From the Wizards forum: If accurate, yikes! I realize that a visa can take a couple of weeks but it seems that his fitness needs work. Sounds like he could be ready about the time Casey may be heading to National Team camp if he gets the WC nod. We may not see the Cummings-Casey-Lopez combo on the field until July.
I was afraid of that and I suspect fitness is a huge part of it. Someone should have told GS last year the season started in March and he should stock the team ready to play.
I'm glad we signed Lopez, especially since we didn't have to give KC anything. But if he really won't be able to go 90 (or even 60), or won't have his paperwork approved, until late May, then we'll still only have 3 players on the field that are actual threats to score - Cummings, Casey, and Clark.
He is glad to be playing in MLS... He loves USA and MLS and he played well in KC... Not a bad pick up...
I'm not sure where the Wizards forum is getting that from. I watched the game and listed to Claudio in the booth. At no point did I hear late May as a point when he would start playing.
Work visas are tied to a specific employer. I'm not sure if technically that means it "expired". Nevertheless, the result is the same. KC never even offered him another contract; his employer gave him the boot so it was time to get a new one. As for Lopez's fitness, I wouldn't be too worried about it. Short of him needing to wear a wide load sign while he's walking around there's no reason why he can't come on as a sub. And that was going to be the primary role for a 35 year old sorta forward, sorta midfield player without mad defensive skillz anyway, right?
I was hoping for more, but I suspect I was overly optimistic while your assessment is probably more realistic.
Good think he worked for MLS since no players contracts are actually team owned. Just pointing out - it's more of a renewal then starting the process all over again right? Could be totally wrong.
According to mlssoccer.com: López, still working on his fitness after some time off in his native Argentina, isn’t currently cleared to play for the Rapids because of visa issues. The club said Wednesday it’s aiming to get him eligible for the weekend
