MLS Archives - SportzBonanza SportzBonanza Thu, 25 Apr 2024 14:35:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 San Jose Earthquakes Break Club Record to Sign Godoy Cruz Midfielder Hernan Lopez https://sportzbonanza.com/san-jose-earthquakes-break-club-record-to-sign-godoy-cruz-midfielder-hernan-lopez/ Fri, 26 Apr 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=24220 The San Jose Earthquakes made a big move ahead of the closing of the MLS transfer window, signing attacking midfielder Hernan Lopez from Argentine side Godoy Cruz. The transfer is reportedly the most expensive in the club’s history. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, the Earthquakes formally completed the deal on Tuesday. It will see […]

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The San Jose Earthquakes made a big move ahead of the closing of the MLS transfer window, signing attacking midfielder Hernan Lopez from Argentine side Godoy Cruz. The transfer is reportedly the most expensive in the club’s history.

According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, the Earthquakes formally completed the deal on Tuesday. It will see the club pay $6 million to River for Lopez’s services, while the player is expected to ink a Designated Player contract. San Jose’s previous biggest transfer was signing Ecuadorian midfielder Carlos Gruezo for $2.9 million in 2023.

Hernan Lopez started his professional career with Argentina’s Primera División powerhouse River Plate, receiving his debut in 2019. He later spent time on loan with Central Córdoba before joining Godoy Cruz on loan in 2023. River and Godoy owned 50% of Lopez’s rights each before his transfer to San Jose.

Lopez played 13 games for Godoy in 2024, scoring two goals. In 2023, he scored five goals and added six assists in 38 matches in all competitions.

San Jose Earthquakes have been the worst club in MLS this season, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with one win and eight losses in their first nine games. Adding Lopez is expected to greatly improve their squad and perhaps help them turn around their campaign.

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Inter Miami Sign Paraguay International Midfielder Matias Rojas https://sportzbonanza.com/inter-miami-sign-paraguay-international-midfielder-matias-rojas/ Wed, 24 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=24205 Matias Rojas with Corinthians in August 2023Inter Miami announced on Tuesday that they have signed Paraguay international midfielder Matias Rojas on a contract until the end of the 2024 season. Rojas is expected to provide depth to the MLS side’s injury-ravaged roster with his ability to play various midfield positions.  Rojas will join Inter as a free agent following a stint […]

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Inter Miami announced on Tuesday that they have signed Paraguay international midfielder Matias Rojas on a contract until the end of the 2024 season. Rojas is expected to provide depth to the MLS side’s injury-ravaged roster with his ability to play various midfield positions. 

Rojas will join Inter as a free agent following a stint with Brazil’s powerhouse Corinthians.

“I’m happy, joining a spectacular Club like Inter Miami is a dream come true. I’m excited to compete and help my teammates achieve the team’s objectives,” said Rojas in a statement released by the club.

Rojas started his professional career with Paraguay side Cerro Porteño before embarking on stints with Lanus, Defensa y Justicia, Racing Club, and Corinthians. He hasn’t played a single game since February, being involved in a wage dispute with Corinthians.

Rojas has also been a frequent feature on the Paraguay national team in recent years, making 16 international appearances and scoring one goal.

Inter Miami was recently hit with a number of injuries. Youngster Diego Gomez is currently dealing with a sprained ankle and is expected to miss up to six months, while the club also can’t count on left-back Jordi Alba, forward Leonardo Campana, and attacking midfielder Facundo Farias for the time being.

Despite this, Inter is currently sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference with 18 points from the first 10 matches of the campaign.

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LA Galaxy and Inter Miami CF Interested in Sevilla’s Sergio Ramos https://sportzbonanza.com/la-galaxy-and-inter-miami-cf-interested-in-sevillas-sergio-ramos/ Sun, 07 Apr 2024 06:43:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=24089 Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid in 2020Sevilla’s veteran center-back Sergio Ramos will become a free agent in the summer, and his next destination could be the United States. Soccer insider Ekrem Konur Konur reports that several MLS clubs are considering the move for Ramos, with Los Angeles Galaxy and Inter Miami CF being at the top of the list. Ramos’ first […]

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Sevilla’s veteran center-back Sergio Ramos will become a free agent in the summer, and his next destination could be the United States.

