RED BULLS SIGN PROSPECT
Nigerian news is not often the source for all things Major League Soccer but this week they report that the New York Red Bulls have beaten interest from Norway and the Czech Republic to land 18-year-old hotshot Jerome Philip.
Philip is expected to join the Nigerian U-20 national team for their upcoming qualifiers for the 2019 African Youth Championship. Philip’s signing would fit the profile of other youth international players that the club has brought in to play for its USL side, New York Red Bulls II, such as Douglas Martinez and Junior Flemmings.
COLMAN ORLANDO BOUND
Orlando City are entering the final stages of negotiations to acquire Paraguayan attacking midfielder Josue Colman. Paraguayan reporter Markos Gonzalez revealed that Orlando are in talks to purchase 80 percent of Colman’s rights for $3.5 million from Paraguayan club Cerro Porteño, the former club of Atlanta United manager Tata Martino and Five Stripes star Miguel Almiron.
The 19-year-old is an experienced Paraguayan youth international, he has 16 total appearances with the country’s U-17, U-20 and U-23 teams.
A-LEAGUE TO MLS TRANSFER MOOTED
The Colorado Rapids are interested in veteran Australian midfielder Neil Kilkenny, according to an ESPN report by Peter O’Rourke. The Rapids are monitoring the situation in Melbourne and are considering making an offer for the 32-year-old, who has fallen out of favour at A-League club Melbourne City FC this season.
The former Birmingham City and Leeds United midfielder spent the bulk of his career in the English Championship and League One… but don’t hold that against him.
He moved to Melbourne in 2016, made twenty five appearances and was voted club player of the year in his first season with the team. He hasn’t played much this year, however, appearing in just three of Melbourne’s first eleven matches, with the lack of playing time prompting discussion about a potential exit. Kilkenny has 15 career caps with the Australian national team.
UNION AND PROUD
Philadelphia Union have announced the re-signing of three members of their squad, with Fabinho, Fabian Herbers and Ilsinho set to return next season after either being out of contract or having an option declined at the close of 2017.
Fabinho has registered two goals and fifteen assists in an attacking full back role for the Union over the past four seasons, with at least two assists every year from the Brazilian.
Herbers, a first-round SuperDraft pick in 2016, has chipped in four goals and nine assists over the past two years.
The skilful Ilsinho has notched eight goals and seven assists over fifty two matches with the Union since earning a roster spot after a trial stint in the 2016 preseason.
Any Other Business…
Houston Dynamo have re-signed defender Dylan Remick, their squad now boasts nineteen players… Florian Valot has been promoted from New York Red Bulls II to the senior squad after two years in USL… The candidates to succeed Sunil Gulati as US Soccer Federation president are Paul Caligiuri, Kathy Carter, Carlos Cordeiro, Steve Gans, Kyle Martino, Hope Solo, Michael Winograd and Eric Wynalda… as previously reported on the Rundown, San Jose Earthquakes have signed Swedish striker Magnus Eriksson as a Designated Player, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and international transfer certificate. Well done MLS Rundown!
