MLS Ticker: Revs acquire Lima, Nashville SC adds Yearwood, and more

12/12/2023 01:44

The New England Revolution have bolstered their full back corps in the form of one of the league’s well-known veterans.

Nick Lima has joined the Revs via a trade with Austin FC, both clubs announced Monday. The 29-year-old was acquired for $300,000 in General Allocation Money, proving New England with added versatility in their backline.

“Nick Lima has proven to be a dependable defender in Major League Soccer over the last seven years and has been a steady presence on the backline for both of his previous clubs,” Revolution sporting director Curt Onalfo said in a release.

“With the ability to play at either outside back position, we foresee Nick making important contributions to our squad and bolstering our defensive unit in a key area for the 2024 season.”

Lima has totaled eight goals and 20 assists in 195 appearances between stops in San Jose and Austin. With projected start Brandon Bye still recovering from a long-term knee issue, Lima’s arrival comes at a crucial time.

The Revs finished fifth in the Eastern Conference last season and will enter the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Here is a closer look at the latest MLS News:

Nashville SC adds Dru Yearwood in trade with Red Bulls

Dru Yearwood’s three-year stint with the New York Red Bulls has come to an official end.

Nashville SC acquired Yearwood in a trade with New York, both clubs announced Monday. In exchange for Yearwood’s services, the Red Bulls will receive a total of $150,000 in General Allocation Money (split between 2024 and 2025).

He will occupy a U22 Initiative roster spot with Nashville SC.

Yearwood previously played with Brentford and Sheffield United before moving to MLS in 2020. The 21-year-old registered three goals and three assists in 86 appearances for the Red Bulls.

“Dru gives up needed industry and athleticism as a progressive box-to-box midfielder, and should fit in almost seamlessly with our group,” Nashville general manager Mike Jacobs said in a release.

Yearwood’s arrival comes ahead of Dax McCarty’s expected departure this winter.

CF Montreal adds Raheem Edwards in deal with Galaxy

CF Montréal re-acquired a former face in veteran defender Raheem Edwards.

The Canadian club agreed to a trade with the LA Galaxy, which sees the Galaxy receiving $400,000 in GAM. Edwards, 28, registered three goals and 11 assists in 70 appearances across two seasons with the Galaxy.

"We'd like to thank Raheem for his dedication and contributions to the LA Galaxy over the past two seasons," said LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz. "While it is never easy to say goodbye to a player who has demonstrated such strong commitment to our club, the move allows Raheem to be closer to his family in Canada, while providing the roster flexibility that will help us in our effort to build a championship contending team for the 2024 campaign and beyond."

The Toronto, Canada native has made 152 regular-season appearances across eight MLS seasons. Edwards previously played with Toronto FC, CF Montreal, Chicago Fire, LAFC, and Minnesota United.

After debuting for the Canadian national team in 2017, he has totaled five caps for his country.

Chris Albright named MLS Sporting Executive of the Year

FC Cincinnati picked up another league award on Monday after a career-best season in MLS.

General Manager Chris Albright has been named MLS Sporting Executive of the Year, the league announced today. Under the tutelage of Albright and head coach Pat Noonan, FC Cincy lifted the Supporters’ Shield in 2023 and also reached the Eastern Conference Final.

Prior to his move to Cincinnati, Albright served in the Philadelphia Union’s front office.

FC Cincinnati earned a number of individual honors, including MLS Defender of the Year Matt Miazga, Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year Pat Noonan, and Landon Donovan MLS MVP Luciano Acosta.

Albright signed a long-term contract extension this past October to remain the club's General Manager into the future.

FC Cincinnati will now prepare for their first international tournament involvement after qualifying for the revamped 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.