:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1413129/GYI0062351286.jpg)
The Dynamo have added another forward/midfielder to the roster, trading a conditional draft pick to the Colorado Rapids for Macoumba Kandji. Kandji is a tall, athletic forward with good quickness, but he's had his injury struggles the last couple seasons.
It's an inexpensive move for Kinnear to make and makes good sense as Kandji has experience in the league and has shown the ability to score goals and create chances for teammates in the past. If he can stay healthy, he could be a great fit for the Dynamo.
It probably means that Kinnear isn't seeing what he needs from some of the trialist forwards currently in camp. I like the trade, it makes sense and doesn't hurt the Dynamo long term. It doesn't hurt either that Kandji helped the Rapids defeat FC Dallas in the 2010 MLS Cup final...he'll have a head start towards being a fan favorite for that.
Kandji isn't cheap on the salary cap, at least in MLS terms. He made just under $150,000 last season, but the Dynamo should have plenty of cap space at the moment to handle that.
Check out the full press release after the jump.
The Houston Dynamo have acquired forward Macoumba Kandji from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a conditional draft pick, it was announced today.
Kandji, 26, returning from a knee injury midway through the 2011 season, played in nine regular season and three MLS Cup playoff games for Colorado. The Senegal native has dealt with injuries in recent years, including a torn ACL in his left knee and a broken metatarsal in 2010. Kandji is entering his fifth season in the league after joining the New York Red Bulls on loan from the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2008.
"I've always liked Macoumba as a player," said Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear. "His athleticism and good play to goal will be a good fit for our team."
Kandji has appeared in 57 regular season games in his career, making 35 starts. He set career highs in goals (4), assists (5), games played (23) and games started (20) with New York in 2008. He has appeared in eight MLS Cup playoff games in four seasons.
Before joining New York, Kandji appeared in 21 matches with the Atlanta Silverbacks of the USL First Division, tallying 11 goals and five assists. Kandji played two seasons at Georgia Military College, scoring 17 goals with six assists in 2005.