The Rapids picked up young left back Anthony Wallace from FC Dallas.  We heard rumblings about a possible trade yesterday and I’m not surprised the Rapids ended up acquiring a defender. Here are Wallace’s vitals:

Anthony Wallace – Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 160
DOB: January 26, 1989
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
College: South Florida
Last Club: FC Dallas
Roster Status: Senior

During the World Cup break Coach Smith mentioned that the team needed defensive reinforcements. It seemed like Danish defender Ulrik Lindkvist was going to join the club but the Rapids have gone a different direction.

So is this a good trade?

Although the trade isn’t without some downsides, like the fact that this acquisition isn’t going to help the Rapids score more goals, I think it’s a positive acquisition for the Rapids. He is a young player with plenty of upside, he will add competition in the group, and he didn’t cost too much.

First, Anthony Wallace provides competition, and rest, for young Danny Earls. Earls has been excellent for the Rapids this season but a little competition should help him grow. Scott Palguta has played a few minutes at left back this season but Wallace is a more natural option.

Second, Wallace is a good player. His career stats might paint a different picture but the reality is that he is only 21 and needs regular minutes to develop. He wasn’t a regular player for Dallas and that has clearly hurt his development. Wallace has consistently performed well when representing the US at the U-17 and U-20 level so there is evidence that he has the “potential” to become a quality MLS left back.

No one expected 18 year old Anthony Wallace to start playing right away when he was drafted in the first round of the 2007 Superdraft. He was growing as a player throughout the 2007 and 2008 season, until he hit some setbacks in 2009, including a torn meniscus. This year, competition with Colombian international Jair Benitez and US international Heath Pearce meant very little opportunity for the young outside back.

Third, he doesn’t cost anything. We traded away a fourth round pick and a conditional pick in 2012. The Rapids didn’t have to move any players since Oscar Murillo’s departure last month opened up a roster spot. Not a big price to pay even if he doesn’t work out.

I do have one concern about the attitude that this trade represents.

Anyone who has watched the Rapids play this season knows that the Rapids create a ton of opportunities but can’t finish. When Coach Smith mentioned that the club would look for a player that can add six goals I got my hopes up a little. I think the Rapids need a quality playmaker or goal scorer but that won’t come without a price. Personally, I wouldn’t mind a major shake-up to bring in some offensive quality. I don’t think the club is willing to take that step during this transfer window. Nothing new here.

As always, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the Rapids prove me wrong.

What do you think about this acquisition?

Seattle's 3rd DP, Alvaro Fernandez

Should Landon Donovan Stay or Leave?

Landon is arguably the best American field player of all time and he is finishing the most successful run of his career (Everton, Galaxy, World Cup, etc.) Despite MLS Commissioner Don Garber’s statement that Donovan wasn’t going anywhere, a number of suitors have popped up, including Manchester City. In addition, Donovan told SI:

“We have had transfer interest and we will have some time to think about it and see where it goes,” Donovan told Reuters after featuring for the MLS All Stars against Manchester United on Wednesday. “There is interest from a number of teams.”

I think it’s clear that Donovan wants to leave but Garber is reluctant to let go of the league’s poster boy. If the right offer comes along I think Garber will have to let Donovan go.

Personally, I think Donovan should leave. He isn’t getting any younger and he proved during his time at Everton that he can step in and produce in the big leagues. I’d like to see Donovan leave for 4-5 years and come back to MLS to finish off his career.

He is a big player for MLS but the addition of big names like Thierry Henry, Nery Castillo, and the rumored arrival of Rafael Marquez, I think the league has enough star power to survive without Landon.

Seattle Sounders add 3rd DP

The Seattle Sounders signed 24 year old Uruguayan midfielder Alvaro Fernandez. The young midfielder was a member of Uruguay’s World Cup team making four appearances, including a start against Ghana in the quarterfinals. This is a fantastic signing for the Sounders and MLS. It’s nice to see a team sign a DP in their mid 20′s. Maybe this move will start attracting younger prospects to the league.

The arrival of Fernandez further puts into question the status of Freddie Ljungberg. Speculations suggest that Freddie is looking to depart Seattle before the transfer window closes. The question is whether he will stay in MLS or head back to Europe. If Donovan leaves LA I wonder if Arena will try to get the Swedish international to the Home Depot Center.

MLS All Stars get their ass kicked

It was only an exhibition match but the result still stings a little. I expected Manchester United to present the toughest test for our All Stars thus far but 5-2, was a little much. I hope this doesn’t deter the league from maintaining the All Star game format. No one wants to see our All Stars face Fulham, and I’d rather have them scrap the whole game if they want to go back to the East v. West format.

I can’t say what the repercussions will be from this game, but one thing is for sure . . . Manchester United has some good young players coming up.

US U-20′s in Milk Cup final

The US U-20′s qualified for the Milk Cup finals after defeating Denmark 3-2 on Wednesday. The Milk Cup is an annual youth international tournament held in Northern Ireland. The US won the tournament in 2005 and placed second in 2006. This tournament is typically used as a warm up for World Cup qualifiers or getting off cycle teams like the U-18′s some experience.

The US started the tournament off on the right foot beating China 1-0 on a goal from forward Omar Salgado. Denmark proved to be a tougher task but the US was able to squeak out a win after going down a goal in the first half. Adrian Ruelas, Santos Laguna forward, scored an equalizer for the US in the first half and found the game winner a minute from full time. Toronto FC’s Faud Ibrahim blasted a volley to temporarily put the US ahead in 74th minute.

Although the team is missing some core players, such as Philadelphia Union duo Jack McInerney and Amobi Okugo, the team boasts a very talented line up. Here are few players that you should keep an eye on: Omar Salgado (recently signed with MLS from Club Guadalajara – Chivas), Juan Agudelo (NY Red Bulls), Adrian Ruelas (Santos Laguna – Mexico), Greg Garza (Sporting Lisbon – Portugal), and Francisco Navas Cobo (Houston Dynamo).

The US faces a very tough Northern Ireland side that beat China 5-0 to qualify for the finals. The match will be played on Friday July 30th at 1pm EST.