Fear the Mutton Chops! [UPDATE]

Soccer365.com is reporting that Danny Califf has “agreed to an FC Midtjylland contract buyout on Tuesday, which … will pave way for a Major League Soccer return that will see him join expansion outfit Philadelphia Union.”

You can read the article in its entirety HERE.

Selected sixth overall in the 2000 MLS SuperDraft by the LA Galaxy, where he appeared in 18 games (16 starts) in his rookie season. He helped the Galaxy win the US Open Cup in 2001 and the MLS Cup in 2002. Prior to the 2005 season, Califf was traded to the San Jose Earthquakes, being named to the MLS Best XI. In his six seasons in the league, he has scored seven times and has four assists. After only a single season with the Earthquakes, he signed with Danish team Aalborg, where he appeared in 30 games and was named team captain at the end of the season. After two years with Aalborg, he signed with rivals FC Midtjylland.

I’ll assume that Danny was one of the players Nowak focused on during his 1-month jaunt throughout Europe a couple months back. It’s tough to follow a Yank Abroad playing in a lesser-known league, but if he can replicate the skills and intensity he displayed while wearing the Earthquakes’ shirt, he’ll help anchor one helluva back line with Thomas, Myrie, Harvey, and perhaps Ike Opara (if he’s taken in the SuperDraft). Four solid, starting defenders, and one rookie with a ton of potential … Nowak might have to switch from his preferred 3-5-2 formation to a more typical 4-4-2.

Welcome to Philly, Danny.

[UPDATE]

It’s official, per the announcement Thursday evening on the Union’s website and MLSnet. Califf’s league rights were still owned by the Houston Dynamo; the trade was made in exchange for allocation money (terms/amount undisclosed).

Nowak said it best:

“… with a seasoned veteran like Danny Califf, we’re adding a player who will help us set the bar ever higher. Danny understands the level of commitment our Technical Staff will demand daily and we’re counting on him to not only help anchor our defense but push our younger players to greater heights too.”

I will assume that this is the reason why the Dynamo were passed over during the Expansion Draft, similar to the whole Seitz/RSL deal … don’t touch any of our unprotected players, splash the cash, and you can have (the rights to) one of our players. Even though there were some decent players available from Houston’s roster – Chabala, Landin, Onstad, Thompson, etc – taking Califf is a smart move and can provide a veteran presence in the backline along with Thomas, Harvey, and Myrie.

[UPDATE 2]

It would seem all the “i”s are not dotted, nor are all the “t”s crossed. Even though the Union has acquired Califf’s rights from Houston, but nothing has been officially signed yet.

Philadelphia Coach Nowak Likes Early Roster

Nowak said he hopes Union will soon add U.S. international defender Danny Califf to the mix after they acquired his rights from Houston last week. Califf, 29, is expected to join Union in January after securing his release from Danish club FC Midtjylland.

Philadelphia Players Meet Their Adoring Public

Only Danny Califf was missing and that’s because his contract isn’t quite signed, sealed and delivered. The 29-year old defender was acquired from FC Midtjylland in the Danish Superliga after the club acquired his league rights in a trade with the Houston Dynamo for allocation money.

Category: Danny Califf, Transfers & Signings, Union News