Soccer insider Ekrem Konur Konur reports that several MLS clubs are considering the move for Ramos, with Los Angeles Galaxy and Inter Miami CF being at the top of the list.

Ramos’ first choice would be to stay with Sevilla, but it is unclear whether the club feels the same way. While they respect everything that Ramos has done for the club, they are also keen on getting younger at the back. Additionally, the club is trying to cut costs, and removing his $2 million salary from the books would help the cause.

 Ramos was already linked with MLS last summer when his contract with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain expired. At the time, he was reportedly considering a move to LAFC but ended up taking the opportunity to return to Sevilla. Ramos is a Sevilla youth academy graduate and played his first two seasons as a pro with the club.

Sergio Ramos is best known for his time with Real Madrid, where he played for 16 seasons and made 671 appearances. He won more than 20 trophies during that time, including five La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.

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Olivier Giroud is Nearing a Designated Player Agreement With LAFC https://sportzbonanza.com/olivier-giroud-is-nearing-a-designated-player-agreement-with-lafc/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=24029 Olivier Giroud with Chelsea in August 2019French striker Olivier Giroud is coming to MLS. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Giroud is nearing an agreement with LAFC. Giroud is expected to sign a Designated Player contract with LAFC and will join his new club once his campaign with France’s national team at UEFA Euro 2024 wraps up. The deal is expected […]

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French striker Olivier Giroud is coming to MLS. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Giroud is nearing an agreement with LAFC.

Giroud is expected to sign a Designated Player contract with LAFC and will join his new club once his campaign with France’s national team at UEFA Euro 2024 wraps up. The deal is expected to keep Giroud in Los Angeles through the 2025 season.

It was recently reported that Giroud, who will become a free agent in the summer after his contract with Seria A powerhouse AC Milan expires, has been in contact with a number of MLS clubs, including LA Galaxy. However, LAFC always had the upper hand in the negotiations, considering they had the player’s discovery rights and were able to sign him without any hold-ups.

Giroud has scored 14 goals and added nine assists in 36 matches for Milan in 2023-24, his third season with the club. He previously also played for Montpellier, Arsenal, and Chelsea among other clubs.

LAFC has been on a great run in recent two seasons, making back-to-back MLS Cup Finals appearances and winning a title in 2022. The club made a number of moves this offseason to keep that run going including signing forward Denis Bouanga to a long-term extension and bringing in veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. They are currently sixth in the Western Conference with seven points from the first five games of the 2024 season. 

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Mexican Forward Daniel Rios Returns to MLS, Joins Atlanta United on Loan https://sportzbonanza.com/mexican-forward-daniel-rios-returns-to-mls-joins-atlanta-united-on-loan/ Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23968 Daniel Rios with Nashville SC in July 2021Atlanta United announced on Wednesday that they have acquired Mexican forward Daniel Rios on loan from Liga MX’s CD Guadalajara (Chivas). According to the MLS side, Rios joins the club until the end of the 2024 campaign and will occupy a supplemental roster spot. Rios is well familiar with MLS, having played in the league […]

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Atlanta United announced on Wednesday that they have acquired Mexican forward Daniel Rios on loan from Liga MX’s CD Guadalajara (Chivas). According to the MLS side, Rios joins the club until the end of the 2024 campaign and will occupy a supplemental roster spot.

Rios is well familiar with MLS, having played in the league between 2020 and 2022 with Nashville SC and Charlotte FC. He has scored 12 goals in 57 matches during that period.

According to Atlanta’s vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra, the team wanted to strengthen their attacking depth and felt that Rios was a perfect choice due to his previous experience in MLS.

“We have been looking to strengthen our depth in the attack and find a proven goal scorer who knows MLS,” said Bocanegra in a statement. “Daniel is a player we are familiar with from his previous stops in the league. Looking ahead to a busy summer with MLS, U.S. Open Cup, and Leagues Cup, along with the potential to lose several players to both Euros and Copa America, we believe Daniel brings quality to our team and adds competition to the group.”

Rios made his professional debut with Chivas in 2015 but spent most of his early career on loans. In 2018, he was loaned out to USL side North Carolina FC, where he scored 20 goals in 32 games. This prompted Nashville to make him their first MLS signing. He would go on to spend another season in the USL, scoring 21 goals and becoming the first player in league history to score 20 goals in back-to-back seasons.

