By BRIAN LEWIS and MARK EVERSON
The Red Bulls have traded defender Hunter Freeman to Toronto FC in a deal where the little-used fullback gets some much-needed playing time, shorthanded Toronto gets immediate help, and New York gets something for the talented Texan before he makes his offseason move to Europe.
For Freeman _ whose deal expires New Yearâs Eve and has already signed a pre-contract to join Norwayâs IK Start on New Yearâs Day _ the Red Bulls got third and fourth round picks in next yearâs supplemental draft. But itâs a fairly complex deal, one MLS is still sifting through before giving the stamp of approval.
âThis was a way to strengthen our squad. We knew he wouldnât be here next season; we wish him the best for his temporary move to Toronto and his move to Europe next season,ââ said Juan Carlos Osorio, who made this deal with an eye toward gathering assets in his quest for a striker.
Toronto FC retains his rights until Dec. 31 of next year. If he comes back to MLS before then, the Red Bulls get a second round pick in the 2011 SuperDraft. If he returns after that _ and the 23-year-old’s deal with IK Start runs out July 1, 2010 _ his rights revert back to the Red Bulls and Toronto gets no compensation.
âHunter has informed us that he wants to experience the challenge of playing overseas next season,” sporting director Jeff Agoos said in a release, “and we felt that this deal gives us roster flexibility moving forward, opening up our options as the league transaction deadline nears.”
The Red Bulls’ need to acquire assets in their striker search played a big part, Osorio saying âWeâre putting all of our best efforts into doing something (for a striker). Basically thatâs the case why we did something with Hunter.ââ
Theyâve had forward Matt Mbuta on trial and are trying to sign him; but sources indicate they still havenât given up hope on adding Atlanta Silverback striker Macoumba Kandji, and are very much still in the running to acquire the USL star.
In other news, midfielder Seth Stammler is out for tomorrowâs tilt with Real Salt Lake. Heâd suffered a right knee bone bruise before the Chicago game, and it was agreed that heâd face the Fire then sit out this weekend. Carlos Mendes worked at defensive midfield today in practice.
