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Multiple reports say Whitecaps midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is set to be moved to Chivas USA, with attacking midfielder Mauro Rosales coming back to Vancouver.
Earlier reports had Reo-Coker going to the New England Revolution, but this one looks to be official.
Hearing that Mauro Rosales will be the player coming the other way in Reo-Coker trade to Chivas. #VWFC #MLS
— Marc Weber (@ProvinceWeber) August 21, 2014
If true, then Chivas USA can't really be sure what type of player they're getting with Nigel Reo-Coker.. He has the right pedigree, all the right tools and was a very effective player for the Whitecaps last season. However, this year he's been stapled to the bench, and when he has played it's been in either the defensive midfield or the back line.
Alicia Rodriguez from our sister SB Nation site The Goat Parade says in her write that Rosales has been a 'tireless worker' but perhaps hasn't 'been a big hit' on the offensive end for the Goats. She does note, however, that he leads the club in assists and refers to him as 'the club's only legit playmaker.'
The only problem there is that the Whitecaps were thought to be looking for a goal scorer, not another playmaker. Rosales hasn't even scored a goal this season. However, given how lost the Whitecaps looked for a half without Pedro Morales last week versus Chivas, it might not be a bad idea to stock up on some depth.
Rosales put up some pretty gaudy numbers in his first two MLS campaigns, but he's 33 now, and on his third team in two years. Perhaps he can be a veteran voice on the pitch and another strength to the Whitecaps attack. One thing's for sure, it's not like Reo-Coker was an essential part of this club. They'll miss him as they deal with some injuries and suspensions in the defensive midfield, but INSERT BIKE RACK JOKE HERE. (Did I do it right?)