Sporting Kansas City opened up a roster spot today with the announcement that the club has traded defender/midfielder Lawrence Olum to the Portland Timbers in exchange for $50,000 in general allocation money and a 2018 first round pick.
Olum has spent his entire MLS career with Sporting Kansas City where he appeared in 105 games across all competitions, 86 in league play and scored five goals for Sporting KC. He was an integral part in Sporting KC's 2012 US Open Cup where he started in place of the suspended Aurelien Collin and the 2013 MLS Cup when he was an early substitute for the injured Oriol Rosell. He'd made his return to Kansas City last season after spending the 2015 season in Malaysia. Last year he'd 19 appearances for Kansas City, 17 of them starts, many of them at center back, where for a period of time, Olum was the preferred center back partner of Ike Opara as Nuno Coelho was injured and Matt Besler was on national team duty, injured, and out of form. This year though, Olum looked to be sliding down the depth chart, he was likely fourth on the center back depth chart behind Besler, Opara, and Kevin Ellis, and likely third at the defensive midfield position behind Soni Mustivar and Ilie Sanchez. To get $50,000 in allocation money and a first round pick for someone that on paper wasn't going to get much time in league play is quite good for Kansas City depending on where the first round pick of the Timbers ends up.
Olum previously played for the Portland Timbers back when they were in the USL in the 2007 and 2008 seasons appearing 44 times for the Timbers. His departure from KC puts Sporting's roster at 27 currently with first round pick Colton Storm still in camp. KC could also use the spot to add some midfield depth, an area where on paper KC still looks a little thin.
Showing posts with label trade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trade. Show all posts
Friday, February 03, 2017
Friday, January 06, 2017
Sporting Set to Acquire Forward's MLS Rights From Portland?
A string of Tweets this afternoon seem to have pieced together a trade coming up between Sporting Kansas City and the Portland Timbers.
The string started when Thad Bell Tweeted out that Sporting KC was set to make a trade with Portland, sending a fourth round pick in this year's Superdraft to the Timbers for something that would be announced next week. Sam McDowell with the KC Star confirmed that a trade was coming and that it was for the rights to a player. People in Portland got in on the search for who the mystery player was an appeared to quickly come to the conclusion that the player in question was Christian Volesky. McDowell confirmed that Sporting KC had spoken with Portland about Volesky earlier this offseason.
So who is Christian Volesky? Volesky was the 2015 MLS Combine MVP, scoring two goals in three games in the combine. He was drafted with the 32nd overall pick of the draft by the Timbers, the same draft where new Swope Park Rangers' signing, Kharlton Belmar, was also taken by the Timbers, two picks after Volesky. Volesky didn't sign for the Timbers though, instead eventually signing with the Rochester Rhinos. In his rookie year, Volesky helped lead the Rhinos to the 2015 USL Championship where the Rhinos won the title. Volesky lead the Rhinos in scoring with eight goals in his rookie year. Volesky followed it up in 2016 with a 10 goal season for the Rhinos where the Rhinos finished fourth in the Eastern Conference, eventually falling to the USL Champion New York Red Bulls 2 3-3 (5-4) on penalty kicks. From watching highlights of Volesky he seems to be a center forward, a position that Sporting could use some depth at currently with Daniel Salloi the only back up on the roster to Dom Dwyer currently with Diego Rubio out with a torn ACL. Volesky could provide some much needed depth at that position and could probably provide depth out wide, which would give KC another option.
The string started when Thad Bell Tweeted out that Sporting KC was set to make a trade with Portland, sending a fourth round pick in this year's Superdraft to the Timbers for something that would be announced next week. Sam McDowell with the KC Star confirmed that a trade was coming and that it was for the rights to a player. People in Portland got in on the search for who the mystery player was an appeared to quickly come to the conclusion that the player in question was Christian Volesky. McDowell confirmed that Sporting KC had spoken with Portland about Volesky earlier this offseason.
So who is Christian Volesky? Volesky was the 2015 MLS Combine MVP, scoring two goals in three games in the combine. He was drafted with the 32nd overall pick of the draft by the Timbers, the same draft where new Swope Park Rangers' signing, Kharlton Belmar, was also taken by the Timbers, two picks after Volesky. Volesky didn't sign for the Timbers though, instead eventually signing with the Rochester Rhinos. In his rookie year, Volesky helped lead the Rhinos to the 2015 USL Championship where the Rhinos won the title. Volesky lead the Rhinos in scoring with eight goals in his rookie year. Volesky followed it up in 2016 with a 10 goal season for the Rhinos where the Rhinos finished fourth in the Eastern Conference, eventually falling to the USL Champion New York Red Bulls 2 3-3 (5-4) on penalty kicks. From watching highlights of Volesky he seems to be a center forward, a position that Sporting could use some depth at currently with Daniel Salloi the only back up on the roster to Dom Dwyer currently with Diego Rubio out with a torn ACL. Volesky could provide some much needed depth at that position and could probably provide depth out wide, which would give KC another option.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Sporting Sign Appiah, Trade Dia for Porter
Sporting Sign Emmanuel Appiah
Sporting Kansas City made a pair of moves today, first they added another player to their roster in the summer transfer window, picking up Emmanuel Appiah up off of waivers today. Appiah was the 15th overall pick in this past January's Superdraft out of Cincinnati where he was for five years by the Colorado Rapids. He'd been loaned to the Rapids' USL affiliate, the Charlotte Independence back in March. While with the Independence, Appiah appeared just twice before he was recalled on June 20th. He appeared on the bench for the Rapids in their 0-0 draw with the LA Galaxy on June 22nd before being waived on June 30th.
On first viewing, this isn't a signing that will get fans that excited; a few have already made comments about still missing Jordi Quintilla. This signing to me is a typical end of the roster summer signing for Peter Vermes. It feels in the same vein that Brendan Ruiz in 2013 and Michael Kafari in 2014 were players who were brought in on a flier because they were young and cheap to see if Vermes could find a diamond. If not the player has been gone before the next preseason.
His signing puts Kansas City with 26 roster spots filled currently, leaving them with two open slots at the moment if they are going to make any further moves this transfer window.