Rios left MLS at the end of the 2022 season to rejoin Chivas. However, he struggled to find playing time with his boyhood club, making only 19 appearances.

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Ex-Newcastle Midfielder Matty Longstaff Joins Toronto FC https://sportzbonanza.com/ex-newcastle-midfielder-matty-longstaff-joins-toronto-fc/ Sat, 02 Mar 2024 06:32:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23793 Newly-signed Toronto FC midfielder Matty Longstaff in March 2024Toronto FC announced the signing of former Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff. The two sides agreed to a two-year deal with an option for 2026. Longstaff became a free agent after being released by Newcastle this past summer. He hasn’t played competitively since late 2022, suffering an ACL injury while on loan with EFL League Two […]

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Toronto FC announced the signing of former Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff. The two sides agreed to a two-year deal with an option for 2026.

Longstaff became a free agent after being released by Newcastle this past summer. He hasn’t played competitively since late 2022, suffering an ACL injury while on loan with EFL League Two side Colchester United.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Matty to our squad,” said Toronto’s head coach John Herdman in a statement. “His Premier League experience and dynamic playing style will add depth to our midfield and complement our tactical blueprint.”

Adding Longstaff brings creativity to Toronto’s team, which struggled at the start of the 2024 MLS season. The 2017 MLS Cup champions are winless in the first three games of the campaign and have only scored one goal.

Matty Longstaff came through Newcastle United’s youth ranks and made his senior team debut during the 2019–20 season. He played a total of 20 games since then, scoring three goals.

Longstaff went on several loan stints during his time with Newcastle, suiting up for Scottish side Aberdeen and Mansfield Town apart from his spell with Colchester. His best season came in 2021–22 when he had six goals, and two assists in 18 games with Mansfield.

Longstaff also played with England’s U20, making two international appearances.

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Chicago Fire Set to Sign USMNT Midfielder Kellyn Acosta https://sportzbonanza.com/chicago-fire-set-to-sign-usmnt-midfielder-kellyn-acosta/ Thu, 08 Feb 2024 06:57:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23613 Kellyn Acosta during the international friendly between the United States and Bosnia & Herzegovina in December 2021Chicago Fire is on the verge of adding a significant piece to its squad ahead of the 2024 MLS season. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Fire is finalizing a deal with U.S. international midfielder Kellyn Acosta. Acosta is a free agent after his contract with LAFC expired at the end of the 2023 campaign. […]

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Chicago Fire is on the verge of adding a significant piece to its squad ahead of the 2024 MLS season. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Fire is finalizing a deal with U.S. international midfielder Kellyn Acosta.

Acosta is a free agent after his contract with LAFC expired at the end of the 2023 campaign. The 28-year-old player reportedly received interest from several other MLS teams as well as teams for Europe but decided to continue his career in Chicago.

Bogert reports that Fire made Acosta the focal point of their offseason efforts, intending to make him the “centerpiece” of their overhauled roster. The club previously also added highly-rated Belgian forward Hugo Cuypers as they look to return to MLS Cup playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Kellyn Acosta spent his entire career in MLS, suiting up for FC Dallas, Colorado Rapids, and LAFC. The Plano, Texas native played a total of 252 games in MLS throughout his career, scoring 18 goals and dishing 25 assists. He has a U.S. Open Cup trophy with Dallas from 2016 while also winning MLS Cup with LAFC in 2022.

Acosta is also a member of the United States men’s national team. He received his senior team debut in 2016 and went on to make 58 appearances for the national side.

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MLS Withdraws First Teams From U.S. Open Cup https://sportzbonanza.com/mls-withdraws-first-teams-from-u-s-open-cup/ Sat, 16 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23027 Pre Game Presentation during Inter Miami CF vs. Houston Dynamo, U.S. Open Cup Final in September 2023Major League Soccer confirmed on Friday that it will not send its first teams to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2024. Instead, the league will send teams from its two-year-old development league, MLS Next Pro, to the nation’s oldest soccer tournament. This comes after MLS commissioner Don Garber criticized the state of the […]

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Major League Soccer confirmed on Friday that it will not send its first teams to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2024. Instead, the league will send teams from its two-year-old development league, MLS Next Pro, to the nation’s oldest soccer tournament. This comes after MLS commissioner Don Garber criticized the state of the tournament during a U.S. Soccer Federation board of directors meeting in May.

