Juan Agudelo has been traded to Chivas USA (Goal.com)
Three MLS squads look very different this evening than they did at the start of business today. Chivas USA pulled off two deals, one with New York Red Bulls and the other with the Philadelphia Union. The deal with Philadelphia had been rumored for a few days, but the deal with NY came as a bit of a surprise.
The Goats will send midfielder Mike Lahoud to Philadelphia for want-away center back Danny Califf. The former Union captain had experienced a falling out with head coach Peter Nowak. He had made 65 appearances in three years in Philadelphia.
Turns out there was a reason Chivas needed another center back. They dealt MLS All-Star defender Heath Pearce to the New York Red Bulls in exchange for US International forward Juan Agudelo. There will also be allocation money changing hands, and the Red Bulls will pick up a piece of any future selling fee should Chivas sell Agudelo.
For the Union, the reasoning behind the deal is pretty clear. They unload Califf and pick up an experienced player in the midfield. Despite the fact that the deal has been rumored for several days. both sides were fairly coy up until the trade was completed today.
New York addresses one of their biggest needs by acquiring a proven, top level MLS defender to put in front of Ryan Meara. Yes, Agudelo has a ton of potential upside, but according to Red Bulls management, he himself pushed for a trade somewhere where he could get more playing time.
So the Goats add a veteran presence on the back line. Also, if both Juan Pablo Angel and Juan Agudelo can stay healthy, their attack could be lethal. I'm not sure this puts them up with RSL, San Jose, and Seattle, but I fully expect them to compete for the playoffs, maybe at the expense of Vancouver, Colorado, Dallas, or yes, the Galaxy.
No comments:
Post a Comment