Amadou Dia Traded to Montreal for Cameron Porter
KC also today announced that the club had traded defender and former first round pick, Amadou Dia to the Montreal Impact in exchange for forward, Cameron Porter. This was a move for KC that makes total sense. Amadou Dia had lost his spot at left back for Sporting KC with the emergence of Jimmy Medranda and signing of Ever Alvarado which saw him loaned to the Swope Park Rangers. Add in veteran Seth Sinovic and KC was overloaded at the left back position and you knew a move had to come at some point. Dia likely had the most value to other teams in terms of a trade partner with Sinovic having already said he was ready to retire after being selected by Montreal in their expansion draft.
In exchange Kansas City gets Montreal folk hero, Cameron Porter. Porter became an immediate Impact legend when he scored three minutes into second half stoppage time against Pachuca to send the Impact through to the semifinals of the 2014-2015 CONCACAF Champions League on away goals. Montreal would end up losing in the finals that year, but Porter would play no part in that. Unfortunately a couple weeks after that big goal Porter would tear his ACL in a game against the New England Revolution and be done for the year after having surgery. Porter hasn't played for the Impact since, although he has appeared for the Impact's USL team FC Montreal this season.
Porter gives Kansas City another attacking option and allows them to move some depth at left back, overall a trade that makes sense for both teams.
Sporting Kansas City made a pair of moves today, first they added another player to their roster in the summer transfer window, picking up Emmanuel Appiah up off of waivers today. Appiah was the 15th overall pick in this past January's Superdraft out of Cincinnati where he was for five years by the Colorado Rapids. He'd been loaned to the Rapids' USL affiliate, the Charlotte Independence back in March. While with the Independence, Appiah appeared just twice before he was recalled on June 20th. He appeared on the bench for the Rapids in their 0-0 draw with the LA Galaxy on June 22nd before being waived on June 30th.
On first viewing, this isn't a signing that will get fans that excited; a few have already made comments about still missing Jordi Quintilla. This signing to me is a typical end of the roster summer signing for Peter Vermes. It feels in the same vein that Brendan Ruiz in 2013 and Michael Kafari in 2014 were players who were brought in on a flier because they were young and cheap to see if Vermes could find a diamond. If not the player has been gone before the next preseason.
His signing puts Kansas City with 26 roster spots filled currently, leaving them with two open slots at the moment if they are going to make any further moves this transfer window.
Amadou Dia Traded to Montreal for Cameron Porter
KC also today announced that the club had traded defender and former first round pick, Amadou Dia to the Montreal Impact in exchange for forward, Cameron Porter. This was a move for KC that makes total sense. Amadou Dia had lost his spot at left back for Sporting KC with the emergence of Jimmy Medranda and signing of Ever Alvarado which saw him loaned to the Swope Park Rangers. Add in veteran Seth Sinovic and KC was overloaded at the left back position and you knew a move had to come at some point. Dia likely had the most value to other teams in terms of a trade partner with Sinovic having already said he was ready to retire after being selected by Montreal in their expansion draft.
In exchange Kansas City gets Montreal folk hero, Cameron Porter. Porter became an immediate Impact legend when he scored three minutes into second half stoppage time against Pachuca to send the Impact through to the semifinals of the 2014-2015 CONCACAF Champions League on away goals. Montreal would end up losing in the finals that year, but Porter would play no part in that. Unfortunately a couple weeks after that big goal Porter would tear his ACL in a game against the New England Revolution and be done for the year after having surgery. Porter hasn't played for the Impact since, although he has appeared for the Impact's USL team FC Montreal this season.
Porter gives Kansas City another attacking option and allows them to move some depth at left back, overall a trade that makes sense for both teams.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Sporting Acquire Targeted Allocation Money
Sporting Kansas City acquired Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) today in a trade with New York City FC. In return Sporting is sending an international roster spot to the blue side of New York. The spot will return to Kansas City after the 2016 season is complete.
It was a spot that NYCFC needed to acquire as they have 11 internationals and only 10 international spots at this time. With rookie, Jack Harrison looking set to return from injury, NYCFC needed to add an international roster spot to get him onto the roster. This leaves Sporting KC with one open international roster spot available to be used should they choose to.
For Kansas City they acquire more TAM for their coffers in exchange for an international roster spot the club seemed unlikely to use. While they still have two open roster spots, that seems to be a position that Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes seems comfortable with as that's where KC was at for most of the 2015 season as well. Meanwhile KC can use the TAM money to eventually re-sign a player like Benny Feilhaber who is out of contract at the end of the season.
It was a spot that NYCFC needed to acquire as they have 11 internationals and only 10 international spots at this time. With rookie, Jack Harrison looking set to return from injury, NYCFC needed to add an international roster spot to get him onto the roster. This leaves Sporting KC with one open international roster spot available to be used should they choose to.
For Kansas City they acquire more TAM for their coffers in exchange for an international roster spot the club seemed unlikely to use. While they still have two open roster spots, that seems to be a position that Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes seems comfortable with as that's where KC was at for most of the 2015 season as well. Meanwhile KC can use the TAM money to eventually re-sign a player like Benny Feilhaber who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Thursday, January 07, 2016
Sporting KC Acquire Brad Davis From Houston
Sporting KC made the long rumored Brad Davis trade official today as the club sent two draft picks, a second round in 2017 and a third round in 2018, and future considerations to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for the 14 year veteran. The long time Dynamo midfielder recently turned 34, but still showed very well for the Dynamo last season scoring four goals and adding 10 assists. It was the sixth time in seven seasons that Davis has hit double digits in league assists, and the one season he didn't he got nine. All those assists have left him third all-time in terms of assists with 122, just 14 behind the all-time leader, Landon Donovan. His presence for KC will also give the club another threat when it comes to delivering set pieces into the box.
For Kansas City they add more depth and talent to their attack for very little in return as any draft picks after the first round are becoming less and less useful to MLS teams with academies. There are some questions about the move though, including where Davis would play in KC's system. Last year in Houston Davis played much more centrally than the wing position that he had played for much of his career. That would put him in a fight with the likes of Benny Feilhaber, who himself had a very good season in the attacking midfield position. He could also take on the attacking midfield role with Feilhaber sliding into the deep lying playmaker role that he played in early last season. Davis could also provide competition on the wing on the left where KC currently has Justin Mapp and Krisztian Nemeth available (although Nemeth is likely to miss time in 2016 with the Euros). If he is on the wing one issue that still isn't addressed is KC's lack of pace out wide, at 34 Davis isn't going to provide a whole lot of speed on the wing.
