MLS
Is América striker Cabecita Rodríguez heading to MLS?
The 30-year-old Uruguayan striker has two years to run on his contract but could be seduced by an offer to continue his career in the United States.
The Portland Timbers sit third in the Western Conference, level on 7 points with Vancouver with two wins, one draw and one defeat. Head coach Phil Neville will be pleased at how his team has started the new Major League Soccer season, but the Timbers have higher aspirations and hope to be among the candidates to win this year’s MLS Cup.
Timber reinforce their frontline
Neville knows that to get to the playoffs, he will need the strongest side possible and with the transfer window in the United States closes until the end of April, there is still an opportunity to reinforce any weak areas of his squad. On Tuesday, it emerged that Portland have closed the signing of Uruguayan striker from Liga MX side América although there has been no official confirmation of the deal as of the moment. With both leagues well underway, Cabecita’s arrival delights Portland fans, but leaves a bittersweet taste for fans of the Mexican club.
At 30 years old and established in Liga MX, having been a champion with Santos, Cruz Azul and América, Jonathan Rodríguez has a lot to offer any team. He will also be extra motivated this year, with the aim of securing his place with Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay squad at the 2024 Copa América.
Cabecita hoping to establish himself in MLS
He scored the winning goal in the Apertura 2023 final between América and Tigres, which delivered the Azulcremas’ 14th title at a packed and euphoric Azteca. His post-match celebrations, running a lap of the pitch with an Águilas flag won the fans’ affection but with no guarantee of a regular place in the starting XI, that uncertainty could have swayed his decision to leave Mexico.
With the Timbers, Cabecita will compete for a place in the side with Antony. The Brazilian left winger joined from Arouca at the end of last season, and is currently the team’s top scorer with three goals and one assist from the first four games of the season.
The Athletic staff writer Tom Bogert believes that the Timbers have already closed a deal for Rodríguez. Cabecita will need to convince Phil Neville and later Marcelo Bielsa that he deserves a starting place in order to receive a call-up for the Copa América, in which Uruguay will start out as serious contenders.
For this month’s international break, several Liga MX-based players have been called by the Celeste - América pair Sebastián Cáceres and Brian Rodríguez along with León striker Federico Viñas will be in contention in Uruguay’s two friendlies, against a Basque Country XI and Ivory Coast.