If I read correctly the Colorado Rapids realeased David Castellanos to make room in order to sign a Cuban defector. What I find funny is it has only been a week or two that MLSNET.com has an interview with David Castellanos up on the Spanish side and now he is without a team and basically out of MLS. His interview is still up but he is no longer in the league... how sad.
http://www.ussocceruk.com/news/?CatTypeId=2&ContentId=1680 That's where the news is. So they cut a guy who didn't play much and was recently interviewed. No big deal.
Its not that he didn't play much, rather, he got interviewed and then got cut and his interview is still up on MLSnet.com and he is no longer in MLS. LOL I mean, can it be any worse timing? Its like you just took your girlfriend out on an expensive dinner for Valentines and then the next day she dumps you. OUCH!
No worse that DCu putting Milton reyes on their season tickets. Things happen. I don't expect them to pull down an interview because a guy got cut. Especially since it hasn't been announced yet.
It has now.... For Immediate Release Friday, June 11, 2004 Contact: Jurgen Mainka, 303-405-6126 Justin Pearson, 720-931-2016 www.coloradorapids.com Rapids Acquire First Cuban Player in MLS History, Rey Ángel Martinez Former Cuban National Team Striker Expected to Make His MLS Debut on Saturday, June 12th Against D.C. United at RFK Stadium; Chicago Fire Discover Martinez, Trade Him to Colorado for Draft Pick in 2005; Rapids Also Waive David Castellanos DENVER, CO (06-11-04)- The Colorado Rapids announced today the acquisition of Cuban forward Rey Ángel Martinez from the Chicago Fire. Martinez, who was discovered by the Fire, signed a multiyear contract with Major League Soccer before being traded to Colorado in exchange for a 2005 Conditional draft pick. Martinez, who is categorized as a Transitional International and will not count toward the team's three senior international roster spots, becomes the first Cuban player to sign with a MLS club. The 24 year old made headlines back in February 2002 when he and teammate Alberto Delgado defected from the Cuban National Team during the team's stay in Los Angeles for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The skillful forward won one Cuban National championship with club Ciudad de la Habana in 1998, netting seven goals for the amateur side. He also led his team to two championship games (1999-2000, 2001-2002), playing a major role in the forward line. Martinez has vast experience on the international level, having defended the Cuban colors for both the full National Team and the Under-23 National side in tournaments such as the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Copa Caribe and Pan American Games. Martinez, who has been practicing with the Rapids since April 8th, is expected to make his MLS debut this Saturday, when the Rapids visit D.C. United at RFK Stadium in a match that will be televised nationwide on Fox Sports World and Fox Sports World en Español at 5:30 p.m. (MT). In other roster moves, the Rapids also announced the waiving of forward David Castellanos. Castellanos played a total of three games with the Black and Blue since signing with the club on March 30th.
I would have liked to see the look on his face after the MLS execs explained the pay scale to him. At this point he was probably wishing he would have played baseball over the years. Good to see a Cuban playing futbol in the USA!
I agree-- it's just one of those things that shows you how harsh pro sports can be. One day, you're a prospect-- the next day, you're riding a Greyhound back home.