Bolt for Austin? It’s not just Crew
Austin’s United Soccer League franchise, which has been clear in its intent to field a team for 2019 despite the potential of Crew SC’s move to the Texas capital after the 2018 season, is set to announce its team name, coach and several player signings on Aug. 3.
Before that happens, the buzz surrounding a potential signing might steal the show.
USL Austin general manager Roberto Silva on Thursday confirmed a report from Globo Esporte and said his club is in discussions to sign retired Jamaican track star Usain Bolt to its roster.
“We’ve been talking to his team for several months now. We always knew it was going to be a hard one to get just because of how big Bolt is, and we knew we’d have some competition over time,” Silva said. “He Crew SC at Red Bulls When: 7 p.m. Saturday TV: Ch. 53, Spectrum Sports Radio: WWCD-FM (102.5)
has some good offers from other clubs also, but I think as an overall proposal, we have a lot of good things to offer to him.”
As far as what position Bolt might play, Silva said he would leave that up to the team’s to-be-named coach.
He said Bolt’s athletic abilities are clear, but “we know that Bolt is not ready (for soccer) yet” and would have to train to get used to the professional level.
Given the league schedules of some of the other offers Bolt has in hand, Silva said he expects a decision from Bolt’s team in the next couple of weeks.
“I think you could say that he’s as big as the franchise itself or even bigger, right?” he said. “Just the chance that we’re having the opportunity to discuss with him and his team on being a part of this franchise, I think it’s already big, especially for him to be considering us as an option.”
The Crew entered the secondary transfer window with the goal of adding an attacking player, probably a starting-caliber wing.
With two weeks left, does the Crew still feel it will be able to accomplish that?
“I think we will,” Berhalter said. “I think (the goal remains) bringing in the piece that will help us be successful. And I think that’s how we’re gonna measure the transfer window. Did we add quality to the team that will help us win games?”
The Crew, among other teams, has been linked in trade discussions with Orlando City regarding former Crew wing Justin Meram, who has not practiced this week. Also possible is the Crew bringing in an international player, as two roster slots are open.
Designated player Federico Higuain was a full participant in training Thursday, Berhalter said. Higuain had previously been limited after suffering back spasms late last week that held him out of a win Saturday over Orlando.
Higuain, who leads the Crew with seven assists, has made just one start this month after suffering a hip pointer in the second half of a loss to Los Angeles FC.