Date: January 27, 2015. Manager: Frank Klopas
This was an interesting one for Montreal. With 2015 just around the corner and plenty of midfield talent at his disposal, Klopas sent an original Impact player in Felipe to the Red Bulls.
At the time he left, the exciting Brazilian held the club records for assists and appearances, not to mention the fact that he was a fan favorite. But by moving to Red Bull Arena, Felipe would be reunited with his former manager, Jesse Marsch. He experienced great success under Marsch in 2012, earning a career-high 10 assists in 30 games and is picking up where he left off.
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Coming to Montreal were Eric Alexander, Ambroise Oyongo and an international player slot.
An MLS veteran, Alexander doesn’t have the flare that Felipe had in the midfield, but his 150 appearances in the league and work ethic will make him a dependable shutdown option. He is a good alternative to the departing Brazilian.
But the big part of the deal was the Cameroonian international. The 23-year-old left-back who can also play in the midfield was on loan to New York when he was traded and Oyongo and his agent thought he was still property of Coton Sport FC in his homeland. Over three months of disputes between all parties and the involvement of FIFA later, and Oyongo made his debut for Montreal in May.
He is well worth fighting for, as the Impact have been ravaged by injuries to their wing-backs. Oyongo has the skill to be a stalwart in the starting eleven and his versatility will also be an asset. But once the lineup regains its health, where will Oyongo fit in?
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