MONTREAL – It seemed Jesse Marsch and Felipe were bound to be reunited someday.
It was Marsch, after all, who brought the young Brazilian to North America when he was a first-year head coach with the Montreal Impact in 2012. And it was under Marsch, in his lone year at the helm with the Impact, that Felipe had his best MLS season, providing four goals and 10 assists from the attacking midfielder spot that suited him so well.
Now it’s Marsch who as the newly appointed New York Red Bulls head coach, again, is involved in Felipe switching clubs after the Red Bulls sent Ambroise Oyongo, Eric Alexander, allocation money and an international roster spot to Montreal for the 24-year-old midfielder and the top spot in the allocation ranking.
“New York were interested,” Impact technical director Adam Braz told reporters on Tuesday. “[Felipe] is a player that [Marsch] wants. When we look at the transaction, it’s something we couldn’t say no to. We’re really happy with the transaction.”
That No. 1 spot in the allocation order, which Montreal were unlikely to use, was in demand. Braz confirmed that Montreal had listened to several offers.
The discussions with the Red Bulls started “a while ago,” according to Braz, who said the trade would help the Impact now and in the future. However, Alexander and Oyongo won’t be eligible in Montreal’s looming CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals matchup due to the fact that they have already played in the 2014-15 CCL for New York.
“We’re getting two really talented players who were starters with New York,” Braz said. “We’ve brought left back depth. [Oyongo] is a player that’s been called up by the Cameroon national team. We’re getting allocation money. We’re getting an international roster spot. It really is a fantastic transaction for us.”
The big question remains Oyongo’s future.
Braz admitted that the player would likely think of Europe after the African Cup of Nations – Cameroon play in the quarterfinals this Sunday – but insisted that Oyongo would indeed play for Montreal.
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As for Felipe, there is no uncertainty. While he said he didn’t ask for a trade, Felipe was equally thankful for the opportunities in Montreal and enthusiastic about this new challenge.
“It’s a new start with a lot more experience, a lot more confidence and a lot more understanding of this league,” Felipe told reporters. “Jesse was always a good part of my success. I’m happy to do what I’m doing and, for sure, I’m going to look forward to start training, get in shape for the new season.
“I’m leaving this club,” Felipe continued, “with my head up, through the front door.”