Calling it “a very poor reflection on what it is that we’re trying to do with soccer at the highest level”, Garber addressed his accusation during Friday’s announcement. “I made those comments because I believe that if we’re going to have our professional teams competing in a tournament that is the oldest tournament of its type anywhere in the country, we all need to embrace it.” This comes after negative feedback from the club level given increased fixture congestion in recent seasons.

Following the introduction of the expanded Leagues Cup competition involving the MLS and the Liga MX, there has been a growing belief that the prestige of the U.S. Open Cup has diminished. An MLS spokesperson stated that the league will make a final determination after the 2024 season regarding its first teams’ participation in the tournament.

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Chicago Fire Hire Frank Klopas as Head Coach on a Permanent Basis https://sportzbonanza.com/chicago-fire-hire-frank-klopas-as-head-coach-on-a-permanent-basis/ Wed, 06 Dec 2023 06:32:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=22915 Frank Klopas, Head Coach for the Chicago Fire FC in July 2023The Chicago Fire has seen enough from their interim head coach, Frank Klopas, to give him the job on a permanent basis. The Fire announced the news on Tuesday. Klopas took over back in May following the departure of Ezra Hendrickson. In 24 games in charge, the former U.S. international compiled a record of 8-5-11, […]

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The Chicago Fire has seen enough from their interim head coach, Frank Klopas, to give him the job on a permanent basis. The Fire announced the news on Tuesday.

Klopas took over back in May following the departure of Ezra Hendrickson. In 24 games in charge, the former U.S. international compiled a record of 8-5-11, recording 29 points. Chicago finished 13th in the Eastern Conference standings.

According to Fire’s sporting director Georg Heitz, the club conducted an extensive search for their new head coach but circled back to Klopas, seeing him as the best choice.

“Frank is hard working, has strong relationships with our players and staff, and knows what it takes to be successful in this League,” said Heitz. “During the interview process Frank laid out a clear plan to create a winning culture and mentality within the Club, and we are all aligned on the areas that we need to strengthen to be much more competitive in 2024.”

Frank Klopas finished his playing career with the Chicago Fire in 1999 and remained at the club as strength and conditioning trainer. Later, Klopas managed the indoor soccer team Chicago Storm before rejoining Fire as a technical director in 2008.

In 2011, Klopas was named Fire’s interim head coach and went on to coach the club through the 2013 campaign before stepping down. He also served as a head coach for Montreal Impact and had another interim stint with Fire in 2021.

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Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann Reiterates His Intention to Play in MLS https://sportzbonanza.com/atleticos-antoine-griezmann-reiterates-his-intention-to-play-in-mls/ Thu, 17 Aug 2023 06:46:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=21646 Antoine Griezmann with Barcelona in 2019Atletico Madrid’s star Antoine Griezmann has been on record saying that he wants to play in MLS one day. He reiterated his intention to come to the United States on Wednesday during a virtual press conference organized by La Liga and ESPN. Griezmann spoke about the effect that Argentinean star Lionel Messi’s arrival had on […]

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Atletico Madrid’s star Antoine Griezmann has been on record saying that he wants to play in MLS one day. He reiterated his intention to come to the United States on Wednesday during a virtual press conference organized by La Liga and ESPN.

Griezmann spoke about the effect that Argentinean star Lionel Messi’s arrival had on MLS and shared that he is following his former Barcelona teammate’s new adventure closely.

“He’s incredible, and I think it’s the best thing MLS has done to bring in Leo, in terms of marketing and in terms of football,” Griezmann said via ESPN.

The 32-year-old Frenchman made it clear that he wants to follow in Messi’s footsteps.

“I’ve always said it. My target is to end up there, with everything that I like about American sports, playing in MLS and enjoying myself, being able to win things and be at my best level,” he added.

But before coming to MLS, Griezmann wants to achieve great things with Atletico.

“First I want to make history here and win trophies at Atleti. After that we’ll see…” Griezmann explained.

Antoine Griezmann had a successful 2022-23 campaign on an individual level, scoring 16 goals and adding 19 assists in all competitions. However, Atletico underperformed, coming third in La Liga and finishing last in Group B in UEFA Champions League.

