Thought I'd start a thread for confirmed signings, but not necessarily the big named DP players. NYC FC signed GK Josh Saunders today. Saunders will join Manchester City for the first part of its pre-season tour in Scotland from July 9th – July 17th, before joining the San Antonio Scorpions of the NASL on loan until the end of the year.
Meh, he was dropped by the Galaxy for a reason. I don't think he is one of the better keepers in the league but he is certainly serviceable. I'm still hoping to grab Ryan Meara from NYRB.
Saunders problem isn't necessarily his ability, but between the ears. In his final year with the Galaxy he missed an extended period of time so he could go into rehab for alcoholism. If he has gotten those issues under control, he could be a good signing. However, he is coming off an ACL tear that ended his tenure with RSL, so he's bound to be less mobile than he was pre-ACL tear.
That may happen during the expansion draft, if he isn't protected. Because Josh is on the roster don't necessarily mean he is the starter.
I would think at this point we'll see more of the bench players being signed, that way they can focus more on the guys they really want to fill out the starting roster.
You would think Kreis of all people would be aware of that and factor the past injury into any decision. And to be clear, there have been 3 official signings now -David Villa -Jeb Brovsky -Josh Saunders
Pshaw. What would Kreis know? He was just the head coach for the last team that Saunders played for. But, seriously, if there is anyone that knows Saunders current condition, it is bound to be Kreis.
I always liked Josh Saunders. I re managed to usurp Donavon Ricketts' place when they were both at the Galaxy. There are definitely worse GK's available in MLS. Hopefully the rehab worked.
That was largely a salary cap issue, though. The Galaxy needed the cap space and Ricketts was making $250k while Saunders was making $77K.
But I believe the reason they were willing to let Ricketts go in the first place was because of how good Saunders did when he was out injured. But I could be remembering things wrong.
NYCFC has acquired Andrew Jacobson from FC Dallas. Before New York City’s inaugural pre-season begins in January 2015, Jacobson will go on loan to Stabæk Fotball in Norway, where former U.S. Men’s National Team coach Bob Bradley is the manager.
Kwame-Watson-Siriboe on board from Real Salt Lake. 4th round pick in the 2016 draft goes the other way. http://www.nycfc.com/post/2014/08/11/nycfc-sign-kwame-watson-siriboe-real-salt-lake
A good player, I would rather RSL send Maund but it will work out. Siriboe if he can keep healthy is a solid backup maybe even a starter.
Definitely worth a fourth rounder. He is one of those guys that can help fill out a roster and possibly contribute as a replacement and substitute role player. It certainly helps that he and Kreis are familiar with each other. Another plus is that his salary is only $55,000 this season.
Gotta wonder if some of these trades are of the "take this player now and don't take anyone in the expansion draft" variety.
That makes sense, but I can't see Kreis saying that to RSL for KWS with probable unprotected players like Grabovoy, Velasquez or Borchers. Kreis is licking his chops at RSL. Orlando too (& and other top MLS clubs).
NYCFC Acquires Josh Williams from the Columbus Crew New York City FC announces the acquisition of Josh Williams from Columbus Crew in exchange for allocation money. A powerful, 26 year old, 6’2” defender, Williams joins the club after a successful stint with his former team, making 71 appearances since 2010.
Sounds like Salgado will just be used as a bargaining chip for another player. Talk of him going to Mexico.
Williams is a solid player, though a bit pricey for a guy who was likely a bench player under Berhalter. Our coaches have gone back and forth over whether to play him at FB or CB. He's gotten into the mix and created a lot of offense on set pieces. He's hit the post more times that I can count. A little tall and lanky for a FB, and our current system call for wingbacks and his crossing isn't great. More than useful at CB, but he's been used primarily at RB so much he's a bit rusty there, and with Marshall and then Gonzalez & Parkhurst, it was hard to find PT at CB. But he's a good squad guy, capable at multiple positions, and somehow manages to get in dangerous spots offensively a lot more often that one would think.
When does a player from the draft become confirmed? Zizzo is obviously gone for the year, Meara in? Has NYCFC announced that move yet? Has Matthew Dunn actually signed with NYCFC?