That leads to the question of his salary though. With KC seemingly having set starters at Davis' two best positions, is he worth the $400,000 salary he made last season according to the players' union numbers? Probably not, but if Davis is the one that really pushed for this trade then I'd assume that he was likely willing to take some sort of a pay cut. If not either KC is likely using general allocation money, or hopefully Houston is covering some of his salary.
One thing that Davis is going to have to overcome in KC, at least among a few fans there is still a lot of dislike for Houston, and Davis in particular. Davis didn't earn a lot of friends in KC during the height of the KC-Houston rivalry between 2011 and 2013. It will be interesting to see the type of reception he earns.
For me I don't dislike this trade as much as some do. I want to know what Davis is getting paid to play for Kansas City that will be a big sticking point. If he's still on $400,000 and KC is covering all of that I'm going to look at the trade a lot differently. But at the very least this helps to address some of the depth issues that people were unhappy about last year.
The move, which allows Davis to move closer to his hometown of St. Charles, MO, has been one that has been a rumored trade for years as Davis has continued to play in Houston. It is also one that Davis apparently approached the Dynamo about this offseason.
For Kansas City they add more depth and talent to their attack for very little in return as any draft picks after the first round are becoming less and less useful to MLS teams with academies. There are some questions about the move though, including where Davis would play in KC's system. Last year in Houston Davis played much more centrally than the wing position that he had played for much of his career. That would put him in a fight with the likes of Benny Feilhaber, who himself had a very good season in the attacking midfield position. He could also take on the attacking midfield role with Feilhaber sliding into the deep lying playmaker role that he played in early last season. Davis could also provide competition on the wing on the left where KC currently has Justin Mapp and Krisztian Nemeth available (although Nemeth is likely to miss time in 2016 with the Euros). If he is on the wing one issue that still isn't addressed is KC's lack of pace out wide, at 34 Davis isn't going to provide a whole lot of speed on the wing.
That leads to the question of his salary though. With KC seemingly having set starters at Davis' two best positions, is he worth the $400,000 salary he made last season according to the players' union numbers? Probably not, but if Davis is the one that really pushed for this trade then I'd assume that he was likely willing to take some sort of a pay cut. If not either KC is likely using general allocation money, or hopefully Houston is covering some of his salary.
One thing that Davis is going to have to overcome in KC, at least among a few fans there is still a lot of dislike for Houston, and Davis in particular. Davis didn't earn a lot of friends in KC during the height of the KC-Houston rivalry between 2011 and 2013. It will be interesting to see the type of reception he earns.
For me I don't dislike this trade as much as some do. I want to know what Davis is getting paid to play for Kansas City that will be a big sticking point. If he's still on $400,000 and KC is covering all of that I'm going to look at the trade a lot differently. But at the very least this helps to address some of the depth issues that people were unhappy about last year.
Thursday, November 05, 2015
Sporting KC to Trade for Brad Davis?
Sporting KC's season ended a week ago, and eyes have already stopped looking back and are looking forward to next season. And with the eyes toward next season, the rumors have already started. Reports out of Houston today are that the Dynamo are looking to get rid of their captain, Brad Davis this winter via a trade. The Houston Chronicle is reporting that KC is the rumored location that Davis will land in. Davis played in 30 of Houston's 34 league games this year, scoring four goals and adding 10 assists as the Dynamo finished in eighth place in the Western Conference, nine points outside a playoff spot.
The St. Louis native, Davis isn't exactly loved in KC from his time with the Dynamo. From KC's first four years since the rebranding as Sporting KC, Davis was the face of a Houston Dynamo team that met KC in the playoffs three straight years, twice knocking KC out. I've seen the word hate thrown around quite a bit this morning in regards to Davis and this rumor. It'll probably take some convincing for KC fans to really come around to the idea of Davis in Sporting blue.
Beside his lack of popularity in KC, there are other questions about this potential move for KC. First, Davis turns 34 years in three days; questions have to be asked about his ability to make it through many more seasons, especially with KC's "Sporting fit" philosophy. The second big issue is that Davis had a base salary of $400,000 last season. On KC, that'd tie him with Dom Dwyer for the third highest paid player on the team. Going after him would seem to imply that either someone else in an attacking position (Dwyer, Benny Feilhaber, Krisztian Nemeth, or Graham Zusi) who is highly paid is moving or he'd come in as a depth signing. And if the latter is true it needs to happen with a significant pay cut. Finally the question for this move is what of KC's issues from this past season does it really help? Davis can still play in set pieces with the best of them, but with Feilhaber and Zusi to take free kicks, a move for Davis in that regard seems redundant. Also there would seem to be bigger holes that KC needs to fill than a midfielder/winger that is getting a little long in the tooth.
It'll be an interesting offseason as this is likely just the start of the rumors around this team.
Friday, August 07, 2015
Sporting KC Acquire Allocation Money for Herculez Gomez's MLS Rights and International Spot
One of the great case studies of players' rights in MLS has finally reached a conclusion. Today, Sporting KC and Toronto FC announced that they'd reached a trade yesterday before the window closed that saw Kansas City send the rights of first refusal of Herculez Gomez to Toronto FC for allocation money.
Instead, Gomez went to Mexico, where he had a successful career that saw him get back into the national team picture and earn a trip to the 2010 World Cup. He scored 37 goals over the course of 5 years with seven teams.
Gomez was never going to return to Kansas City after his departure in 2009 because of his feelings regarding Peter Vermes, Kansas City, their offer to him in 2009, and the team holding onto his MLS rights even though he was never going to return. The rights issue caused a lot of issues for Gomez, who spoke out about that fact on numerous occasions during his time in Mexico. It seems in the end though that the league stepped in to help broker a deal between TFC and KC to get Gomez back to MLS.
Toronto and Gomez meet Kansas City tomorrow at BMO Field in league action, and while it'd certainly add to the story line if Gomez is able to play, and even more so if he were to score, I'm not sure he'd play just a day after the deal was done, but stranger things have happened.
UPDATE: Sporting KC picked up more allocation money today through a second trade. Kansas City sent one of their international spots that they were not currently using to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for allocation money. The international spot is only for this season and will return to Kansas City on 12/31/15.
Another good bit of business for KC as they weren't going to use all their international spots this season.
