With Wayne Rooney and Darren Mattocks now in the D.C. United forward line, United had limited appearance time left for Patrick Mullins.
As a result Columbus came in today with $150,000 targeted allocation money to acquire Mullins to hopefully improve their attacking options.
In addition, Mullins will notice a few friendly faces in Columbus.
Welcome to Columbus, old friend ? let’s get to work #terpfam @MarylandMSoccer @zackstef_23 https://t.co/xdwVuKpBFJ
— Alex Crognale (@alexcrognale) July 11, 2018
He’ll join former University of Maryland College Park teammates Zack Steffen and Alex Crognale on the Crew.
Prior to this latest chapter commencing, Mullins had 13 goals for United in 44 appearances.
In a heartfelt message, D.C. general manager Dave Kasper commented that trading Mullins “will provide us with assets and flexibility for future moves. We wish Mullins the best in Columbus and thank him for his service to the club.”
Columbus has to be a bit more creative compared to about every other team as they’re never bringing in a Wayne Rooney.
Therefore, improve where you can improve.
For one, Mullins is a two-time Hermann Trophy winner for best collegiate player. That doesn’t just happen for being okay.
For two, Mullins 23 goals in 96 overall MLS appearances is good for about a goal every fourth appearance.
For three, sometimes he could pull off some gaga stuff.
Whereas, the Crew’s current second striker Adam Jahn’s 12 in 103 is good for a goal every eighth or ninth appearance.
So a second option that may score in general would be nice.
Further, for the most part, Gregg Berhalter has luck rehabilitating or putting strikers careers in extra boost mode in Columbus.
“Patrick is a proven goalscorer who is dangerous inside the box and has a solid track record in MLS in his first five seasons,” said Berhalter.
That track record may get even more solid under Berhalter.
Berhalter has three options for Mullins:
1.) Second striker, late substitute for Zardes. Boring
2.) Switch to two strikers to see if it bolsters what has been a weak attack. But we never change how we play even if it means we will never win anything.
3.) If Zardes is okay with it try him back on a wing and put Mullins up top as Mullins and Zardes on the field is better than Zardes with Argudo or Martinez.Could be onto something if Zardes believes he can score on the wing, be as useful there too. Good luck.
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