In what has already been a wild day of MLS news thanks to FC Cincinnati’s firing of Alan Koch, more news is coming as the roster deadline comes to a halt for MLS squads. Here’s a quick look at all the deadline moves so far.
A Very Busy MLS Deadline Day
Johnathon Lewis to Colorado
Reporting with @PaulTenorio: Sources indicate the Colorado Rapids are set to acquire Jonathan Lewis from NYCFC for a substantial haul of allocation money.
— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) May 7, 2019
This trade broke first this afternoon, first reported by Sam Stejskal and Paul Tenorio of The Athletic. The Rapids now hoard a fair amount of young, American talent in their midfield and have added a solid young winger as well. Jonathon Lewis unfortunately never caught on for NYCFC, at seemingly no fault of his own either. Dome Torrent never gave him a chance until this year, and then immediately shelved him once the team got whatever reinforcements they were looking for up top. Is Colorado a much better place for him? Not sure on that, just considering the tumultuous mess that Colorado has been to start the season. However, for a young player more minutes is always the best case scenario.
Justin Meram traded to Atlanta United
According to multiple outlets and first reported by Ives Galarcep, Justin Meram is on his way out of Columbus for the second time in as many seasons, this time to the arch-rival of Orlando City. Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution confirmed and added the trade was for allocation money and a future draft pick. Atlanta is in need of some extra bodies here over the next month or so, as their left flank has experienced plenty of injuries. On top of that, they’re missing Ezequiel Barco until at least June 1st, and potentially longer if Argentina’s U-20 squad makes a deep run in their upcoming World Cup. Sunday’s 3-0 win over Sporting KC started off a stretch of 8 games in 28 days for Atlanta, and the added depth will certainly help.
Meram has had a difficult time since his trade from Columbus prior to the 2018 season. It wasn’t much better when he returned, and his 2019 has started slow. I can’t imagine it’s for too much allocation money based on Meram’s performances as of late, but who knows in MLS at this point.
Joevin Jones back to Seattle
Another report from Sam Stejskal, the first in the US to report the news, that Joevin Jones is headed back to Seattle. That leaves a log jam at left back with Brad Smith, Nouhou, and now Jones. It likely means Nouhou is gone as it’s no secret both Brad Smith and the Sounders would like to continue their time together, and will likely figure something out prior to Smith’s loan ending this summer.
Jones can play on both the wing and as a fullback and has done so very well in the past. They’ll be able to get him on the field in one way or another. The question begs as to how long they hold on to Nouhou here, and if there is a corresponding move out. Why, you ask? Well, it seems Seattle is in agreement to bring Xavier Arreaga from Ecuadorian side Barcelona SC. Those reports haven’t been 100% confirmed with the Sounders, but multiple outlets in Ecuador have pointed to the deal getting done.
Updated 5:40pm EST
Galaxy Sign Argentine Attacker on Loan
The Galaxy have made it public knowledge they were searching for another winger/attacker as Romain Allesandrini will be out for some time. They have successfully landed Argentine Winger, Favio Alvarez, on loan from Altetico Tucuman. Tucuman plays in Argentina’s Primera Division, their top flight. He can play all over the midfield but has mainly featured as an attacking midfielder and a left winger. He has 7 goals and 6 assists across 83 total appearances.
Fire Land German Goalkeeper
The Chicago Fire have been bolstering their defense the last few days, trading for Francisco Calvo and now landing an experienced German goalkeeper. Kenneth Kronholm actually is a born American citizen and will not require an international roster spot. He joins the Fire from 2. Bundesliga side, Holstein Kiel (that’s so fun). The 33 year old has notched six clean sheets in 30 appearances this season, and has almost 100 over his 300+ career appearances. He is now the fifth (!!) goalkeeper on the Fire’s depth chart that includes, David Ousted, Richard Sanchez, Stefan Cleveland, and 14 year old Gabriel Slonina.
Stay tuned as we update you on any and all MLS moves that are set to follow in the coming hours. The MLS Deadline closes at 11:59pm CST tonight.
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