101717_isi_woodbobby_usmntjt100617266 John Todd/isiphotos.com
Wednesday kickaround

Increased pressure on Wood, MLS blockbuster, and more

With the holidays over, 2018 is starting to deliver some big news. So far today we already have to talk about an MLS blockbuster trade and significant updates from the German winter camps. 
BY Brian Sciaretta Posted
January 03, 2018
7:00 AM

THE HOLIDAYS ARE OVER, the transfer window is open, the silly season is here, the youth summit is underway, January camp is approaching, and US Soccer’s presidential campaign is in full swing. After a slow period, there is finally real news to cover.

That is good. The end of 2017 was welcome news for American soccer fans but 2018 is a year where change needs to happen. Later today, ASN is going to be dropping a major analytical piece on how MLS needs to change its governing philosophies to find its place in modern global landscape. It will be great.

But before we get there, here is some news

MLS trade blockbuster


For the second straight January, the New York Red Bulls have traded its captain. Now Sacha Kljestan has joined Orlando City in exchange for Carlos Rivas and Tommy Redding. In addition, the Red Bulls also sent $150,000 of targeted allocation money.

As difficult as this is for New York to lose another captain, it is a good move for the organization. Kljestan is now 32 and is entering into the last year of his contract. Instead of getting older, the Red Bulls will continue to turn towards youth.

Last year’s trade of Dax McCarty opened the door for Tyler Adams. This move might finally open the door for Sean Davis or potentially even another foreign signing. Meanwhile, Redding and Rivas are good players who can use a change of scenery.

Gisdol turns up heat on Wood


With the Bundesliga winter camp open, Hamburg SV manager Markus Gisdol has turned up the heat on U.S. international Bobby Wood who saw his playing time reduced this year both because of lingering knee issues and shaky performances.

“I expect Bobby now a significant performance improvement over the first half,” Gisdol told the media. “That's what I call for.”

The new year will be welcome news for Bobby Wood who scored just two goals in 27 Bundesliga games in the 2017 calendar year.


Injured Brooks joins Wolfsburg late

John Brooks is not with Wolfsburg as begins its winter camp in Spain. He has remained in Germany to get treatment on his toe and knee. He is not scheduled to join the team until this weekend at the earliest.


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