UPDATE: Sporting KC picked up more allocation money today through a second trade. Kansas City sent one of their international spots that they were not currently using to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for allocation money. The international spot is only for this season and will return to Kansas City on 12/31/15.
Another good bit of business for KC as they weren't going to use all their international spots this season.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Sporting Trade Carrasco to Orlando for Okugo
Sporting KC looks like they are on the verge of addressing some of their defensive needs in the very near future. According to both Goal.com and the KC Star, Sporting KC is trading midfielder Servando Carrasco and other considerations to Orlando City in exchange for Amobi Okugo. The trade would see two players that have lost their starting spot switching teams.
At 24, Okugo is also still young but is in his 6th season in MLS after spending his first five years with the Union. He'd played well there and was looking for a pay increase or a move abroad. In the end, Okugo was traded to the expansion Orlando City side. He played 15 times for them, starting nine times, but has not started a game since May 8th against New England. Instead he's been relegated to cameo roles off the bench for the most part.
The immediate worry for those that looked at the trade on the surface is the fact that Okugo is set to make $275,000 in base salary and $300,000 in guaranteed compensation according to the players' union salaries, but it looks like Orlando will be helping out there as well, apparently picking up $200,000 of Okugo's cap hit over the rest of this season and next season too.
One has to assume that KC is probably throwing in some allocation money or the new Targeted Allocation Money in the deal as well. As a whole this trade probably benefits everyone involved, Okugo and Carrasco get a change of scenery after it's become apparent neither is going to get a lot of field time with their current club. KC gets a young player who can play center back, a position that KC really needed to address in this transfer window while Orlando gets some cap relief.
The trade means that over the last three years or so, Peter Vermes has turned a 4th round supplemental draft pick into Okugo. Sporting traded a fourth round supplemental draft pick to San Jose for the rights to Michael Thomas. A couple years later, KC traded Thomas to Toronto in exchange for a 2015 second round pick. This year ahead of the draft, KC traded that pick to Houston in exchange for Carrasco, who has now been traded to Orlando for Okugo.
The trade means that over the last three years or so, Peter Vermes has turned a 4th round supplemental draft pick into Okugo. Sporting traded a fourth round supplemental draft pick to San Jose for the rights to Michael Thomas. A couple years later, KC traded Thomas to Toronto in exchange for a 2015 second round pick. This year ahead of the draft, KC traded that pick to Houston in exchange for Carrasco, who has now been traded to Orlando for Okugo.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Sporting KC Trade 30th Pick for Servando Carrasco
Sporting KC ended up not trading any of their first round picks in today's draft, but they did end up moving their fourth pick of the day, the 30th pick to the Houston Dynamo. In return, Sporting KC received the MLS rights to Servando Carrasco. Carrasco is out of contract at this time after playing last year with the Houston Dynamo. Previously he'd been with the Seattle Sounders before being traded during the 2013 season. That means that KC will have to come to a deal on a new contract for him.
Over the last four years, Carrasco has played in 59 MLS games, starting 31 of them, scoring one goal over that time.
Carrasco is probably best known in soccer circles as being the now husband of US women's national team forward Alex Morgan. We'll see if Sporting can come to terms with a contract for him.
Over the last four years, Carrasco has played in 59 MLS games, starting 31 of them, scoring one goal over that time.
Carrasco is probably best known in soccer circles as being the now husband of US women's national team forward Alex Morgan. We'll see if Sporting can come to terms with a contract for him.
Monday, December 08, 2014
Sporting KC Have a Busy Morning in Trade Window
Sporting KC used the four hour trade window today to the full extent that they could. With the MLS season over and protection lists due to the league today, there was a short trade window opened for teams to make moves. Sporting KC turned out to be one of the busier teams with reports of the team being involved in three trades.
All three of these trades I like, Collin wasn't going to be staying, Sapong needed a new start, and Anor can be a good signing for depth this coming year. Plenty more moves will be coming for KC, they still need to address the goalkeeping situation and need to add depth in places. They also need a winger who can give KC more speed and goals.
On their way out of KC are two fan favorites, Aurelien Collin and CJ Sapong. Collin, who is out of contract, is headed to Orlando City. In report, OCSC is sending allocation money and "future considerations." This is certainly a tough one for fans to swallow; Collin has been a consistent in back for Sporting KC for the last four years. He's been a threat on set pieces and was the 2013 MLS Cup MVP, scoring a goal and the winning PK in the penalty shootout. But with him out of contract and Matt Besler signing a designated player contract, Collin was looking for a pay bump. There was talk of wanting a max salary or even a DP contract. For me, while Collin's been a very good player for KC, tying up that much cap space in a salary cap league on your two center backs would be a foolish endeavor when there are other needs on the field. Collin has apparently signed a new deal with
The future considerations could be a number of things. A couple thoughts could be a hand shake agreement that Orlando won't take any of KC's players in the expansion draft tomorrow. Or it could be an agreement between the two to have Orlando grab one of KC's players and in turn immediately send him back to KC (as the future considerations). Or it could be an agreement for another trade after the expansion draft.
Sapong had a great first two years in KC, winning rookie of the year in 2011 and scoring nine league goals in 2012, but from there things went downhill. The slide really coincided with Sapong's more permanent move from playing more centrally to the wing. Peter Vermes seemed intent on making Sapong into the second coming of Kei Kamara. Sapong still ended up being a more serviceable winger than a number of other players that have come through KC in his time here. But like Teal Bunbury, a change of scenery would do him good. And Sapong played for Philadelphia's PDL affiliate, Reading United in college.
The rumor that the Sapong trade would involve Zac MacMath heading to KC appear to not be true though. On the other hand, KC looks like they'll be getting a first round pick in the 2015 Superdraft in return for Sapong. The pick, Philadelphia's only pick in the first round, is the 10th overall. It'd give KC three picks in the first round, the 10th, their natural 12th, and the 20th, which they got from New England in exchange for Bunbury.
The final trade saw Sporting KC acquire Venezuelan midfielder, Bernardo Anor from the Columbus Crew for allocation money. Anor played 71 league games over the last four years for the Columbus Crew, scoring 12 goals. His most successful season was this year where he played in 27 games, starting 18 and scored six goals. He'll give KC another presence on the wing.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Bunbury Traded to New England
In a move that was a little surprising, but not shocking based on his position, Sporting KC traded forward Teal Bunbury to the New England Revolution today for the Revs 2015 first round draft pick and allocation money.
