Players On The Move

Reports suggest 2 NASL teams are losing players for the Fall Season with one rumored to also be lining up a signing. Minnesota United FC and the San Antonio Scorpions are reported to be making roster changes prior to opening weekend.

Editor’s Note 7/7/2015: A previous version of this story included information from the ‘Silverbacks Alliance’ fan twitter account regarding the movement of two players move. The information stated was from an unreliable source, unconfirmed by the Atlanta Silverbacks organization and should not have been posted. Midfield Press regrets the error and apologizes to the Atlanta Silverbacks.

Minnesota United FC Rumored to Release Jonny Steele and Line Up Ibarra Replacement

Jonny Steele (Courtesy Minnesota United FC)

Northern Pitch reported this morning that a “reliable source” has informed them that midfielder Jonny Steele will not return with the team for the Spring season. The Northern Irish Steele is a journeyman player who has seldom spent more than a season or two with a single club. He started four times for Minnesota before being benched and made one further substitute’s appearance. After a particularly uninspiring performance against St. Louis FC in the US Open Cup, Steele found his place on the bench threatened as well. Steele has not been at Minnesota United’s Fall Pre-Season training.

In an unrelated story, the St. Paul Pioneer Press’ Andy Greder is reporting that Minnesota United is also lining up a new signing:

.@MNUnitedFC is putting together a signing next week of a speedy, dribbling outside midfielder. He would play spot vacated by Miguel Ibarra

— Andy Greder (@andygreder) June 30, 2015

Ibarra’s speed and creativity had made him a fan favorite in Minnesota and a frequent source of assists. Since his departure for Mexico’s Club Leon, questions have been asked about how Minnesota United would compensate for the loss.

Dike Returns to Toronto After San Antonio Loan Spell

Bright Dike (Courtesy San Antonio Scorpions)

Alamo Soccer City reports that US-born Nigerian forward Bright Dike has left San Antonio after a loan spell that lasted through the Spring Season. Dike played 97 minutes over 5 games for the Scorpions and scored one goal. He also made a one off appearance for Toronto FC during this time, appearing in a friendly against Manchester City FC. Dike had found his playing time for the Scorpions dwindle as the season went on.