Philadelphia Union acquired midfielder Justin Mapp today from the Chicago Fire in exchange for allocation money.
Mapp, 25, is a left-footed winger who has played all but three games of his professional career with the Fire since being drafted fourth overall in the MLS amateur draft. He has five caps for the U.S. national team and 14 goals and 36 assists in 174 professional games for the Fire and DC United. He was named to the MLS Best XI in 2006.
Over the last two years, he had become increasingly marginalized in Chicago and was more often asked to play centrally. Once he was viewed as a future star. Now he’ll look to regain traction with the Union.
Mapp could slot in as a left-sided midfielder for the Union in a position that at times seem to be the team’s biggest hole. The team has played several players there as Union manager Peter Nowak has experimented with different players at the position. Mapp is the only player on the team, however, who could be said to be a natural left winger. The trade could be a steal for the Union.
What do you think of the deal? Weigh in below in the comments section.
we’ll see. that’s certainly the weak side for the union. fingers crossed.
I was very impressed when I heard about this acquisition. Mapp has perhaps underachieved of late, but he has undeniable talent. Hopefully Peter Nowak will be able to bring it out of him.
This acquisition could be “Justin” time with the string of home games offering a real chance to earn some much needed points to move up the Eastern Conference table. Could this be the Union’s “Mapp” to the playoffs?
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.