[R] Adopted Cousin of Other MLS Teams' News Thread

That makes the Zidane headbutt look like a beachball. Damn. Did you see the shiner afterward? 7 games suspension for Rivas?

I'm thinking the Rico Clark route

I like the very last bit of the commentary: "I thought Montreal was a friendly city!"

If this logic were valid, a Philly player would be sent off for headbutting at every PU home game.

Montreal traded Donovan Ricketts to Portland for Troy Perkins in a straight starting GK for starting GK swap.

Why did this happen?

If I was a guessing man, which it just so happens that I am, I would guess that this has more to do with what is left on each person's contract.

Perkins signed a new contract with Portland in November 2011. Figure it is basic 3-1-1 that MLS seems to like (3 year plus two one year options). That means Troy's contract goes through the end of 2014.

Ricketts was signed in December 2008 and first played during 2009 season. Assuming again a 3-1-1 contract, he is probably finishing his first option year now.

So Portland get Perkins salary for next year off the books, chooses to not pick up the last option on Ricketts contract for next year and then move up Bendik or Gleeson to their number one GK. By doing so, Portland frees up money for acquisitions elsewhere.

So, if that's the case, what is Montreal thinking?

I think it clears up about 75k in cap space. They might need that after their recent signings.

I don;t have the stats but on twitter last night Opta whatever which does numbers on MLS games. Compared the two and basically came to the conclusion that Perkins with a worse defense in front of him has actually played better. So Montreal upgraded their starting GK.

My thoughts is that Ricketts was possibly unhappy. Watching him in games, and his body language, I didn't see the same energy that he had shown previously with LA. Maybe he doesn't like the city, maybe he doesn't like the coach, or maybe it's just a simple cap space move.

From SJ's standpoint, they're losing one of their most vocal playes, but actually (in my opinion) updgrading the position. It's always a gamble though to remove such a vital piece of your Supporter's Shield leading team.

I've always like Buschie but I think he's gone off the deep end a bit over the last couple years, and i see him getting on guys for the littlest of things. He's a fiery guy for sure, and a helluva gentlement when I ran into him in DC after Sigi cut him and he was with Chicago. And we'll see him on the 1st!!!

I would REALLY like to know the backstory here.

What?

I'm lost. Busch got traded?

I think CiC got Perkins (POR) confused with Busch (SJ) somehow? If not, I'm with you on that one.

yeah..... my mistake.....sorry.... <embarrassed>

Yep, Montreal gets a short term salary relief.

2012 Guaranteed Salary
Ricketts - $275K
Perkins - $201K

So Montreal frees up about $74K (not pro-rated) in Salary Cap this season. Do not know what Perkins salary goes to next year but even if he gets a a 20% raise, it's still less than what Ricketts was making this year.

And as mentioned elsewhere, maybe Ricketts was unhappy and the organization wanted to get him out. Or maybe they are seeing a decline in his talents and decide now is the time to off load and get a slightly younger player who can maybe give them a couple of more years for their money. And, if they are lucky, he bounces back to his former 2006 GKotY form for a season or two.

I seem to remember Ricketts suffering a bad hand injury a couple of seasons ago (it might even have happened against us), and to me, it seems like he never really recovered to his previous standard. Definitely on the decline IMO.

And in other keeper news, anyone see Red Bulls picked up Luis Robles today? So much for my prediction about Gaudette. Wonder now if Meara will be off to England within the next few months to try to get himself into the Irish team, Given can't go on forever.

A bit of an update: the headbutt fractured Hoppenot's face.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/08/09/rivas-headbutt-leaves-hoppenot-facial-fracture

Apprently facial fractures only warrant a two-match suspension

James Wisnewski would have liked that kind of disciplinary board....

"That's my kind of league!"

I've been saying this for a while. Sign him up, now!

Agreed. I'd welcome him to Columbus but can he even get a work permit for over here?

Someone help me.... who is this guy?

It's Joey Barton.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joey_Barton

He's not even allowed in the country for any reason. When we played Newscastle a couple years ago, he was barred from participating in their preseason tour in the USA because of his criminal record.

'Murican justice!!!