Around MLS: Rimando relishes USA call, Toronto FC spurns Defoe bids
PRAGUE
U.S. coach Jürgen Klinsmann relied on European-based players to comprise the bulk of his squad for Wednesday's friendly against Czech Republic. The decision to leave his domestic-based players at home made sense with MLS right in the middle of its postseason chase.
Klinsmann made one exception, though: Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando. The lone MLS representative in this 22-man squad will play a half against the Czechs, Klinsmann said on Tuesday. It is a long haul for two days of training and a half of action in an international friendly, but Rimando said he did not hesitate to accept the call and push his claims for a continued place in the squad.
"Whenever the US calls, it's never something I'll pass up," Rimando said. "For me, it's such an honor and a privilege to be in this situation. I'm not going to miss a game on Saturday, which I think helps out the situation a little bit. At the end of the season, you want to get as many points as you can, but, at the same time, it's a huge opportunity for myself."
The timing worked out well enough for Rimando to pull off the feat. RSL played in San Jose on Saturday. He flew to New York and then Prague in time for training on Monday. Once he plays for his country, he will return promptly to Salt Lake City to prepare for the critical match against FC Dallas on Saturday.
Rimando said he hopes RSL will lean on the positive 1-1 draw against the Earthquakes on Saturday night to provide the necessary platform to defeat FCD and strengthen its position in the crowded Western Conference table.
"The West is as strong as ever again," Rimando said. "There are (only a few) points to determine first to fourth. It's going to be close. You have to win your home games. We've got a couple of those left. And you have to get some results on the road."
Toronto FC makes the right call on Jermain Defoe
MLSE CEO Tim Leiweke discussed the thought process behind TFC's decision to retain Defoe despite significant interest from QPR prior to the close of the transfer window on Monday.
Leiweke told the Toronto Sun the club decided to reject an offer -- $11 million, according to Sportsnet -- for Defoe's services because it wanted to keep him to pursue the club's first playoff bid.
"There was perception that we were trying to sell him," Leiweke told the Sun. "There was a perception on our end he wanted out. We're not interested in him going anywhere. People spin this stuff based on their end goals. There was spinning."
Spin is part and parcel of the transfer market, but the end result is most important. TFC could afford to spurn offers for Defoe, but it could not bear the possibility of losing Defoe – even with his balky groin creating fitness concerns in the short-term – just days after a regime change.
In the long-term, the money loomed as the smart play. But TFC – at this stage – needs to place the postseason chase first in order to reap the expected dividends from this campaign. The decision to keep Defoe will bolster the Reds as they chase that elusive postseason berth.
D.C. United and Ben Olsen are on the cusp of agreeing to a contract extension to keep Olsen with the club, according to the Washington Post.
Quick hits
D.C. United and Ben Olsen are nearing a contract extension to keep Olsen in charge of the club, according to a report from the Washington Post on Wednesday morning. Olsen is in the final year of his current contract, but United's impress campaign essentially ensured his long-term future with the club. ...
Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall will missed the next 6-9 months after sustaining a ruptured ACL in his right knee, the club announced on Tuesday. Hall is expected to undergo surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital on Friday to repair the damage suffered in the waning stages of Friday's 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City. Tyler Deric is expected to replace Hall as the starter for the remainder of the season. ...
Real Salt Lake forward Alvaro Saborio is back in full training now, RSL coach Jeff Cassar told ESPN 700 on Tuesday. Saborio is now day-to-day, according to Cassar. If Saborio can return to full fitness over the next couple of weeks, then RSL will benefit greatly from his ability to complement Joao Plata up front and provide his ruthless touch in the final third as the Western Conference playoff chase continues. ...
Colorado is on the cusp of adding an unidentified, European-based center back to its depleted defensive ranks. "I know that he's experienced, and he's been a fixture in every team he's played," Rapids coach Pablo Mastroeni told the Denver Post. ...
The pressing question ahead of New England – Sporting Kansas City tonight (7:30p.m. ET, MLS Live): How much will Jermaine Jones play with Scott Caldwell ruled out through caution accumulation? Revs coach Jay Heaps boasts few options capable of playing Caldwell's usual holding role. Jones isn't likely ready to play 90 minutes yet, but he might find himself pressed into service if Heaps opts to leave A.J. Soares in central defense. ...
Greg Vanney debuts as Toronto FC boss when the Reds visit Philadelphia tonight (10:30p.m. ET, MLS Live). Vanney promised a couple of lineup changes and more energy when he spoke with reporters on Tuesday, but he'll need to sort out the defensive concerns first and foremost given the Union's recent productivity in front of goal. TFC recently summoned Doneil Henry and Ashtone Morgan back from Canadian national team obligations to provide more options in the defensive department. ...
Chivas USA is currently mired in the middle of a 546-minute scoreless streak (longest in MLS this season, per league statistics) and a seven-match winless streak. The former statistic might change when Seattle visits StubHub Center tonight, but it is difficult imagine this Red-and-White defense – still missing the influential Carlos Bocanegra – holding out against Sounders FC's potent attack.