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ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> MLS Archives - SportzBonanza SportzBonanza Thu, 25 Apr 2024 14:35:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 San Jose Earthquakes Break Club Record to Sign Godoy Cruz Midfielder Hernan Lopez https://sportzbonanza.com/san-jose-earthquakes-break-club-record-to-sign-godoy-cruz-midfielder-hernan-lopez/ Fri, 26 Apr 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=24220 The San Jose Earthquakes made a big move ahead of the closing of the MLS transfer window, signing attacking midfielder Hernan Lopez from Argentine side Godoy Cruz. The transfer is reportedly the most expensive in the club’s history. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, the Earthquakes formally completed the deal on Tuesday. It will see […]

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The San Jose Earthquakes made a big move ahead of the closing of the MLS transfer window, signing attacking midfielder Hernan Lopez from Argentine side Godoy Cruz. The transfer is reportedly the most expensive in the club’s history.

According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, the Earthquakes formally completed the deal on Tuesday. It will see the club pay $6 million to River for Lopez’s services, while the player is expected to ink a Designated Player contract. San Jose’s previous biggest transfer was signing Ecuadorian midfielder Carlos Gruezo for $2.9 million in 2023.

Hernan Lopez started his professional career with Argentina’s Primera División powerhouse River Plate, receiving his debut in 2019. He later spent time on loan with Central Córdoba before joining Godoy Cruz on loan in 2023. River and Godoy owned 50% of Lopez’s rights each before his transfer to San Jose.

Lopez played 13 games for Godoy in 2024, scoring two goals. In 2023, he scored five goals and added six assists in 38 matches in all competitions.

San Jose Earthquakes have been the worst club in MLS this season, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with one win and eight losses in their first nine games. Adding Lopez is expected to greatly improve their squad and perhaps help them turn around their campaign.

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Inter Miami Sign Paraguay International Midfielder Matias Rojas https://sportzbonanza.com/inter-miami-sign-paraguay-international-midfielder-matias-rojas/ Wed, 24 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=24205 Matias Rojas with Corinthians in August 2023Inter Miami announced on Tuesday that they have signed Paraguay international midfielder Matias Rojas on a contract until the end of the 2024 season. Rojas is expected to provide depth to the MLS side’s injury-ravaged roster with his ability to play various midfield positions.  Rojas will join Inter as a free agent following a stint […]

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Inter Miami announced on Tuesday that they have signed Paraguay international midfielder Matias Rojas on a contract until the end of the 2024 season. Rojas is expected to provide depth to the MLS side’s injury-ravaged roster with his ability to play various midfield positions. 

Rojas will join Inter as a free agent following a stint with Brazil’s powerhouse Corinthians.

“I’m happy, joining a spectacular Club like Inter Miami is a dream come true. I’m excited to compete and help my teammates achieve the team’s objectives,” said Rojas in a statement released by the club.

Rojas started his professional career with Paraguay side Cerro Porteño before embarking on stints with Lanus, Defensa y Justicia, Racing Club, and Corinthians. He hasn’t played a single game since February, being involved in a wage dispute with Corinthians.

Rojas has also been a frequent feature on the Paraguay national team in recent years, making 16 international appearances and scoring one goal.

Inter Miami was recently hit with a number of injuries. Youngster Diego Gomez is currently dealing with a sprained ankle and is expected to miss up to six months, while the club also can’t count on left-back Jordi Alba, forward Leonardo Campana, and attacking midfielder Facundo Farias for the time being.

Despite this, Inter is currently sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference with 18 points from the first 10 matches of the campaign.

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LA Galaxy and Inter Miami CF Interested in Sevilla’s Sergio Ramos https://sportzbonanza.com/la-galaxy-and-inter-miami-cf-interested-in-sevillas-sergio-ramos/ Sun, 07 Apr 2024 06:43:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=24089 Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid in 2020Sevilla’s veteran center-back Sergio Ramos will become a free agent in the summer, and his next destination could be the United States. Soccer insider Ekrem Konur Konur reports that several MLS clubs are considering the move for Ramos, with Los Angeles Galaxy and Inter Miami CF being at the top of the list. Ramos’ first […]

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Sevilla’s veteran center-back Sergio Ramos will become a free agent in the summer, and his next destination could be the United States.

