12/13/12 Soccer News & Notes: Timbers & Diskerud, Marquez, U-20 Roster

Caleb Porter is doing his best to make an impact as new coach of the Portland Timbers and seems to have the backing of owner Merritt Paulson.  News surfaced today that Mix Diskerud is on the verge to the Timbers, which adds an amazing dynamic to their offensive play.  Darlington Ngabe will probably move out wide allowing Diskerud to control the center of the pitch.  Porter likes an attacking style and will need players that can control possession, which is why Diskerud would fit right in.  He would pair with another newly acquired midfielder, Will Johnson.  Diskerud would be coming from Norway as a player with pure playmaking skills.  Unfortunately many see this as a lateral move or even a step down for a developing U.S. National Team member.  Soccer By Ives has more on the move.

This is a great move for Portland but what about for Mix?  Let us know what you think in the comments below.

In other MLS news, the New York Red Bulls released Rafa Marquez today and there was much rejoicing.  Seen as the largest villian in Major League Soccer, not many are sad to see Marquez leave on of the biggest markets.

Marquez made 4.6 million a year but his absence opens up a designated player spot for the Red Bulls.  Kaka has been rumored to Los Angeles, so will New York now join the race?  Jonah Freedman chimes in with who the new MLS top villain will be in 2013.   More information on the release of the Mexican defender here.

September 2, 2012; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes defender Ike Opara (55) heads the ball above Chivas USA midfielder Tristan Bowen (20) during the second half at Buck Shaw Stadium. The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Chivas USA 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Bulls made big news by releasing a player, but Sporting Kansas City is doing the same by adding players.    The additions began with Benny Feilhaber coming over from the New England Revolution in exchange for draft picks and allocation money.  Feilhaber will be a great addition as a box to box midfielder and seems excited about the move.  Then Sporting made a trade with San Jose for 23 year old center back Ike Opara.    Peter Vermes was happy about the move.

"Ike is a player we had very high on our draft board three years ago. If we had the top two picks, we would have selected both him and Teal (Bunbury).  He possesses all of the qualities and characteristics of becoming a top-level central defender in MLS. We are excited about all of his potential and look forward to working with him in the preseason."

Then today KC added more depth to their back line with a 21 year old from Cameroon.  Yann Sango’o signing will pass as his Visa and paperwork are completed.  Songo’o trained with Sporting last year.

Major League Soccer runner up Houston has secured three of its key players.  

The MLS also released Stage 2 Re-Entry draft names.

The U.S. under-20 Men’s National Team is set to begin a week long training session in Florida and coach Tab Ramos called in a 24-man roster today.  This camp is intended to prepare the squad for the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in February.  Luis Gil and Jack McBeam headline the group.

Finally, our buddy Jermaine Jones has been suspended for four matches after his red card this past weekend.  In all honesty, we did not think the tackle that gained him the booking was all that harsh, but we know he has a history.  However, it can be easily argued that the tackle was from behind to give Jones his first ever straight red.  Schalke has announced that it will appeal the decision.