Califf is back in MLS, with expansion side Philadelphia.
Catching up on recent MLS developments….
CBA Negotiations Extended
As you’ve no doubt heard by now, MLS and its players union extended the deadline for the new CBA negotiations until Feb. 12. This is obviously positive news and means teams can continue preseason training while the talks continue. There had been a lockout/strike deadline of Feb. 1, today.
It’s probably safe to say that there’s been progress in the negotiations, and that both sides can see the light at the end of the tunnel–they just need more time to get there. (And that light, apparently, is not a train.)
Philadelphia Lands Two U.S. International Defenders
Roughly a week after signing defender Danny Califf, the expansion Union officially announced it had acquired defender Michael Orozco on loan from Mexican side San Luis, a deal which had been rumored for a few weeks.
Califf is 29 and has 22 caps for the U.S. He played for Danish club Midtyjlland last season.
Orozco is 23 and has two caps for the U.S., along with seven for the U.S. U-23s. He played for Union coach Peter Nowak at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Chicago Fire Adds Two Players, Brings a Third On Trial
The Fire lost attackers Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Chris Rolfe along with outside back Gonzalo Segares during the off-season, but they’ve moved quickly to bring in replacements, signing defender Krzysztof Krol on loan from Polish club Jagiellonia Bialystok, and Salvadoran midfielder Julio Martinez on loan from Mexican second division side Club Leon. They’ve also invited former Fulham striker Collins John, 24, to join them at their Phoenix training camp to try to win a spot on the team. John played with Fire striker Brian McBride at Fulham.
Steve Ralston Parts Ways with New England
One of only three MLS Originals still left in the league, Steve Ralston has announced that he will not be returning to the Revolution after eight seasons with the team. Ralston, 36, suffered a severe knee injury last September, and is still recovering. He did not announce his retirement, though, and will explore other options in the coming weeks.
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