Soccer insider Ekrem Konur Konur reports that several MLS clubs are considering the move for Ramos, with Los Angeles Galaxy and Inter Miami CF being at the top of the list.

Ramos’ first choice would be to stay with Sevilla, but it is unclear whether the club feels the same way. While they respect everything that Ramos has done for the club, they are also keen on getting younger at the back. Additionally, the club is trying to cut costs, and removing his $2 million salary from the books would help the cause.

 Ramos was already linked with MLS last summer when his contract with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain expired. At the time, he was reportedly considering a move to LAFC but ended up taking the opportunity to return to Sevilla. Ramos is a Sevilla youth academy graduate and played his first two seasons as a pro with the club.

Sergio Ramos is best known for his time with Real Madrid, where he played for 16 seasons and made 671 appearances. He won more than 20 trophies during that time, including five La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.

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Olivier Giroud is Nearing a Designated Player Agreement With LAFC https://sportzbonanza.com/olivier-giroud-is-nearing-a-designated-player-agreement-with-lafc/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=24029 Olivier Giroud with Chelsea in August 2019French striker Olivier Giroud is coming to MLS. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Giroud is nearing an agreement with LAFC. Giroud is expected to sign a Designated Player contract with LAFC and will join his new club once his campaign with France’s national team at UEFA Euro 2024 wraps up. The deal is expected […]

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French striker Olivier Giroud is coming to MLS. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Giroud is nearing an agreement with LAFC.

Giroud is expected to sign a Designated Player contract with LAFC and will join his new club once his campaign with France’s national team at UEFA Euro 2024 wraps up. The deal is expected to keep Giroud in Los Angeles through the 2025 season.

It was recently reported that Giroud, who will become a free agent in the summer after his contract with Seria A powerhouse AC Milan expires, has been in contact with a number of MLS clubs, including LA Galaxy. However, LAFC always had the upper hand in the negotiations, considering they had the player’s discovery rights and were able to sign him without any hold-ups.

Giroud has scored 14 goals and added nine assists in 36 matches for Milan in 2023-24, his third season with the club. He previously also played for Montpellier, Arsenal, and Chelsea among other clubs.

LAFC has been on a great run in recent two seasons, making back-to-back MLS Cup Finals appearances and winning a title in 2022. The club made a number of moves this offseason to keep that run going including signing forward Denis Bouanga to a long-term extension and bringing in veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. They are currently sixth in the Western Conference with seven points from the first five games of the 2024 season. 

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Mexican Forward Daniel Rios Returns to MLS, Joins Atlanta United on Loan https://sportzbonanza.com/mexican-forward-daniel-rios-returns-to-mls-joins-atlanta-united-on-loan/ Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:45:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23968 Daniel Rios with Nashville SC in July 2021Atlanta United announced on Wednesday that they have acquired Mexican forward Daniel Rios on loan from Liga MX’s CD Guadalajara (Chivas). According to the MLS side, Rios joins the club until the end of the 2024 campaign and will occupy a supplemental roster spot. Rios is well familiar with MLS, having played in the league […]

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Atlanta United announced on Wednesday that they have acquired Mexican forward Daniel Rios on loan from Liga MX’s CD Guadalajara (Chivas). According to the MLS side, Rios joins the club until the end of the 2024 campaign and will occupy a supplemental roster spot.

Rios is well familiar with MLS, having played in the league between 2020 and 2022 with Nashville SC and Charlotte FC. He has scored 12 goals in 57 matches during that period.

According to Atlanta’s vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra, the team wanted to strengthen their attacking depth and felt that Rios was a perfect choice due to his previous experience in MLS.

“We have been looking to strengthen our depth in the attack and find a proven goal scorer who knows MLS,” said Bocanegra in a statement. “Daniel is a player we are familiar with from his previous stops in the league. Looking ahead to a busy summer with MLS, U.S. Open Cup, and Leagues Cup, along with the potential to lose several players to both Euros and Copa America, we believe Daniel brings quality to our team and adds competition to the group.”

Rios made his professional debut with Chivas in 2015 but spent most of his early career on loans. In 2018, he was loaned out to USL side North Carolina FC, where he scored 20 goals in 32 games. This prompted Nashville to make him their first MLS signing. He would go on to spend another season in the USL, scoring 21 goals and becoming the first player in league history to score 20 goals in back-to-back seasons.