In the end the move makes sense for all parties involved. Sporting KC remains stacked at center forward, and Bunbury was likely behind Claudio Bieler and Dom Dwyer for playing time with KC. He'd struggled to regain some form after his return from his ACL tear in the 2012 season. For New England they add a young forward to help them try to replace Juan Agudelo. And for Bunbury he gets the chance to hopefully get more playing time. If he can regain his form from pre-surgery he'll be a solid contributor for the Revs.
The big loss for KC in my opinion is that they lose their "over the top" threat in Bunbury. Of KC's center forward options (Bieler, Dwyer and even CJ Sapong and Soony Saad) Bunbury was really the only one that had break away pace that could race behind a defense. KC might get that back some in Adnan Gabeljic, but he seems to be settling into a wing position for Sporting.
Another good thing for KC though is that they'll be getting at least a portion of Bunbury's salary off their books. He made $110,000 last year per the players union, but if this Tweet is to be believed, was due for a big raise, which makes getting him off the books seem a lot more straight forward, especially if he wasn't going to be one of the top two forwards.
He departs KC as one of the team's top scorers in both league play and all competitions, scoring 19 league goals (the most among active players before his trade) and a total of 24 in all competitions. Both put him in 10th place all time for Kansas City goalscorers.
Honestly while Bunbury sometimes frustrated, I can't help but wish the guy luck simply because how he carried himself as a professional.
In the end the move makes sense for all parties involved. Sporting KC remains stacked at center forward, and Bunbury was likely behind Claudio Bieler and Dom Dwyer for playing time with KC. He'd struggled to regain some form after his return from his ACL tear in the 2012 season. For New England they add a young forward to help them try to replace Juan Agudelo. And for Bunbury he gets the chance to hopefully get more playing time. If he can regain his form from pre-surgery he'll be a solid contributor for the Revs.
The big loss for KC in my opinion is that they lose their "over the top" threat in Bunbury. Of KC's center forward options (Bieler, Dwyer and even CJ Sapong and Soony Saad) Bunbury was really the only one that had break away pace that could race behind a defense. KC might get that back some in Adnan Gabeljic, but he seems to be settling into a wing position for Sporting.
Another good thing for KC though is that they'll be getting at least a portion of Bunbury's salary off their books. He made $110,000 last year per the players union, but if this Tweet is to be believed, was due for a big raise, which makes getting him off the books seem a lot more straight forward, especially if he wasn't going to be one of the top two forwards.
He departs KC as one of the team's top scorers in both league play and all competitions, scoring 19 league goals (the most among active players before his trade) and a total of 24 in all competitions. Both put him in 10th place all time for Kansas City goalscorers.
Honestly while Bunbury sometimes frustrated, I can't help but wish the guy luck simply because how he carried himself as a professional.
Monday, January 13, 2014
FC Kansas City Stock Piling Draft Picks
FC Kansas City added two more draft picks to their collection today ahead of Friday's NWSL draft. Through two trades, FCKC added a second and a third round pick giving them a grand total of six for Friday's draft.
First today, the Blues announced that they'd acquired the 19th overall pick in the draft, the first pick of the third round from the Houston Dash in exchange for goalkeeper, Bianca Henninger. Henninger's position on the team became expendable after KC was allocated Mexican international goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago. The 19 year old had been with the Boston Breakers last year. But her addition, and KC keeping Nicole Barnhart left KC with three keepers. Henninger seemed the likely candidate to depart and will not go to Houston where she'll be the back up for Canadian national team goalkeeper, Erin McLeod.
A little later in the day, the Blues announced another trade. This one saw FCKC acquire a second round pick, the 16th overall from the Portland Thorns in exchange for midfielder Sinead Farrelly. Farrelly appeared in 16 of the Blues' 22 games last season, starting 10 of them. She also scored one goal. She'll now join up with her former coach, Paul Riley in Portland.
First today, the Blues announced that they'd acquired the 19th overall pick in the draft, the first pick of the third round from the Houston Dash in exchange for goalkeeper, Bianca Henninger. Henninger's position on the team became expendable after KC was allocated Mexican international goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago. The 19 year old had been with the Boston Breakers last year. But her addition, and KC keeping Nicole Barnhart left KC with three keepers. Henninger seemed the likely candidate to depart and will not go to Houston where she'll be the back up for Canadian national team goalkeeper, Erin McLeod.
A little later in the day, the Blues announced another trade. This one saw FCKC acquire a second round pick, the 16th overall from the Portland Thorns in exchange for midfielder Sinead Farrelly. Farrelly appeared in 16 of the Blues' 22 games last season, starting 10 of them. She also scored one goal. She'll now join up with her former coach, Paul Riley in Portland.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Sporting KC Acquire KC Native Gruenebaum from Columbus
Sporting Kansas City made a move to attempt to fill their hole at goalkeeper today trading with the Columbus Crew to bring in Kansas City native, Andy Gruenebaum. In return KC sends a second round pick in the 2016 Superdraft to Columbus.
A move of some kind was inevitable for Gruenebaum, as the Crew today announced they'd traded for Steve Clark from Seattle. That gave the Crew five goalkeepers on their roster, including the out of contract Gruenebaum.
Gruenebaum made 70 league appearances for the Crew over his eight year career, the last two years he'd been the Crew's starting goalkeeper after Will Hesmer went down injured. His time this year though was cut short due to shoulder injuries. While he was injured, Matt Lampson took over and did well in net. With Gruenebaum out of contract he became expendable. That said, KC getting a starter quality keeper, even if he's out of contract, for a second round pick years down the road is a nice piece of business for Sporting.
Gruenebaum will come in and compete with Eric Kronberg and Jon Kempin for the starting spot in 2014. While Gruenebaum has to be considered the favorite to win the spot, you have to like the idea of the competition. Force someone to prove that they are the better keeper. If Gruenebaum can't prove it, then KC will go into the season with Kronberg, Kempin, or whoever confident after winning the battle. In the end, whoever wins the competition, I expect one of Gruenebaum and Kronberg to not be in KC next year. I can't see both keepers staying in KC if they lose the starting spot. And I think it's time for Kempin to start to develop as the backup.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Sporting Trade for Zizzo
Sporting made their first offseason acquisition today, after having three players leave earlier this week either by retirement (Jimmy Nielsen) or being waived (Kyle Miller, Brendan Ruiz). Today Sporting made a deal with the Portland Timbers, acquiring midfielder, Sal Zizzo from the Timbers in exchange for allocation money.
