The Daily Dirt, December 13: Busy Expansion Draft Day

The Expansion draft came and went before we knew it. As expected, Atlanta was all but silent during and after the Expansion Draft (besides one move I’ll get to later). Is it possible that the trade Atlanta made with LAFC had an agreement with it for LAFC to not select any of Atlanta’s players?

Speaking of LAFC, they made a very interesting trade of their own yesterday. Sending two expansion draft picks (Jukka Raitala and Raheem Edwards) to the Montreal Impact for Laurent Ciman. They now have established a strong backline with Ciman and Walker Zimmerman both coming in via trades the past three days.

Side Note: I really wonder what LAFC has planned to help accommodate Ciman’s daughter, who is autistic. If you remember, MLS ran a story focussing on how Ciman decided to come to Montreal to not only play for the Impact but to also give his daughter the best treatment possible.

In other news, Atlanta made a small (giant) roster addition adding a defender named Jeffery, er, Larry, eh, Jeff Larentowicz!!! Yes, Larry is back literally a day after I said my goodbye (Thanks Darren Eales for making me look like a fool). Having him back into the fold along with Nagbe rumors in full force could mean someone else is on their way out. That someone could be Carlos Carmona, who is being linked to Chile. It makes a lot of sense, as it would fill a lot of the Nagbe payment and still allow the club to go after Barco.

Lastly, let’s check in with our good friends over in Columbus

I send my condolences.

Domestic

LAFC acquires top defender Laurent Ciman from Montreal (LATimes)

List of players eligible for 2017 MLS Waiver Draft (MLS)

LAFC select five players in 2017 MLS Expansion Draft (AngelesOnParade)

Report: Columbus Crew SC the leading suitor as LA Galaxy shop Gyasi Zardes (MLS)

International

Premier League stats: Harry Kane closes in on Alan Shearer record (BBC)

Inside the Secret World of Football in North Korea (BleacherReport)