So... that perfect pairing of Didier Drogba and Jack McInerney? Not happening.
McInerney and Kei Kamara, however, is game on.
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Montreal needed to free up roster space following the signings of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba and Alajuelense star Johan Venegas, and has sent McInerney to Ohio.
McInerney, the one-time US youth national star prospect, has been traded for the second time in as many years, moved off the Montreal Impact to the Columbus Crew in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2016.
From MLSSoccer.com:McInerney, who turns 23 on Wednesday, has already scored 36 career MLS goals, which is tied for 22nd among all active players. Among that group, McInerney is the youngest by nearly three full years. The only other player in league history that’s scored more goals ahead of their 23rd birthday is former Columbus forward Stern John (44 goals).
“We believe Jack McInerney is going to make an immediate impression on the club and feel that his qualities will help him assimilate easily into our system,” Crew sporting director and head coach Gregg Berhalter said in a statement. “He’s a young player that possesses great timing with his movements and has a talent for scoring goals. His track record so far in this league has been outstanding, and we look forward to him contributing on the field for us.”
Still just 22, his 12-goal season for Philadelphia in 2013 was matched a year later between the Union and Montreal, and McInerney has netted 4 times in 17 appearances this year.
McInerney, however, has disappointed in recent seasons. Perhaps a change in leader, albeit for the second time, will help.