It's amazing how quickly news moves in today's age. Earlier today I was shown this article from Ecuador saying that former LDU Quito forward, Franklin Salas was on his way to KC. The article made it sound like the deal was done. After Tweeting about the rumor, it was picked up by Charles Gooch from the Star and The Full 90. Since he was at the 4th day of preseason training, he was able to speak to coach Peter Vermes about the rumor. And Vermes didn't side step it, instead saying that Salas was a target for the SKC Wizards. Since then, the rumor has even been discussed on the team's website.
Vermes made the deal sound a lot more like a trial than the done deal that the article out of Ecuador did. Of course this could be a mutual trial type thing like the trial that Julio Cesar Santos is on, where it's more of a look and see period for both sides. Salas had over 200 appearances for LDU Quito, and scored almost 50 goals for the club. He's made one trip outside of the country to play for Red Star Belgrade, but made few appearances for the club. He's also appeared 21 times for the Ecuadorian national team. He'd certainly add more potential offense to what is already becoming a very crowded front line with Omar Bravo, Kei Kamara, Teal Bunbury, Ryan Smith, and CJ Sapong. Add in trialists like Adda Djeziri and it'll be an interesting battle for starting spots.
Don't forget Mike, they are also still hoping to bring in another attacking midfielder (PV said they have three "on the docket" right now). All, I believe, are max-contract guys.
ReplyDeleteI bet there are at least a couple more than we know about. He told me a few more players will join us in Arizona.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSalas is called "El Mago" in Ecuador because he is really a magician with the ball. He didn't have good chemistry with Liga coach Bauza and for that reason alone it seems didn't get his fair share of minutes for the past year. I hope the deal works out, it'll help both KC and Salas.
ReplyDeleteI am not going to complain about having too many goalscorers. But I would like KC to address the defensive mid position.
ReplyDeleteI really thought that Craig Rocastle hussled hard and played his role well. However, with both Auvaray and Rocastle on the field it left so much possession and attacking responsibility to Davy in the middle.
It'd be nice to have a real two-way center mid that could pressure & win balls like Rocastle/Auvary AND possess & pass the ball well.