The 26 year old Zizzo has spent the last three years with the Portland Timbers, playing in 60 league games, starting 28 of them, scoring two goals. Before that he spent the 2010 season with Chivas USA playing 10 times, starting once, being acquired through a weighted lottery.
Zizzo was one of the bright spots of the 2007 U20 World Cup in Canada for the US. His performance there helped him to get a contract in Germany with Hannover 96. In his four years in Germany though he only made a handful of appearance for the Hannover first team.
He'll help to provide KC with depth on the wing position. It'll be interesting to see what this means for a similar player currently on KC's roster, in Jacob Peterson.
The 26 year old Zizzo has spent the last three years with the Portland Timbers, playing in 60 league games, starting 28 of them, scoring two goals. Before that he spent the 2010 season with Chivas USA playing 10 times, starting once, being acquired through a weighted lottery.
Zizzo was one of the bright spots of the 2007 U20 World Cup in Canada for the US. His performance there helped him to get a contract in Germany with Hannover 96. In his four years in Germany though he only made a handful of appearance for the Hannover first team.
He'll help to provide KC with depth on the wing position. It'll be interesting to see what this means for a similar player currently on KC's roster, in Jacob Peterson.
Tuesday, July 02, 2013
Sporting Trade Thomas to Toronto
Sporting KC look like they're starting to angle themselves into a busy summer transfer window. Today the team announced the trade of midfielder, Michael Thomas to Toronto FC in exchange for a second round pick in the 2015 MLS Superdraft.
Thomas, a local product, had been acquired before the 2012 season from the San Jose Earthquakes for a 4th round supplemental draft pick. He'd been drafted by the Earthquakes in the 2nd round of the 2010 MLS Superdraft, but did not sign with the Quakes. Instead he went to Sweden and spent a few years there before coming back to KC for the 2012 season. He appeared in 7 games for KC last season in league play. His only appearance this year had been in the Open Cup against Des Moines.
Thomas was at or near the end of the depth chart when it came to central midfielders for KC. And with Mikey Lopez returning from the U20 World Cup there was going to be even more competition for playing time. So this deal makes sense from KC's perspective as it frees up a roster spot. I can't see KC leaving all these roster spots open, especially with the Champions' League coming up to congest the schedule more.
Monday, July 01, 2013
Cuellar Traded to Seattle
FC Kansas City made their first trade in team history today as they sent Mexican international, Renae Cuellar to Seattle for Teresa Noyola, a second round pick, and the rights to Nikki Krzysik.
Cuellar has appeared in 11 of FC Kansas City's 13 games so far this season, starting 8 of them. She's second on the team in goals scored with 5. At the beginning of the season she'd looked extremely solid for the Blues, giving them plenty of speed up top. Since her injury in KC's 4-3 loss in Portland back in early June though her playing time has really started to decrease. Lately it's been Melissa Henderson that has taken over the lone forward position in KC's system.
In return KC is getting Mexican international, Noyola. The midfielder has made 11 appearances so far this season for the Reign. Noyola was also the 2011 Herrmann Award winner for the best female college soccer player.
The second round pick could basically be a throw away. The rights to Krzysik are an interesting addition to the trade. She was a very solid defender in the WPS with Chicago and Philadelphia. She was a first round supplemental draft for Seattle, but had decided not to come back and play. If KC can convince her to come back and play, she'd give KC more depth in back, which would be a plus.
Cuellar has appeared in 11 of FC Kansas City's 13 games so far this season, starting 8 of them. She's second on the team in goals scored with 5. At the beginning of the season she'd looked extremely solid for the Blues, giving them plenty of speed up top. Since her injury in KC's 4-3 loss in Portland back in early June though her playing time has really started to decrease. Lately it's been Melissa Henderson that has taken over the lone forward position in KC's system.
In return KC is getting Mexican international, Noyola. The midfielder has made 11 appearances so far this season for the Reign. Noyola was also the 2011 Herrmann Award winner for the best female college soccer player.
The second round pick could basically be a throw away. The rights to Krzysik are an interesting addition to the trade. She was a very solid defender in the WPS with Chicago and Philadelphia. She was a first round supplemental draft for Seattle, but had decided not to come back and play. If KC can convince her to come back and play, she'd give KC more depth in back, which would be a plus.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Besler and Zusi Called Up, Convey Traded
Jurgen Klinsmann today announced his camp roster ahead of a 5 game stretch for the US Men's national team that includes 3 World Cup qualifiers. Sporting KC will be represented in camp by two players, defender Matt Besler and midfielder/forward Graham Zusi. The camp kicks off on Sunday the 26th, but both Besler and Zusi will be a day late. The two will leave for camp after Sporting KC's game against Houston that day in Kansas City.
As part of the camp, the US have two friendlies scheduled. They'll take on Belgium in Cleveland on May 29th and then Germany in Washington DC on June 2nd. From there the US will jump back into World Cup qualifying with a match in Jamaica on June 7th. The US will then return home for 2 more qualifiers. They'll take on Panama on June 11th in Seattle and then play Honduras on the 18th in Salt Lake City. A busy stretch for the US. Last year they did a similar 5 game stretch although only 2 were World Cup qualifiers in that cycle. Unfortunately for the US by the last game the players were exhausted and certainly looked it in a loss to Jamaica. Hopefully a better performance over the 5 game stretch this year.
The good news for Sporting KC is that during this stretch they are in a light cycle in their schedule. Besler and Zusi will only miss one game over the stretch, a June 1st match against the Montreal Impact. They could also miss 2 US Open Cup games. They will definitely miss the 3rd round match up against either Minnesota United or the Des Moines Menace. And should KC win, they'll also miss the June 12th 4th round match up.
Convey Traded
Before the announcement by US Soccer, KC made an announcement of their own. The team announced today that they had traded midfielder Bobby Convey to Toronto FC for a 3rd round SuperDraft pick (will be 1st round Supplemental draft pick as SuperDraft has been only 2 rounds the last few years) in 2014.
