Heart skipped a beat when he was down hurt. It would be such a typical Rapids move to have our big signing injured in this game.
After watching the reserves match today someone should definitely be worried about staying. From what I was told by my source he should be here after Chicago for paperwork and hopefully ready to go against FSL.
Not so much the result but some sloppy play. It was good to see Pickens in action though. P.S. USA USA!
Today's article from Bianchi with PB's thoughts on Torres. http://m.mlssoccer.com/news/article...-looking-complete-deal-panamas-gabriel-torres Sounds like they've done a decent job of vetting him.
Of all the things Lenhart could have done to improve his reputation... that's not the worst he could have done, actually. And considering some other things he's done, that's actually not that bad. If this soccer thing doesn't pan out, he should look into bachelorette parties.
After watching another good performance from Powers this weekend combined with on-going injuries with Rivero I'm wondering if the Rapids have decided that Powers is good enough that they can make Torres a DP instead of spending a reported million dollars to buy out Rivero and make him a DP. I'm not saying that Powers is as good as Rivero, but Powers might be good enough for what the Rapids need out of that role at a substantially cheaper cost.
I was thinking a similar thought. Rivero has not shown DP level play so far, and we've heard little of him lately. Maybe the FO is seeing him more as cubic zirconia...in the rough. They could be holding off on playing him to create negotiating leverage as well. Ya know "the guy hasn't performed so we're only willing to pay $1m - X". But given his injuries...?
No disrespect to the dead intended, but why would a passing of a Liga MX player, even as surprising as it was, cause a MLS side to delay making a player announcement? Are we expecting all teams not to make announcements today?
Perhaps, they try to extend the loan rather than buy him out? Probably slim chance given the circumstances of the current agreement, but better than a firm commitment either way.
That seems like a pretty nice alternative since they haven't been able to see much of him this year, which would have been the decision year - IMO. If I recall correctly, the Rapids had a little issue plying him away from his club in the first place, so I wonder if they'll play ball?
Unless these Visa's work differently then others, he must return to apply for Visa through his home country. Can't do it any other way per USA rules, edit: political asylum is only way around these rules.
How long have the rapids been in discussions with him? Perhaps the visa application had already been completed.
Perhaps this DP signing is followed by an unexpected but long awaited shirt sponsor...and we get to sign Rivero as well! Yeah, I know, but a guy can dream.
I remember when RSL was signing Saborio they were trying to negotiate the $1million buyout in his contract. I'm not sure what they ultimately paid but I'm guessing there will be some negotiating going on.
But in order to get a "work" visa in business world you must have a signed contract that you have a job from sponsoring business, not to mention salary detail and that info around what you have done to find an qualified American. I would think Sports would work same way. He could show up for announcement then head back to Panama to get Visa, while hopefully his ITC makes it to MLS...
IIRC, it is similar for athletes but there are less hoops to jump through, from the employers stand point and it's a quicker process for the both. I'm racking my brains a bit but I believe athletes and entertainers apply for and are ultimately granted a "P-Classification" visa. As far as I remember, there are 3 classifications for a "P" visa ---- P-1, P-2, P-3. P-1's, I'm near 100% sure, are granted to athletes and entertainers who compete / entertain at an elite/international level. Athletes and the employer simply have to produce evidence of a contract. The athlete must also clear a thorough background check. Unlike a standard work sponsored visa, the employer does not have to provide written qualification(s) to distinguish the athlete from Americans. P-1's are pretty cut and dry. They are fairly easy to obtain if all your ducks are in a row. Torres could have applied with the US Consulate in Venezuela where he is currently employed. He does not have to go to Panama unless some critical documents of his are there.
If the Rapids sign a real DP sans a shirt sponsor... At that point I will no longer care if they get a shirt sponsor. Since now it's clear that a sponsor was not needed to make a DP signing.