Goodbye, Defensive Man

As much as I was hoping this was just a wacky transfer window rumor, it sadly is not. Marcos Gonzalez has been transferred to Catolica of Chile. The amount of the transfer was not disclosed, but both Mark McCullers and Sigi Schmid have said that the transfer fee was a "one-time" only deal. Catolica is trying to advance in Copa Libertadores, and wanted him desperately. Gonzo would have been out of contract after this year, but hopefully, the league and the Crew were well compensated.

For those not in the know, Gonzo was the Crew's best defender last year, and would have been a veteran we could have relied on to provide some sure footing on the back line.

Now? Word is Danny O'Rourke, who we're actually big fans of, will make a permanent move to center back, and will share the back line with Chad Marshall, assuming his noggin is sound. Also, the Crew can work Andy Iro, the new draftee, and Ezra Hendrickson in as well. Considering Gonzo made $162,000 with the Crew last year, his contract coming off the books will give the Crew even more money to spend on the new stage.

Er...I mean, to bring in that DP we've been waiting for since last year. Right.