As the MLS season nears teams are trying to shape their rosters to try to get the right mix for the 2008 season.
New England Revolution acquire midfielder Castro
The Revs, looking to bolster their midfield play, recently added Mauricio Castro from Honduras. Castro comes to New England from CD Olimpia in Honduras. The signed midfielder will take up one of the 8 international roster spots that each MLS team is allowed. The Revolution still need help at forward but Castro should help set the table for the attack up front of New England.
Castro is a 26 year old who played last year for CD Olimpia of Honduras’ La Nacional. Before Castro was at Olimpia Castro was with Honduras’ Hispano (2005-07) and Universidad (2004-05) clubs. He has also earned 4 caps for the Honduras national team playing in the UNCAF Nations Cup in 2007.
Director of Soccer for the Revolution Michael Burns stated about the acquisition, “We’re pleased we were able to acquire Mauricio. We believe his abilities complement our current roster and allows us added flexibility with the lineup this season. We’re looking forward to Mauricio joining the club.”
New York Red Bulls waive forward Doe
The New York Red Bulls recently announced that they waived midfielder/forward Francis Doe. Doe never really fit in with the Red Bulls. He played last year for New York and had 2 goals and 1 assist and 4 starts in his 8 games with the club. Before Doe was with New York he played at Greek Super League club Atromitos FC for two years. Doe also played for the Minnesota Thunder in the USL First Division from 2004-2005. The Ghana national began at Buduburam FC in Ghana and represented Liberia at the qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup and the 2008 African Nations qualifiers.
Former U.S. National Team player and current Red Bull sporting director Jeff Agoos stated, “After evaluating our roster over the course of the preseason, we feel that we have solid depth at forward and thought that it would be beneficial to part ways. We wish him the best of luck in the future.”
These two announcements will not radically alter either team, but as the season is roughly a month away there should be some more additions and cuts in the upcoming weeks. Many teams in the MLS still have glaring needs, especially in the East, as DC stocked up in the pre season adding many international names and they look like the team to beat this season.
Author: Jason Green
