The Philadelphia Union and Chicago Fire continued tweaking their rosters on Monday, as the Fire sent midfielder Justin Mapp to the Union in exchange for allocation money.
Mapp, 25, has struggled to find consistent playing time under new Fire coach Carlos de los Cobos. This season, the skillful left-winger has made 10 appearances and has only one assist to his name.
Since becoming a pro as a 16-year-old in 2002, Mapp has made 177 regular season appearances in MLS, all but three of them with the Fire. He has scored 14 goals and posted 36 assists. Three times, Mapp has had eight assists in a season.
Philadelphia’s left flank has been unsettled for most of the season. Mapp is expected to challenge for playing time immediately, as the Union make a push for a playoff spot.
Mapp is the second new midfielder to join the Union in the past few days. Argentine Chacho Coudet signed with the club on Thursday.
The emergence of All-Star Marco Pappa played a large role in Mapp’s reduced playing time with the Fire. Furthermore, the recent signing of Mexican attacker Nery Castillo as a Designated Player would presumably see Mapp’s appearances diminish even more.
Mapp will be available for the Union’s match at home to the New England Revolution on Saturday afternoon. The Fire next play away to the LA Galaxy on Sunday.
