Lions add young midfielder
Colmán inks deal with Orlando City
Orlando City continues to add talent to its roster, reportedly reaching an agreement with 19-year-old Paraguayan attacking midfielder Josué Colmán.
Colmán signed a five-year, $3 million deal with the Lions, according to Tigosports.com. Colmán’s club, Cerro Porteño, reportedly will retain 30 percent of the player’s rights.
Colmán told local radio station ABC Cardinal 730 AM, “I’m very happy to be joining Orlando City. It’s a big step for my career.”
Orlando City officials could not be reached for comment about the deal, which has not yet been announced by the Lions or MLS.
Colmán has made 48 appearances with Cerro Porteño since 2016, scoring four goals. He also has made 16 appearances with Paraguay’s U-17, U-20 and U-23 teams.
He becomes the eighth player
from Paraguay to join MLS, with Miguel Almirón most recently thriving during his debut season with Atlanta United.
Lions add Grinwis
Orlando City announced it acquired former Saint Louis FC goalkeeper Adam Grinwis.
“Adam impressed in our preseason friendly last season and has a track record of success in the USL,” Orlando City general manager Niki Budalic said in a statement. “His athleticism, character and competitiveness will fit in well with our group of goalkeepers.”
Grinwis, 25, is a thirdyear pro who made 61 saves in 14 appearances and registered five clean sheets in 2017 with Saint Louis FC.
Grinwis spent 2015 and 2016 with the Rochester Rhinos and helped the Rhinos win the 2015 USL regular season title and USL Cup.
The Ada, Mich., native played 68 games during four years for the University of Michigan.
Grinwis was a secondteam All-Big Ten and AllBig Ten Tournament selection in 2012.
He finished his career with the second-most career saves (261) and shutouts in a season (6).
Heath has surgery
Tobin Heath had minor ankle surgery Thursday and is out for up to 12 weeks.
U.S. Soccer announced Heath’s surgery, which will keep her out of January training camp with the U.S. women’s team. Performed in Los Angeles, the procedure removed a bone growth from her right ankle.
“It’s been bothering me for a while now and we tried to rehab, but I wasn’t progressing so it was time to address it surgically,” Heath said in a statement. “I want to make sure it’s not a hindrance moving forward so I can get back on the field and have great preparation for a big year ahead.”
Heath, who also plays for the National Women’s Soccer League’s Portland Thorns, injured her ankle in the NWSL title match between the Thorns and the North Carolina Courage in October. Portland won 1-0 for its second overall league title.
Heath was on the national team that won the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.
The United States, ranked No. 1 in the world, is preparing to defend its title next year in France.
U.S. coach Jill Ellis invited 26 players to U.S. women’s national team camp, which will open today in Carson, Calif., and include a Jan. 21 friendly versus Denmark in San Diego. Eighteen players will be in uniform to face the Euro runner-up in a game that should draw a good crowd.
The squad includes 21 NWSL players, including the Orlando Pride’s Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris.
Some notable absences from the camp due to injury include: Heath (ankle), Samantha Mewis (knee) and Rose Lavelle (hamstring).
Dave Sarachan, the coaching caretaker for the U.S. men’s national team since the World Cup qualifying failure in October, has invited about 30 players for the annual winter camp at StubHub Center in Carson. The squad will be unveiled to the public at noon Monday.