The MLS-Half Day trade window is usually slow in terms of league news, especially the morning after a late night party like MLS Cup. But it’s a reminder that we’re right back to the business of the offseason. Austin FC capitalized on that window by making four player acquisitions with their treasure trove of Allocation Money.
Austin FC Adds Nick Lima, Three Others
Nick Lima acquired from San Jose Earthquakes for $500k in Allocation Money
The San Jose Earthquakes sent Home Grown Right-Back Nick Lima, to Austin for half a million in allocation money. Lima has made over 100 appearances for his home town team and even broke into the national team. However, a lot of his early success came prior to the arrival of Matias Almeyda, who benched and even moved Nick Lima to left-back at times. After a rough 2019 for Lima, he eventually returned to form later in the season and was a key figure in their playoff run. He will likely excel on the right side in a much more traditional tactical setup, and look for him to be penciled in at the RB spot for most of the season.
Ben Sweat Acquired from Inter Miami for $100k in Allocation Money
Sweat started 20 of 22 matches for Inter Miami after joining them through the expansion draft process from NYCFC last offseason. Sweat will get his second straight year of expansion team soccer when he suits up for the Austin FC. In his career Sweat has 1 goal and 11 assists from the left-back spot in roughly 8000 minutes. Like Lima, he has USMNT experience, and will likely be penciled into the left-back spot for most of the season.
Julio Cascante Acquired from Portland Timbers for $250k in Allocation Money
Cascante was a nice pick up by the Timbers in 2018, and he played a majority of games for them in their run to the MLS Cup Final that year. But in 2019 he fell out of favor later in the season. During the Timbers’ stretch run Cascante was unused on the bench and this season he only made 5 appearances. Injuries do play a part, but Cascante was clearly out of favor for most of the year. If he can return to his 2018 form, along with the other acquisitions made, Austin FC should be happy with the crew they have assembled.
Ulises Segura Acquired from DC United for $150k in Allocation Money
Segura is another defensive-minded addition to Austin FC, and one that will help in the midfield. Segura can play out on the right or centrally and provides a decent amount in the attack. He had 5 goals and 5 assists in 70 appearances with DC United. He does have a bit of bite too him and can play as a box to box option in the middle as well. With Rodney Redes and Cecilio Dominguez in the squad, Austin FC is certainly taking on a Latin flair and should have a good amount of intensity and bite to them. Segura only adds to that.
Jon Gallagher Acquired from Atlanta United FC for up to $225k in Allocation money
The Irish forward, and former SuperDraft pick for Atlanta United is headed to Austin. Surprisingly, he led Atlanta United in scoring this season with four goals. While you might double-take, you’d have to understand the scenarios that led to that. He does have some talent and a knack for goals, so he’ll be a nice depth piece for Austin.
Other Moves
Around the league, the Timbers also sent homegrown fullback Marco Farfan, to LAFC for $300k in allocation money. The Timbers stayed busy, acquiring $160k in allocation money in exchange for an international roster spot. Nashville also acquired some allocation money, $175k in exchange for an international roster spot that Atlanta needed. And finally, the Colorado Rapids added the No. 6 Overall pick in the MLS Draft by sending $125k in allocation money to the Chicago Fire.
The post Austin FC Adds to Roster in Half-Day Trade Window appeared first on Last Word On Soccer.
Leave a Reply