Chester, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union traded defender Bakary Soumare to the Chicago Fire on hursday in exchange for allocation money and a 2014 MLS SuperDraft natural second-round pick.
“We are thankful for Bakary’s contributions to the Union and wish him
the best of luck as he continues his career,” said team manager John
Hackworth.
Soumare, a former MLS Defender of the Year candidate with international experience in France and Germany, originally signed with the Union in June of 2012 but was beaten out for a starting spot by Amobi Okugo this season after missing most of the prior year with a knee injury.
Soumare appeared in four matches for the Union in 2013 and played extensively after Jeff Parke went down with a hamstring injury but the high-priced Malian defender has wanted out for quite some time.
Hackworth told MLSSoccer.com that the “biggest part” of the deal was salary cap relief.
“We have cap space and roster spots where we can go out and try to find a player to dial in those things,” Hackworth told the website. “We’re good right now. But for coaches and organizations in MLS, this summer transfer window internationally and even on the domestic front is a big time to make a move. So I think we’re at least positioned if the right player in that situation comes along, we’ll be able to make a move.”
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