The Tuesday MLS Notebook: Inter Miami’s DP Quandary
As of late last week, sources said that Matías Pellegrini will likely be shipped to the Montreal Impact, a move that would get Inter Miami under the threshold for Designated Players.
Part of the reason why Montreal might be the landing spot for the Argentina youth international is because Montreal’s owner also owns Bologna in the Serie A. In other words, Pellegrini could be in MLS a season or two and be groomed for an eventual transfer to Italy’s top flite. Synergy, baby.
But wait, there is more to play here in what is an unusual situation for Inter Miami.
Nothing is definite about a move to Montreal as a source on Tuesday morning said that five teams are currently in the trade market for Pellegrini, the source said. There is also the possibility of the player being loaned down to the USL.
Pellegrini, who turned 21-years old last month, is a wide player who brings creativity and good pace. Last year he had a goal in 15 appearances for Inter Miami.
The deal between FC Cincinnati and the New York Red Bulls for Frankie Amaya, leaked last week, is nearing completion a source tells MLS Multiplex but there remains a hang-up as noted on Monday by ESPN’s fantastic Jeff Carlisle.
Perhaps not much longer.
A source says that a long-term deal for Amaya is nearing completion. Of interesting note, the midfielder’s new deal won’t make him a TAM signing. The young destroyer covers a lot of ground and is an exciting move by the Red Bulls to make their system click.
New England’s Major Addition Is In
Signed a month ago by the New England Revolution, Arnór Ingvi Traustason has landed in the United States, the Icelandic international now in the midst of a seven-day quarantine.
The 27-year old attacker, most recently with Malmo in Sweden, won’t be available for the Revolution’s season opener this weekend against the Chicago Fire. The forward is a quality player, having started and had an assist late last month in Iceland’s 4-1 win over Liechtenstein in UEFA’s World Cup qualifiers. He went 81 minutes in the much-needed win for his homeland.
Castillo is a nice move for FCC
FC Cincinnati made a good, solid move with the addition of Edgar Castillo, who was last with Atlanta United.
The 34-year old is certainly a depth signing but his knowledge of the league and his experience on the international level will be solid for an FC Cincinnati side that comes into 2020 a bit flashier but needing some veteran voices.
Castillo, capped 18 times by the United States (and thrice by Mexico) can bring a good voice to the locker room.
Rapidly coming together
On the transfer front, the Colorado Rapids have been a bit on the quiet side, no major in-coming splashes. After returning to the playoffs last year under Robin Fraser, one of the most under-appreciated head coaches in MLS, the Rapids are a team that is coming together not behind names but under a system.
To that end, there was very little upheaval to the Rapids Starting XI this offseason,
The Rapids lead MLS in returning minutes for 2021 (96 percent of the team’s 2020 minutes were played by players returning this year). That is a staggering number, showing continuity not just of a young roster but also of purpose.
While a number of MLS teams have first-year head coaches and need matches to learn a system, the Rapids return Fraser and the same tactical approach as a year ago. A major advantage during a preseason that has been anything but traditional around MLS.
Crew’s off the field success
In an under the radar move, the Columbus Crew announced on Monday that American Electric Power (AEP) has signed a multi-year deal to have their name on one of the gates at the team’s new home stadium.
These are the kind of deals that are prominent for stadiums and arenas in other sports. It represents a nice move by Columbus and good activation for AEP as they align themselves with the reigning MLS champions.
Longshot for Golden Boot? Watch San Jose’s rising teenage star
Looking for a dark horse for the Golden Boot? Cade Cowell, the 17-year old attacker from the San Jose Earthquakes is coming off a preseason where he had four goals in two appearances.
Cowell has impressed folks around San Jose and has seen his playing time slowly but surely gain over the past season. He made 16 appearances for 459 minutes played in 2020, a career-high at the MLS level. He had a goal and an assist in a role where he was primarily used off the bench.
It would take a historic leap in terms of production but there is some buzz that Cowell could be ready for a greatly expanded role for a solid San Jose side this year.
The Philadelphia Union, fresh off a Supporters Shield that represents the club’s first piece of hardware, still have room to improve their roster.
The hunt is on for a true No. 10, a source said but the club still needs to open up a foreign slot first. The Union have a tremendously balanced squad and a creative playmaker who can fit in their system won’t be easy to find.
But if they do find such a player, then the Union have the type of squad that can make a serious run at MLS Cup this year.
Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex‘ on Twitter @KristianRDyer