http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20120221/timbers-boyd/?sct=sc_t2_a3 He was also courted by the Houston Dynamo, who owned the rights to negotiate with Boyd. To sign him, the Timbers gave the Dynamo their first-round pick in the 2013 draft. I don't get it, how can an MLS club own the rights to a player from another country that has never played in MLS?
They never owned the rights. Internally, MLS has discovery claims [SI has this worded as "rights to negotiate"]. This means the team maintains a list with a number of players that the team sends to MLS as their "discovery claims" [NOT rights]. This claim means they have the exclusive ability to sign this player [not rights of the player]. MLS labels it under "Discovery Signings" in the roster rules. The policy is to discourage bidding wars among MLS teams. Just another rule to keep wages down.
for anyone else interested: (E) DISCOVERY SIGNINGS Clubs may make discovery claims on players not yet under MLS contract who are not subject to the allocation ranking or lottery mechanisms. Each club has the opportunity to make six discovery signings per season (expansion teams may make 10 discovery signings in their inaugural season). A club may have up to 10 discovery claims on unsigned players at any time and may remove or add players at any time. The last day for discovery player signings is September 15, 2012 – coinciding with the roster freeze date and trade deadline. The six discovery signings can be used to fill senior roster spots only. If multiple clubs claim the same player using a discovery, the club that filed the claim first will have first rights to the player. Discovery claims expire following each season. If the League and player are unable to reach an agreement during the season, the club that first filed the discovery retains the right of first refusal in the event the player is later signed by the League. NOTE: To protect interests of MLS clubs in scouting and negotiations with prospective players, the League office will not publicize the names of players on club discovery lists, nor specify if a discovery claim has been filed on a particular player. http://www.mlssoccer.com/2012-mls-roster-rules
Only one question on my mind: with KFC gone, will the owners of the Kenny Cooper chicken coop change the name to the "Boyd House?" http://www.portlandtimbers.com/news/2011/08/put-bird-it-story-kenny-cooper-chicken-coop
Kris Boyd revives his career in Portland http://www.socceramerica.com/article/46462/kris-boyd-revives-his-career-in-portland.html
Boyd's career in Portland has been mixed at best. He really doesn't fit very well with the current personnel, and he's being outplayed by a guy (Dike) who probably isn't a starting caliber striker in MLS. That said, he started out pretty hot, and scored a few goals early in the season, which prompted a lot of articles like these. I think if he gets a shot with some other (cold weather) team, you'll see him looking pretty good. Don't think he's ever headed back to success in the UK, though.
Didn't realize he was part of the MLS millionaire club: http://www.socceramerica.com/article/48541/mls-millionaire-club-grows.html
Merritt might as well have thrown that money into his fireplace. Once again another prime example of Spencer (when he was still around) and Gavin acquiring talent just to acquire talent without any idea of how to successfully integrate it into the tactical system.
All indications say yes unless a suitor will take him. Remember, he is rumored to have won the arbitration for the money owed in Turkey, and he was Spencer's guy all along. Who knows, he may come back ready to go and bag 12-16 next year.
He bagged 7 in half a year with complete shit service. 20 would not be unrealistic if we had a single person who knew what to do with the ball going forward.
Boyd's work rate was absolutely atrocious. No way Caleb Porter is going to sit on that sideline and watch Boyd just jog around on the field.
Speaking of Scottish strikers, I read you guys are going after Paddy McCourt from Celtic. Not sure how he plays maybe as a hold-up striker since he hasn't scored many goals, but aren't you guys loaded up top already? And you do have the full 3 DP's correct? It'll be interesting to see what happens this transfer window with all the teams in the league.
Rumor comes from an Irish paper (I believe). It would have weight if it came from a Scottish or Oregon source, but it does not. There are currently two DPs, Boyd and Chara. Valencia was signed as one but because of the injury discovered the deal was re-worked. Today he is still not a DP. I have heard they are still making arrangements for his contract.
He appeared in the last reserve game fully healed but not fully fit. He'll play, and we hope in the 18 or even the starting eleven if all goes well. EDIT: in fact, look at the highlights. Start at 2:14.