Rios left MLS at the end of the 2022 season to rejoin Chivas. However, he struggled to find playing time with his boyhood club, making only 19 appearances.

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Ex-Newcastle Midfielder Matty Longstaff Joins Toronto FC https://sportzbonanza.com/ex-newcastle-midfielder-matty-longstaff-joins-toronto-fc/ Sat, 02 Mar 2024 06:32:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23793 Newly-signed Toronto FC midfielder Matty Longstaff in March 2024Toronto FC announced the signing of former Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff. The two sides agreed to a two-year deal with an option for 2026. Longstaff became a free agent after being released by Newcastle this past summer. He hasn’t played competitively since late 2022, suffering an ACL injury while on loan with EFL League Two […]

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Toronto FC announced the signing of former Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff. The two sides agreed to a two-year deal with an option for 2026.

Longstaff became a free agent after being released by Newcastle this past summer. He hasn’t played competitively since late 2022, suffering an ACL injury while on loan with EFL League Two side Colchester United.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Matty to our squad,” said Toronto’s head coach John Herdman in a statement. “His Premier League experience and dynamic playing style will add depth to our midfield and complement our tactical blueprint.”

Adding Longstaff brings creativity to Toronto’s team, which struggled at the start of the 2024 MLS season. The 2017 MLS Cup champions are winless in the first three games of the campaign and have only scored one goal.

Matty Longstaff came through Newcastle United’s youth ranks and made his senior team debut during the 2019–20 season. He played a total of 20 games since then, scoring three goals.

Longstaff went on several loan stints during his time with Newcastle, suiting up for Scottish side Aberdeen and Mansfield Town apart from his spell with Colchester. His best season came in 2021–22 when he had six goals, and two assists in 18 games with Mansfield.

Longstaff also played with England’s U20, making two international appearances.

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Chicago Fire Set to Sign USMNT Midfielder Kellyn Acosta https://sportzbonanza.com/chicago-fire-set-to-sign-usmnt-midfielder-kellyn-acosta/ Thu, 08 Feb 2024 06:57:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23613 Kellyn Acosta during the international friendly between the United States and Bosnia & Herzegovina in December 2021Chicago Fire is on the verge of adding a significant piece to its squad ahead of the 2024 MLS season. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Fire is finalizing a deal with U.S. international midfielder Kellyn Acosta. Acosta is a free agent after his contract with LAFC expired at the end of the 2023 campaign. […]

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Chicago Fire is on the verge of adding a significant piece to its squad ahead of the 2024 MLS season. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Fire is finalizing a deal with U.S. international midfielder Kellyn Acosta.

Acosta is a free agent after his contract with LAFC expired at the end of the 2023 campaign. The 28-year-old player reportedly received interest from several other MLS teams as well as teams for Europe but decided to continue his career in Chicago.

Bogert reports that Fire made Acosta the focal point of their offseason efforts, intending to make him the “centerpiece” of their overhauled roster. The club previously also added highly-rated Belgian forward Hugo Cuypers as they look to return to MLS Cup playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Kellyn Acosta spent his entire career in MLS, suiting up for FC Dallas, Colorado Rapids, and LAFC. The Plano, Texas native played a total of 252 games in MLS throughout his career, scoring 18 goals and dishing 25 assists. He has a U.S. Open Cup trophy with Dallas from 2016 while also winning MLS Cup with LAFC in 2022.

Acosta is also a member of the United States men’s national team. He received his senior team debut in 2016 and went on to make 58 appearances for the national side.

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MLS Withdraws First Teams From U.S. Open Cup https://sportzbonanza.com/mls-withdraws-first-teams-from-u-s-open-cup/ Sat, 16 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23027 Pre Game Presentation during Inter Miami CF vs. Houston Dynamo, U.S. Open Cup Final in September 2023Major League Soccer confirmed on Friday that it will not send its first teams to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2024. Instead, the league will send teams from its two-year-old development league, MLS Next Pro, to the nation’s oldest soccer tournament. This comes after MLS commissioner Don Garber criticized the state of the […]

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Major League Soccer confirmed on Friday that it will not send its first teams to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2024. Instead, the league will send teams from its two-year-old development league, MLS Next Pro, to the nation’s oldest soccer tournament. This comes after MLS commissioner Don Garber criticized the state of the tournament during a U.S. Soccer Federation board of directors meeting in May.

