Looking for Soccer News?
Blog Posts and Articles that give you up to the minute news and information about the world Leagues, Teams, Players and Updates.
The Colorado Rapids spent Friday stockpiling goalkeepers, announcing the acquisition of Clint Irwin in a trade with Toronto FC just after selecting Andre Rawls from New York City FC in Stage 1 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft.
The Rapids dealt a second round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, which was originally acquired from FC Dallas in the Dominique Badji trade earlier this year, to Toronto FC.
“We are happy to welcome Clint Irwin back to Colorado,” Rapids general manager Pádraig Smith said in a statement. “He is a talented goalkeeper who knows this team and city well. I know our fans will be looking forward to seeing him back between the posts at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park as much as we are.”
The 29-year-old Irwin spent his first three MLS seasons with Colorado after spells with lower division sides Carolina Dynamo, Capital City FC and the Charlotte Eagles. He started 87 regular season games for the Rapids before being traded to Toronto FC after the 2015 season.
Irwin started 19 regular games and made six postseason starts in his first year with TFC, but steadily saw less playing time after Alex Bono took over as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
He’ll likely assume the same role for the Rapids with Tim Howard returning for the 2019 season.
“I’m very happy to return to the club where I began my MLS career, and look forward to being a big part of the clubs future,” Irwin said.
The post Clint Irwin returns to Colorado Rapids in trade with Toronto FC appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Dylan Butler, Pro Soccer USA
Copyright
© www.mlssoccer.com
The next phase of the Major League Soccer offseason occurs Friday afternoon.
Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Draft begins at 3 p.m. ET with the San Jose Earthquakes in possession of the first pick after having the worst record from the 2018 season. Players become eligible for the re-entry draft in a few ways, according to league rules:
Players at least 23 years old with a minimum of three years MLS experience whose contract options were not exercised by their clubs. They will be available at their option salary for 2019. Players who are at least 25 years old with a minimum of four years MLS experience who are out of contract and their respective clubs do not wish to re-sign them at their previous salary. They are available for at least their 2018 salary. Free agents who choose to participate.Players may choose to opt out of the draft, and players not selected in Stage 1 will be available for Stage 2 at 2 p.m. ET Dec. 20.
If a player is selected in Stage 1, teams must exercise the player’s contract option or extend a “Bona Fide Offer” if the player is out of contract. If a player rejects the offer, the drafting club will hold that player’s right of first refusal in MLS.
If a player is selected in Stage 2, teams can negotiate new contracts. The drafting team must make a genuine offer to a player within seven days.
Any players not selected will be available first-come, first-serve to all clubs.
Ashley Cole and David Villa are the two standout names on the Re-Entry list, but it’s unlikely either of them is selected because of Cole’s high salary and Villa already announcing his move to Japan.
Some of the intriguing options eligible for selection include New York City FC midfielder Tommy McNamara, Toronto FC forward Tosaint Ricketts, Orlando City goalkeeper Joe Bendik and D.C. United’s Nick DeLeon.
In 2017, two players were selected in Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Draft, and one of them, Mike Grella, is eligible for the selection process again in 2018.
The majority of teams usually pass on their selections, but there have been some success stories out of the Re-Entry Draft, with FC Dallas’ selection of Maxi Urruti in 2015 being the most recent.
Players Eligible For Re-Entry Draft
Chicago Fire: Jonathan Campbell, Drew Conner, Michael de Leeuw, Christian Dean, Patrick McLain, Luis Solignac
Columbus Crew: Mike Grella, Adam Jahn
Colorado Rapids: Giles Barnes, Enzo Martinez, Jack McBean
FC Dallas: Maynor Figueroa
D.C. United: Vytas Andriuskevicius, Nick DeLeon, Kevin Ellis, Jared Jeffrey, Taylor Kemp, Kofi Opare, Travis Worra
Houston Dynamo: Luis Gil, Dylan Remick, Jared Watts
LAFC: Dejan Jakovic, Charlie Lyon, Calum Mallace, Quillan Roberts
LA Galaxy: Ashley Cole, Ariel Lassiter, Brian Sylvestre
Minnesota United: Matt Lampson, Johan Venegas
Montreal Impact: Louis Beland-Goyette, Kyle Fisher, Michael Salazar
New England Revolution: Femi Hollinger-Janzen
New York City FC: Tommy McNamara, Andre Rawls, David Villa
New York Red Bulls: Carlos Rivas
Orlando City: Joe Bendik, Earl Edwards Jr., Richie Laryea, Donny Toia, Jose Villarreal
Philadelphia Union: Fabinho, John McCarthy, Richie Marquez, Josh Yaro
Portland Timbers: Steve Clark, Lawrence Olum
Real Salt Lake: Luke Mulholland, Taylor Peay, Demar Phillips, Luis Silva, Stephen Sunday
Seattle Sounders: Calle Brown
Toronto FC: Clint Irwin, Tosaint Ricketts
Vancouver Whitecaps: Jose Aja, Aaron Maund, Brian Rowe
Unattached: Wandrille Lefevre
The post MLS Re-Entry draft: Eligible players, rules and more appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Joe Tansey, Pro Soccer USA
