Thursday, June 2, 2011
Posted: 10:15 a.m.Updated: 12:03 p.m.
By Ryan BrightCSNPhilly.com Contributor
In a surprising move to free up salary cap and roster space on Thursday, the Union have waived 21-year-old striker Chris Agorsor.
The Maryland-native, making 42,000 this season according to the MLS Players Association, was viewed by the team as athletic and loaded with potential. However, the 5-9 speedster, who was acquired by weighted lottery on Feb. 14, was unable to crack the busy Union on-field forward lineup that features Sebastien Le Toux, Danny Mwanga, Carlos Ruiz and Jack McInerney.
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Despite coach Peter Nowaks intentions of finding the him time, the former University of Virginia player failed to make his MLS debut with the club. Agorsor contributed in three reserve league games, scoring a goal during that time.
The move is intriguing, as the Union, who stand atop the Eastern Conference, will be without Ruiz for a minimum of two MLS games because of his commitment to Guatemala for the Gold Cup tournament. The vacancy would have multiplied Agorsors chances to play.
The news also comes one day after Nowak told the media that the Union would likely be looking to add personnel, primarily depth, when the MLS transfer window opens on July 15.
As a team we need to do better, and I still believe that we need to open different doors, just to explore a case in which someone could be a good addition for us, said the manager. The team we have is good, the core is very good. We just might look for an additional couple pieces.
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One option is 33-year-old Serbian striker and recent trialist Veljko Paunovich, who was rumored to be joining the Union once legal issues were sewn up. Paunovich retired from the game in 2008 after playing a majority of his career in the Spanish La Liga and Spanish second division. While a natural striker, the veteran can also play as an attacking midfielder, something the Union desperately need.
Paunovich played one game with the Unions reserve team against DC United on May 16, where he was seen as underwhelming.
E-mail Ryan Bright at ryanbright13@gmail.com
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