Mwanga is moving to Colorado
The Colorado Rapids tweeted this morning that they have acquired Portland striker Danny Mwanga.
The tweet ran:
#Rapids will announce acquisition of Danny Mwanga later today. Aggressive front office moves this offseason.
This creates another roster slot following the departures yesterday of Franck Songo’o and Chris Taylor.
Portland have added some firepower up front in the off season and Jose Adolfo Valencia’s surgery was judged successful enough to make his presence permanent.
New arrival Ryan Johnson has already scored a pre-season hat trick.
Portland beat correspondent Chris Hardwicke writes:
“Danny Mwanga’s departure is not surprising. Portland is heavy with strikers, making Mwanga expendable.
In addition, his preseason performance was often a step behind the play. With the opening of another roster slot, one has to wonder who Gavin Wilkinson will add next?
The logical money is to shore up the defense corps especially at center back. If Portland can make some good moves in the back, they will have a team with true depth heading into the regular season.”
Also See: Timbers Sign Frederic Piquionne
More details from Portland Timbers press release:
TIMBERS ACQUIRE FIRST-ROUND PICK IN 2015 MLS SUPERDRAFT FROM COLORADO IN EXCHANGE FOR DANNY MWANGA
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers have acquired a first-round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for forward Danny Mwanga, it was announced today.
“Danny was with the Timbers for a short time, but we appreciate his contributions to the club. With Danny being from Portland and having been developed as a player at Westside Timbers, it made this a very difficult decision. He was a great ambassador for the club and the sport in the community,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers general manager. “It is a good opportunity for him in Colorado and we feel this move is beneficial for all involved. We wish him well.”
Mwanga, 21, played in 18 matches and scored three goals for the Timbers last season, joining the club on June 6, 2012, following a trade with the Philadelphia Union. In three MLS seasons, Mwanga has played in 79 games (42 starts), recording 15 goals and nine assists with Philadelphia (2010-12) and Portland (2012).
Also See:
February 28, 2013 at 11:47 am
They’ve carried over Futty, Mosqo, Horst, Jean-Baptiste. Signed Sylvestre and drafted Tucker-Ganges. They’ve signed Harrington, Miller, Nanchof, Fehr, and still have Kuwolok; all defenders…they need more?
In a system that will likely make transitions between 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3 an attacking CM to back up Valeri is what they need. But they’re adding Piquionne. When there’s Johnson, Rincon, Valencia, and Nagbe if needed. Brent Richards will be back in August. I think Dike is likely not going to see the first team this year.