Convey started the first two games of the season for KC but lost his starting spot after that and only played 112 minutes for KC so far this season. The former US international has struggled to stay healthy after the team's stellar start to the 2012 season that saw them start 7-0. He'd fallen further down the depth chart for Kansas City with the healthy return of Jacob Peterson and the return of Kei Kamara. With young forward Soony Saad also competing for time moving Convey makes a lot of sense for KC.
On the other hand it is a little disappointing considering how well Convey had looked in preseason this year.
At it's base, this looks to just be a salary dump and a move to create an open roster spot with the trade from KC's perspective. Convey was making $200,000 this year. And while I can't see Toronto taking on all of his salary, that should still create some wiggle room for KC if they wanted to try to add talent come the summer window. With his salary currently I have no complaints about "only" getting a 1st round Supplemental Draft pick, unless Sporting is cover the majority of Convey's salary while he's in Toronto.
As part of the camp, the US have two friendlies scheduled. They'll take on Belgium in Cleveland on May 29th and then Germany in Washington DC on June 2nd. From there the US will jump back into World Cup qualifying with a match in Jamaica on June 7th. The US will then return home for 2 more qualifiers. They'll take on Panama on June 11th in Seattle and then play Honduras on the 18th in Salt Lake City. A busy stretch for the US. Last year they did a similar 5 game stretch although only 2 were World Cup qualifiers in that cycle. Unfortunately for the US by the last game the players were exhausted and certainly looked it in a loss to Jamaica. Hopefully a better performance over the 5 game stretch this year.
The good news for Sporting KC is that during this stretch they are in a light cycle in their schedule. Besler and Zusi will only miss one game over the stretch, a June 1st match against the Montreal Impact. They could also miss 2 US Open Cup games. They will definitely miss the 3rd round match up against either Minnesota United or the Des Moines Menace. And should KC win, they'll also miss the June 12th 4th round match up.
Convey Traded
Before the announcement by US Soccer, KC made an announcement of their own. The team announced today that they had traded midfielder Bobby Convey to Toronto FC for a 3rd round SuperDraft pick (will be 1st round Supplemental draft pick as SuperDraft has been only 2 rounds the last few years) in 2014.
Convey started the first two games of the season for KC but lost his starting spot after that and only played 112 minutes for KC so far this season. The former US international has struggled to stay healthy after the team's stellar start to the 2012 season that saw them start 7-0. He'd fallen further down the depth chart for Kansas City with the healthy return of Jacob Peterson and the return of Kei Kamara. With young forward Soony Saad also competing for time moving Convey makes a lot of sense for KC.
On the other hand it is a little disappointing considering how well Convey had looked in preseason this year.
At it's base, this looks to just be a salary dump and a move to create an open roster spot with the trade from KC's perspective. Convey was making $200,000 this year. And while I can't see Toronto taking on all of his salary, that should still create some wiggle room for KC if they wanted to try to add talent come the summer window. With his salary currently I have no complaints about "only" getting a 1st round Supplemental Draft pick, unless Sporting is cover the majority of Convey's salary while he's in Toronto.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Sporting Trade for Ike Opara
Sporting KC continued a busy start to their offseason, trading for San Jose defender, Ike Opara for the team's second round pick in the 2013 MLS Superdraft. Opara was the Earthquakes first round pick (3rd overall) in the 2010 MLS Superdraft, where KC took Teal Bunbury with the 4th overall pick. In the 2010 draft the top four picks of Bunbury, Opara, Danny Mwanga, and Tony Tchani were all seen as the cream of the draft class. KC next year will have 2 of those 4, although Bunbury's likely been the most successful of all 4.
Opara has had a bit of an injury filled pro career, only appearing in 35 games over 3 seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes. Opara though will come in to Kansas City and not be expected to start for Sporting. Opara will likely be set to battle with Lawrence Olum for the 3rd center back spot on the roster. His signing is purely a depth signing to provide cover and play in US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League games next year.
Opara was a guy that I immediately looked at when the re-entry draft list came out. I thought he'd be a guy for KC to look into getting in the second stage of the draft. Instead, like last year, KC went out and made their move before the re-entry draft, picking him up for a second round pick. The trading of the pick does leave KC without a second round pick now after trading away their other second round pick to Montreal in the Josh Gardner trade.
I know that some KC fans are worried about giving up these draft picks, but the majority of them have been second round choices, and in the last 3 years KC has drafted Cyprian Hedrick (2012), JT Murray (2011), and Korede Aiyegbusi (2010) in the second round, not a stellar draft outside the first round. So that part doesn't worry me right now.
Opara has had a bit of an injury filled pro career, only appearing in 35 games over 3 seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes. Opara though will come in to Kansas City and not be expected to start for Sporting. Opara will likely be set to battle with Lawrence Olum for the 3rd center back spot on the roster. His signing is purely a depth signing to provide cover and play in US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League games next year.
Opara was a guy that I immediately looked at when the re-entry draft list came out. I thought he'd be a guy for KC to look into getting in the second stage of the draft. Instead, like last year, KC went out and made their move before the re-entry draft, picking him up for a second round pick. The trading of the pick does leave KC without a second round pick now after trading away their other second round pick to Montreal in the Josh Gardner trade.
I know that some KC fans are worried about giving up these draft picks, but the majority of them have been second round choices, and in the last 3 years KC has drafted Cyprian Hedrick (2012), JT Murray (2011), and Korede Aiyegbusi (2010) in the second round, not a stellar draft outside the first round. So that part doesn't worry me right now.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Sporting Acquire Benny Feilhaber From Revolution
Sporting KC's announcement hinted at by Robb Heineman yesterday on Twitter has been announced. The team has acquired midfielder, Benny Feilhaber from the New England Revolution for allocation money, KC's 2014 first round pick, and their 2015 second round pick.
The midfielder spent the last season and a half in New England after spending most of the previous 7 years playing in Germany, England, and Denmark. In the past two years he's played in 52 games for the Revolution, starting 46 and scoring 5 goals over that period of time.
Feilhaber is a player that Kansas City had been interested in since he came to MLS. Kansas City was apparently interested in making a trade for him at the time the Revolution took him with their allocation spot. Overall the trade works out for both teams. KC gets a guy that they'd been after while the Revolution get something in return for a player that they weren't going to bring back. Some may say that it's a bit of a steep price for KC to pay, giving up 2 draft picks and what's likely decent allocation money for Feilhaber, and overall that's the one thing that I struggle with on this deal. But to get talent you have to give stuff up. And while KC has shown the ability to use their first round picks with success, it's hard to pass up a proven player like Feilhaber.