Calling it “a very poor reflection on what it is that we’re trying to do with soccer at the highest level”, Garber addressed his accusation during Friday’s announcement. “I made those comments because I believe that if we’re going to have our professional teams competing in a tournament that is the oldest tournament of its type anywhere in the country, we all need to embrace it.” This comes after negative feedback from the club level given increased fixture congestion in recent seasons.

Following the introduction of the expanded Leagues Cup competition involving the MLS and the Liga MX, there has been a growing belief that the prestige of the U.S. Open Cup has diminished. An MLS spokesperson stated that the league will make a final determination after the 2024 season regarding its first teams’ participation in the tournament.

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Chicago Fire Hire Frank Klopas as Head Coach on a Permanent Basis https://sportzbonanza.com/chicago-fire-hire-frank-klopas-as-head-coach-on-a-permanent-basis/ Wed, 06 Dec 2023 06:32:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=22915 Frank Klopas, Head Coach for the Chicago Fire FC in July 2023The Chicago Fire has seen enough from their interim head coach, Frank Klopas, to give him the job on a permanent basis. The Fire announced the news on Tuesday. Klopas took over back in May following the departure of Ezra Hendrickson. In 24 games in charge, the former U.S. international compiled a record of 8-5-11, […]

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The Chicago Fire has seen enough from their interim head coach, Frank Klopas, to give him the job on a permanent basis. The Fire announced the news on Tuesday.

Klopas took over back in May following the departure of Ezra Hendrickson. In 24 games in charge, the former U.S. international compiled a record of 8-5-11, recording 29 points. Chicago finished 13th in the Eastern Conference standings.

According to Fire’s sporting director Georg Heitz, the club conducted an extensive search for their new head coach but circled back to Klopas, seeing him as the best choice.

“Frank is hard working, has strong relationships with our players and staff, and knows what it takes to be successful in this League,” said Heitz. “During the interview process Frank laid out a clear plan to create a winning culture and mentality within the Club, and we are all aligned on the areas that we need to strengthen to be much more competitive in 2024.”

Frank Klopas finished his playing career with the Chicago Fire in 1999 and remained at the club as strength and conditioning trainer. Later, Klopas managed the indoor soccer team Chicago Storm before rejoining Fire as a technical director in 2008.

In 2011, Klopas was named Fire’s interim head coach and went on to coach the club through the 2013 campaign before stepping down. He also served as a head coach for Montreal Impact and had another interim stint with Fire in 2021.

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Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann Reiterates His Intention to Play in MLS https://sportzbonanza.com/atleticos-antoine-griezmann-reiterates-his-intention-to-play-in-mls/ Thu, 17 Aug 2023 06:46:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=21646 Antoine Griezmann with Barcelona in 2019Atletico Madrid’s star Antoine Griezmann has been on record saying that he wants to play in MLS one day. He reiterated his intention to come to the United States on Wednesday during a virtual press conference organized by La Liga and ESPN. Griezmann spoke about the effect that Argentinean star Lionel Messi’s arrival had on […]

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Atletico Madrid’s star Antoine Griezmann has been on record saying that he wants to play in MLS one day. He reiterated his intention to come to the United States on Wednesday during a virtual press conference organized by La Liga and ESPN.

Griezmann spoke about the effect that Argentinean star Lionel Messi’s arrival had on MLS and shared that he is following his former Barcelona teammate’s new adventure closely.

“He’s incredible, and I think it’s the best thing MLS has done to bring in Leo, in terms of marketing and in terms of football,” Griezmann said via ESPN.

The 32-year-old Frenchman made it clear that he wants to follow in Messi’s footsteps.

“I’ve always said it. My target is to end up there, with everything that I like about American sports, playing in MLS and enjoying myself, being able to win things and be at my best level,” he added.

But before coming to MLS, Griezmann wants to achieve great things with Atletico.

“First I want to make history here and win trophies at Atleti. After that we’ll see…” Griezmann explained.

Antoine Griezmann had a successful 2022-23 campaign on an individual level, scoring 16 goals and adding 19 assists in all competitions. However, Atletico underperformed, coming third in La Liga and finishing last in Group B in UEFA Champions League.

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