Even though the big news in the MLS recently was on the Superdraft there were three moves made near draft day by three teams in the Eastern Conference.
D.C. United acquires forward Fronco Neill on a one-year loan.
Franco was brought in on loan from Argentinos Junior to add some offense to D.C. United. And is expected to join the team for the beginning of the preseason. Neil will be added to the roster of D.C. United when he obtains his work visa and all the international transfer papers are complete. Since making his debut in the 2004-2005 season Neill has scored 10 goals in 60 games. D.C. United led the Eastern Conference in goals last year with 56 and with Neill now in the fold they add another dangerous forward to their already formidable front line.
New York Red Bulls sign Goalkeeper Zach Thornton
New York recently signed Zach Thornton, who was the MLS Goalkeeper of the year 1998. Thornton is returning to New York, as he played with the New York Metro Stars from 1996-1997 before the team was renamed the Red Bulls after the team was sold. The Red Bulls are bringing in Thornton who they hope will be a goalie that will bring both experience and depth to the goalkeeping for the team. Thornton was left unprotected by New York and the Chicago Fire promptly acquired him in the 6th round of the 1997 MLS Expansion Draft. Thornton was a solid keeper in Chicago playing 215 games in 8 seasons and positing a team record 57 shutouts. Thornton also played for Benfica in the Portuguese first division in 2004. Thornton’s career stats in the MLS are:
* 1.28 goals-against average
* 111-71-33 record.
New England Revolution gets Chris Albright from the L.A. Galaxy
The New England Revolution look to shore up their defense with the acquisition of U.S. National Team defender Chris Albright. Albright was sent to the Revolution for allocation money. Albright has been a solid defender, both internationally and in the MLS, for 10 years. Albright’s last 6 seasons were with the L.A. Galaxy. He played for the U.S. National Team at the FIFA World Cup in 2006 and has 22 career caps. For his MLS career Albright has played in 172 games with 11 goals and 20 assists.
