🇺🇸 State of the Union: Toronto unveil Bernardeschi and bans dished out | OneFootball

We have another bumper MLS weekend in store as Rivalry Week draws to a close.

Check out the latest transfer news and disciplinary issues to keep you in the loop ahead of the action…

Toronto finally bag Bernardeschi

Toronto haven’t had much to cheer on the field of play this season, but they have certainly been able to party off it this summer.

The Reds’ faithful gave a warm welcome to Federico Bernardeschi on Friday, with the Italy international finally completing the move to link with up compatriots – and fellow free transfers – Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Criscito.

It will take all of that triumvirate’s nous to get TFC, who sit second from bottom in the Eastern Conference, back into the play-off picture.

Vancouver wrestle Gressel from DC United

Another Canadian outfit also had a productive Friday as Vancouver Whitecaps landed Julian Gressel from DC United in exchange for $900,000 in General Allocation Money.

The 2017 Rookie of the Year, who is one of the most productive wing-backs in the league, was a part of the Atlanta United side that won MLS Cup in 2018.

Cincinnati’s Acosta receives two-match ban

Luciano Acosta is having a terrific season for Cincinnati but the playmaker has been hit a two-match suspension after his red card against New York Red Bulls last Saturday.

The Argentine, who has six goals and six assists in 19 league games to date, was sent off for a headbutt on Aaron Long but it was his alleged contact with the referee that has drawn the authorities’ ire.

He will miss Sunday’s Ohio derby at Columbus Crew and next weekend’s clash with Nashville.

10-match ban for Sporting KC’s Forde

Also in hot water is Sporting Kansas City defender Kortne Ford, who will sit out 10 games after he was found to have used a “performance enhancing substance”.

The 26-year-old centre-back, who has featured in 12 of Sporting’s 21 games to date, will not play again until mid-September.

Atlanta on the lookout for new president

There was a surprise development as Atalanta United president Darren Eales was appointed as CEO of Premier League side Newcastle.

The 49-year-old returns to his homeland after eight years in the hot seat in Georgia.

Throwback rack 👕

It wasn’t until 2017 that Atlanta entered the MLS, but the Five Stripes made an instant impact by reaching the Eastern Conference play-offs.

They didn’t manage to get past Columbus, but that first home shirt they donned was a winner all day long.

Coming up…

Rivalry week continues with seven MLS contests on the slate for Saturday….