate’s social media posts and on the Rapids’ official lists of camp invitees.

Initially drafted by LA Galaxy out of Michigan in 2013, the 28-year-old has 62 league starts over the past four seasons with D.C. United, despite undergoing two surgeries, including one on a foot injury that ended his 2018 campaign.

“Kofi is a talented centerback who will help bring depth and experience to our back line,” said Rapids executive vice president and GM, Pádraig Smith said in a release. “He has spent the majority of preseason training with the team, so he has already integrated himself into our group and has adapted well to our style of play and tactics.”

As a dual citizen of Ghana and the United States, Opare joins Colorado as a domestic player.

The post Colorado Rapids officially add former D.C. United defender Kofi Opare appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

CARSON, Calif. — In their last preseason test, the LA Galaxy fell 3-1 to the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The Galaxy were without several key players. Sebastian Lletget, Juninho, Perry Kitchen, Giovani dos Santos and Jonathan dos Santos were all listed as unavailable for the contest. Such an early test of the team’s depth chart, especially in the midfield, could be helpful for new head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who may need to practice roster rotation later in the season as the pressure of a crowded schedule increases.

In the 15th minute, goalkeeper David Bingham was substituted out after taking a shot directly to his face. Matt Lampson took his place for the remainder of the game. There was no update available on Bingham’s status immediately after the match, but he did leave the field walking on his own.

Colorado Rapids forward Kei Kamara, an offseason addition from the Vancouver Whitecaps, scored the game’s first goal in the 42nd minute, beating Galaxy defender Jorgen Skjelvik on a header. Minutes later, Kamara defended a dangerous opportunity for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Diego Rubio, who also joined the Rapids this offseason, doubled Colorado’s lead in the 69th minute after beating Galaxy defender Daniel Steres to the ball and chipping it right over Lampson’s head into the back of the net. Colorado’s general defensive style of play received a notable upgrade with the addition of MLS-tested firepower.

Pressure was mounting for the Galaxy, who responded to a vocal crowd at Dignity Health Sports Park. Ibrahimovic found a response for nervous Galaxy fans in the 77th minute, cutting the deficit in half with a header goal over Colorado defender and Swedish compatriot Axel Sjoberg.

Rubio essentially silenced hopes of a comeback for Los Angeles with a goal in the 85th minute. Colorado forward Andre Shinyashiki capitalized on a mistake from Daniel Steres and made an easy pass to Rubio to put it in the back of the net, giving Colorado the 3-1 lead it held until the end of the match.

An offseason front office overhaul and roster moves will take time to show fruit on the field, but the Galaxy have run out of time to practice team chemistry without consequence. The Galaxy open their 2019 MLS campaign next Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, hosting the Chicago Fire at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The post LA Galaxy fall 3-1 to Colorado in last preseason match appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids enter the 2019 season on the back of an extensive roster overhaul and the team’s front office is hoping it will pay off not just this season, but for the long-term future of the club.

The Rapids announced three-year contract extensions for midfielders Kellyn Acosta and Diego Rubio, as well as defender Keegan Rosenberry on Wednesday.

“We are pleased to announce contract extensions for these three key players,” Rapids executive vice president and GM Pádraig Smith said in a club statement. “We targeted these players over the past 12 months and in Kellyn, Keegan and Diego we have players who have a demonstrated track record of production in MLS and who fit our style of play perfectly.  As they enter their prime we believe they will be key contributors for us in the coming years.  These deals demonstrate our club’s commitment to investing in talented young players and building a strong core, and highlight the confidence that these players have in our future.”

Acosta has been lauded as a key piece to the Rapids’ future since joining the club last summer from FC Dallas, contributing two goals and three assists in 12 MLS matches last season. Previous reports outline that Acosta’s re-structured deal could pay him upward of $800,000 per season.

“I’m excited to stay in Colorado and continue our push to win another MLS Cup,” said Acosta. “We’re building something special here and I want to thank the Rapids for believing in me and making me part of the long-term future of the club.”

Rubio, 25, joined the Rapids from Sporting Kansas City in a three-way deal which also sent left back Edgar Castillo to New England and midfielder Kelyn Rowe to SKC.

In 20 appearance with Kansas City last season, Rubio averaged 0.92 goals per 90 minutes, a stat which rivaled top strikers in MLS such as Josef Martinez (0.96) and Zlatan Ibrahimović (0.92).

“I’m very happy that the club trusts in what I can do,” said Rubio. “We have a strong group here and I am focused on delivering the goals we need to help us achieve our aim of bringing another MLS Cup back to Colorado.”