Feilhaber gives KC two national team level midfielders on their roster combined with Graham Zusi. Those two will cause a number of problems for teams and should continue to provide Kansas City with danger off of set pieces. The move could also allow Zusi more time on the wing where he's excelled at the national team level.
While it's a lot to give up, I like this move. Feilhaber seems like the perfect midfielder for KC's 4-3-3 system and Vermes will hopefully be able to get some of Feilhaber's character issues in check quickly.
And who doesn't love watching this goal.
The midfielder spent the last season and a half in New England after spending most of the previous 7 years playing in Germany, England, and Denmark. In the past two years he's played in 52 games for the Revolution, starting 46 and scoring 5 goals over that period of time.
Feilhaber is a player that Kansas City had been interested in since he came to MLS. Kansas City was apparently interested in making a trade for him at the time the Revolution took him with their allocation spot. Overall the trade works out for both teams. KC gets a guy that they'd been after while the Revolution get something in return for a player that they weren't going to bring back. Some may say that it's a bit of a steep price for KC to pay, giving up 2 draft picks and what's likely decent allocation money for Feilhaber, and overall that's the one thing that I struggle with on this deal. But to get talent you have to give stuff up. And while KC has shown the ability to use their first round picks with success, it's hard to pass up a proven player like Feilhaber.
Feilhaber gives KC two national team level midfielders on their roster combined with Graham Zusi. Those two will cause a number of problems for teams and should continue to provide Kansas City with danger off of set pieces. The move could also allow Zusi more time on the wing where he's excelled at the national team level.
While it's a lot to give up, I like this move. Feilhaber seems like the perfect midfielder for KC's 4-3-3 system and Vermes will hopefully be able to get some of Feilhaber's character issues in check quickly.
And who doesn't love watching this goal.
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
News on Gardner, Besler, Kamara, and Espinoza
Some news on four Sporting KC players.
Sporting Trade for Gardner
After getting rid of 6 players and a 7th on the way out, Sporting KC made an addition to the roster today. Sporting made a trade with the Montreal Impact to acquire midfielder/defender Josh Gardner. The 30 year old Gardner has appeared in 49 league games over 5 seasons in MLS. He's also spent time with the USL version of the Seattle Sounders and Carolina Railhawks in between time with Los Angeles and Columbus. Last season Gardner was in Montreal. He appeared in 6 games last year for the Impact. In return, Sporting is sending their highest second round pick in the Superdraft this January. The pick, the 32nd overall, Sporting KC received from New York in the trade that sent Stephane Auvray to the Red Bulls.
Gardner was set to enter the reentry draft this year after making $54,120 last year. You can expect that salary to increase next year, but not a ton more. Gardner should provide Sporting with some depth behind Seth Sinovic at left back as well as an ability in the midfield as well.
More Interest in Besler
The Matt Besler moving abroad rumors continue to come out. Today the news is from The Sun in the UK. The tabloid isn't the most trusted source, but does link him with the previously rumored QPR and adds in another EPL club, Southampton. The continues question with a potential move to England would be his ability to acquire a work permit in England.
Kamara Training at Stoke
The above tweet is from Asmir Begovic, the starting goalkeeper for Stoke City. It should basically explain itself, Sporting's Kei Kamara is in England current training with the Potters currently. Kamara joins a long list of MLS players that are spending a portion of the offseason training with clubs in Europe to prepare them for the 2013 season. Before the English media finds out about this and starts calling it a "trial" and saying that Stoke is interested in signing the Sierra Leone international, let's remember it's just training.
Espinoza Closer to Official Exit
In news that is probably closer to former SKC Wizards news at this point that Sporting KC news, word is that midfielder Roger Espinoza has passed his physical in the UK. With that out of the way, Espinoza is set to sign a two and a half year contract with Wigan Athletic. The move will be finalized when the new transfer window opens in January. As I've said previously it's sad seeing Espinoza leave Kansas City, he's become a world class player here, but it'll be great seeing him play in the EPL.
Sporting Trade for Gardner
After getting rid of 6 players and a 7th on the way out, Sporting KC made an addition to the roster today. Sporting made a trade with the Montreal Impact to acquire midfielder/defender Josh Gardner. The 30 year old Gardner has appeared in 49 league games over 5 seasons in MLS. He's also spent time with the USL version of the Seattle Sounders and Carolina Railhawks in between time with Los Angeles and Columbus. Last season Gardner was in Montreal. He appeared in 6 games last year for the Impact. In return, Sporting is sending their highest second round pick in the Superdraft this January. The pick, the 32nd overall, Sporting KC received from New York in the trade that sent Stephane Auvray to the Red Bulls.
Gardner was set to enter the reentry draft this year after making $54,120 last year. You can expect that salary to increase next year, but not a ton more. Gardner should provide Sporting with some depth behind Seth Sinovic at left back as well as an ability in the midfield as well.
More Interest in Besler
The Matt Besler moving abroad rumors continue to come out. Today the news is from The Sun in the UK. The tabloid isn't the most trusted source, but does link him with the previously rumored QPR and adds in another EPL club, Southampton. The continues question with a potential move to England would be his ability to acquire a work permit in England.
Kamara Training at Stoke
Just having dinner with my good friend @keikamara who's here to train with us for a while.
— Asmir Begovic (@asmir1) December 4, 2012
The above tweet is from Asmir Begovic, the starting goalkeeper for Stoke City. It should basically explain itself, Sporting's Kei Kamara is in England current training with the Potters currently. Kamara joins a long list of MLS players that are spending a portion of the offseason training with clubs in Europe to prepare them for the 2013 season. Before the English media finds out about this and starts calling it a "trial" and saying that Stoke is interested in signing the Sierra Leone international, let's remember it's just training.
Espinoza Closer to Official Exit
In news that is probably closer to former SKC Wizards news at this point that Sporting KC news, word is that midfielder Roger Espinoza has passed his physical in the UK. With that out of the way, Espinoza is set to sign a two and a half year contract with Wigan Athletic. The move will be finalized when the new transfer window opens in January. As I've said previously it's sad seeing Espinoza leave Kansas City, he's become a world class player here, but it'll be great seeing him play in the EPL.
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