CONTRACTS: Rumors Abound for Released Americans in England

Photo: The.Examiner (UK)

The number of Americans playing in England took a hit with the end-of-season retained lists seeing some of our guys without teams going into silly season. There has been some movement/news over the past few days though about 3 of them;

According to Torquay's Herald Express, goalkeeper Brendan Moore is their number one target for the upcoming season. Brendan, the report states, is in the US checking out possibilities of signing with MLS. Brendan (24) is from Atlanta, so hooking up with his hometown MLS expansion team would probably be his target, although no news has come out of the Atlanta FC United camp - and seeing as the very first signing by the club was goalkeeper Alexander Tambakis, it seems unlikely that Brendan will get the starting job that he desires.....I'm guessing that there is more to come on this story very soon.

Duane Holmes was released by Huddersfield last month, but if reports are true he seems to be on the radar of a few clubs already. Charlton Athletic have him high on their list, and incidentally, new coach Russel Slade was targeting Duane before he signed (today) with the Addicks. Most have Charlton as his final destination. Duane also trialed with Barnsley and remain in the mix, although not much has been said since his April trial. Then there's Portsmouth who are also interested, although most pundits believe this is the least likely spot for Duane to end up. "Pompey boss Paul Cook is keen on American-born attacking talent" according to reports.

Another goalkeeper looking around this summer is Cody Cropper, released by MK Don's. MLS Soccer is reporting that the US U23 net-minder is exploring a MLS option with Minnesota and Atlanta (both expansion teams and both city's where Cody has ties)

Silly Season. It all begins on July 1st when the summer version of "Silly Season" starts - keep checking here for updates / rumors /and actual signings.

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CONTRACTS: GK Cody Cropper Released by MK Don's

Photo: MKDons.com

The annual  'clean-out' continues, as British clubs pare down their squad sizes and and start the process of rebuilding for next season. We have seen a few Americans fall along the way, over the past few days Zak Whitbread and Jon-Paul Pittman have been released, now goalkeeper Cody Cropper join's the list.

According to the MK Don's web-site, the club has decided not to exercise its contract with Cody when it expires at the end of June. 

"Cropper joined the Dons as a free agent last summer and made 12 appearances during the 2015/16 campaign, nine of which came in the Sky Bet Championship"

Cody, who is still only 23,  came up through the Ipswich Town program, before moving to Southampton in August of 2012. He stayed with Southampton until last season when he moved last July to MK Don's as a free agent.  Cody represented the US in the U20 and U23 levels and was included in Jurgen Klinsmann's 23 man Confederation Cup squad.

According to SBI, Cody has stated a desire to return to the US, possibly with Atlanta (his home town) or Minnesota, both MLS Expansion teams

Good Luck in the future to Cody

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US Goalkeepers Moving Around Across The Pond

Everton will have a special game program tomorrow to celebrate Tim Howard's tenure at the club, very classy. Tim is obviously a very high profile keeper, but there are others playing in Europe and Scandinavia who get less coverage (undeserved) and some are on the move.

Paul Rachubka who spent this season with hapless Bolton Wanderers has been released. Paul has become a bit of a journeyman in England's lower leagues, so it would not surprise to see him latch on to another over the off-season.

Brendan Moore, who had a terrific season on loan to Torquay United, has returned to Fleetwood, where presumably, he will take up the position as backup. Brendan should insist on another loan if that's the case, he should be playing and growing.

Cody Cropper ended the year on a sour note, and reportedly, MK Dons will decide whether or not to cut him this coming week. Cody is one of 5 goalkeepers on the Milton Keynes side, so its understandable that they need to reduce the squad. USYNT Cody is just 23, but he needs to be playing to hone his craft, and maybe another year or 2 with MK Don's as a backup would not be a bad thing.

Chris Konopka, from Toms River New Jersey joined Scottish Premier League side Ross County on a short term contract that will expire on June 30th. Ross County is apparently having Keeper problems, they currently have 3 on the books (incl Chris) with one loanee leaving at the end of May. It would be great to see Chris sign a longer contract with the club. Chris played with the Philadelphia Union and Toronto, in MLS

Tyler Back, joined RoPS in Finland Veikkausliiga, from Oregon State in February. Tyler played 3 times for RoPS in the League Cup allowing only 1 goal and he had 2 shut-outs. Since then he has been loaned to cross-town FC Santa Claus (please don't laugh) playing in Kakkonen Group C. Tyler came in and was made the starter - Tyler is 1 win 2 losses after 3 games.

Finally, Brad Guzan had an up and down season, feels more down than up, his team Aston Villa are relegated to the championship, and as is normally the case, a wholesale departure of players is/will happen. As for Brad, no news at this time - this one is closely watched.

As clubs make their 'Summer adjustments' I will keep an eye on the forgotten goalkeepers and update as things happen. Please if you see a report on a Goalkeeper move et. al. please let me know

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DAILY WRAP: 2/23/2016 - Jon-Paul Pittman Scores - Cody Cropper Debuts

A Debut and a Goal today - Congrats to GK Cody Cropper and to Jon-Paul Pittman and controversy at the UEFA Youth League

Kyle Scott started went 90, and scored in the penalty shoot-out as Chelsea beat Valencia 2 - 1 after penalties. Big controversy over Valencias 1st PK - looking at picks looks like it was in - ruled a miss - Chelsea move on to the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Youth League

Jonathan Spector was in 18, did not play, as Birmingham took on Bolton and GK Paul Rachubka (90) Birmingham won 1 - 0

Eric Lichaj started and went 90 as Nottingham visited Burnley. Burnley were best on the day, and won 1 - 0

Fulham, again, did not use Emerson Hyndman, who sat on the bench as they visited Leeds, and came away with a 1 - 1 draw

Cody Cropper got the start (This was Cody's First Start in the Championship) for MK Don's as they welcomed Huddersfield (coached by American David Wagner) a late goal by Huddersfield gave them a 1 - 1 draw

Jon-Paul Pittman started, went 90 and Scored Grimsby's first goal as they went on to beat Woking in the Vanarama National League, Jon-Pauls 4th goal this season. Grimsby are in 3rd (Promotion Playoff) spot, with 2 games in hand.

Danny Williams still out injured today as Reading beat Rotherham 1 - 0

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DAILY WRAP: 1/19/2016

Most of the action today involved US Goalkeepers;

GK, Aleksander Gogic, was in the 18, but did not play as visitors Fleetwood Town drew 1 - 1 with Colchester in England's League 1.  Fleetwood & Gogic are 1 point above the relegation zone.

GK, Brad Guzan, was back between the pipes as Aston Villa beat League 2 side Wycombe 2 - 0 in the FA Cup replay (1 - 1) 3 - 1 on Aggregate. Brad went the full 90 minutes. Aston Villa now enter the next round.

GK, Cody Cropper, was in the 18, but did not play as Milton Keynes hosted Northampton in an FA Cup replay winning 3 - 0 (5 - 2 Aggregate  Milton Keynes will now play in the next round.

GK, Paul Rachubka got the call for Bolton as they hosted Eastleigh, from the Vanarama Nation League (5th tier) and won 3 -2 in their FA Cup replay (aggregate 4 - 3) Paul is the back-up GK for Bolton, who lost their starter to injury 2 weeks ago.

Danny Williams played 90 minutes for Reading, in their FA Cup replay v Huddersfield and Duane Holmes (Duane was in the 18 but did not feature) Reading advanced to the next round with a 5 - 2 victory (Aggregate 7 - 4)

Finally, Christian Pulsic entered Dortmund's friendly with Sparta Prague in the 61st minute, that Dortmund won 3 - 1.

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