By BRIAN LEWIS
Well, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, all! I know many of you are stuffing your faces with turkey, or even watching the big Lakers-Celtic tilt. But for the soccer fans among you, I just wanted to drop this tidbit.
The Red Bulls have just lost one of the biggest bargains and cost-effective players on their roster. Defender Diego Jimenez, who started the MLS Cup final despite being on a $17k developmental salary, has gone back to UAG Tecos. Apparently he was only on a six-month loan deal, and the 22-year-old has returned to Mexico.
“I’m really happy, excited in return, with the intention of staying here,” Jimenez told Tecos’ official website. A former Mexican U-23 standout, Jimenez will be a tough loss for the Red Bulls. Centerback Gabriel Cichero had already turned out to be a bust, and his loan deal wasn’t extended; but he was costing $150,000. Jimenez was little more than 1/10th of that, but playing at a starting-caliber level.
“Tepa” Jimenez goes back to a Tecos club that just lost Juan Carlos Valenzuela, so he’ll actually have an opportunity to earn legit playing time in Mexico. But where do the Red Bulls turn for defensive cover? If they had to play a game today, their back four would be Kevin Goldthwaite, Mike Petke, Andrew Boyens and Chris Leitch. Clearly, additions are needed. What do you think of this news?