Rosenberry, 25, spent the entirety of his professional career with the Philadelphia Union before joining Colorado in December in exchange for $150,000 in General Allocation Money, $50,000 in Targeted Allocation Money and an additional $100,000 in GAM for the 2020 season. Philadelphia will also receive an additional $100,000 in GAM for the 2020 season, should the defender reach specified performance metrics.

“I’m excited about the future here with the Rapids,” said Rosenberry. “I believe in what we’re building and I’m ready to get to work and play in front of the Rapids supporters for years to come.”

A 2016 MLS All-Star, Rosenberry was recently selected along with Acosta to the U.S. Men’s National Team’s recent January camp.

Both Rubio and Rosenberry signed three-year extensions effective with the 2020 season. The Rapids will kick off their 2019 campaign against the Portland Timbers at home on March 2.

The post Colorado Rapids bank on future with contract extensions for Acosta, Rosenberry, Rubio appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

The Colorado Rapids will reportedly make a sizable investment in the midfield by re-signing Kellyn Acosta to a three-year deal.

Acosta’s new contract will pay him an average of $800,000 per season, according to an MLSsoccer.com report. Colorado will use Targeted Allocation Money to buy down Acosta’s new salary because it’s higher than the league maximum, the report said.

In addition, the new deal includes club options for 2022 and 2023.

Acosta, 23, joined the Rapids last July after being acquired from FC Dallas, where he spent the first five years of his professional career. He scored two goals and added five assists in 2018 and continued earning call-ups to the United States men’s national team.

MLSsoccer.com reported in January that Colorado turned down two transfers worth $3 million and $3.5 million from an unnamed club in the English Championship for Acosta’s services.

Acosta and the Rapids kick off the 2019 MLS season March 2, when they host the Portland Timbers in Commerce City, Colo.

The post Colorado Rapids reportedly re-sign Kellyn Acosta appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Former Manchester United winger Nani has joined Orlando City on a three-year deal, the MLS outfit announced on Monday. Portugal international Nani arrives in Orlando as a designated player on a free transfer from Portuguese side Sporting CP. The 32-year-old, who won four Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at United, […]

The post Nani joins MLS side Orlando appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Nani joins MLS side Orlando appeared first on Soccer News.

Orlando City have confirmed the signing of Luis Nani. The MLS side have officially stated that they have reached an agreement with Sporting Lisbon over the signing of the Portuguese winger on a free transfer. He has signed a three-year contract and will join the club as a Designated player. City SC EVP of Soccer […]

The post Orlando City sign Nani appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Orlando City sign Nani appeared first on Soccer News.

The MLS regular season isn't due to start for another two weeks, but for a quintet of MLS teams, the start of the season has arrived. Next week the quarterfinal round of the CONCACAF Champions League begins with Toronto FC, Sporting Kansas City, the Houston Dynamo, Supporters Shield holder New York Red Bulls and reigning MLS Cup champion Atlanta United all in action. Yet that doesn't mean teams are settled in terms of personnel. Far from it. Here's the latest from around the league. The Nagbe mystery...

The MLS side Minnesota United have announced the arrival of Italian goalkeeper Vito Mannone. The experienced 30-year-old shot-stopper arrives on a season-long loan deal from Championship outfit Reading. Minnesota United have been looking to bolster their options in goal throughout the offseason with both Augustin Ross from Boca Juniors and Walter Viitala coming close to […]

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The post Vito Mannone joins Minnesota United appeared first on Soccer News.

Miguel Almiron is honoured to be Newcastle United’s new record signing after joining from Major League Soccer club Atlanta United for a reported £20.5million. The on-off move had been mooted since December, when Almiron led Atlanta to MLS Cup glory, and was finalised at the end of January as Newcastle splashed out on the Paraguay […]

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The post Almiron honoured to be Newcastle´s record signing appeared first on Soccer News.

Florentin Pogba has officially become the new player of Atlanta United. Paul Pogba’s brother is joining the MLS side as a Discovery Signing and is expected to formally become a new Atlanta United player as soon as the club sorts out the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa. “We’re pleased to officially […]

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The post Paul Pogba’s brothers signs for Atlanta United appeared first on Soccer News.

No, not that Jorgensen! Not to be confused with Huddersfield Town centre-back, this Mathias Jorgensen is an 18-year-old from Odense BK who has gained attention from the United States. The MLS side New York Red Bulls want to add depth to their attacking unit and have identified Danish starlet striker as their top transfer target, […]

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The post New York Red Bulls set to sign Mathias Jorgensen appeared first on Soccer News.

Atlanta United have announced the signing of Florentin Pogba, the older brother of Manchester United and France star Paul. The defender joins the club as a Discovery Signing having most recently played in Turkey’s Super Lig for Genclerbirligi. Vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra feels Pogba will be able to challenge for selection with […]

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