Chalk one up to the list of Designated Player acquisitions that didn’t quite pan out. Sporting KC today announced the parting of ways with Claudio Bieler in a press release.
Worryingly for the rest of the Western Conference, it frees up an international roster spot and Designated Player spot for the midwest side.
SKC Release:
Sporting KC parts ways with forward Claudio Bieler
30-year-old Designated Player scored 16 goals and added five assists in two seasons
(January 20, 2015) – Sporting Kansas City announced on Tuesday that the club has mutually agreed to part ways with forward Claudio Bieler. The 30-year-old contributed 16 goals and five assists in 54 appearances across all competition over the past two seasons.
“Claudio’s service here was a huge help, especially during our run to MLS Cup in 2013,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said. “He was a professional since the moment he arrived and we are appreciative of his time in Kansas City. We wish him all the best.”
Bieler joined Sporting Kansas City prior to the 2013 season as a Designated Player. He was the team’s top scorer as he led all MLS newcomers with 10 goals during the regular season, the most by a Designated Player in team history. He also became the fourth KC player all-time to score 10 goals in a debut season, and the first since Miklos Molnar in 2000, while also adding goals in the MLS Cup Playoffs and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
In 2014, Bieler scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Real Esteli FC in the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League and recorded two goals during Major League Soccer’s regular season.
Bieler has been removed from Sporting Kansas City’s roster, making available an international roster spot and Designated Player spot.
