MLS Exports: New settings for Tim Weah, Emerson Hyndman, Khiry Shelton

Greg Seltzer

With several leagues around the world either starting up new seasons or coming out of winter hibernation, it's time once again to check in on all the Major League Soccer products now playing abroad.

Omar Gonzalez has helped Atlas make a solid start to their Mexican Clausura campaign, while Tyler Adams and Alphonso Davies are busy angling for lightning-fast debuts for their new Bundesliga employers.

England


<strong>DeAndre Yedlin</strong><br> SEA: 2013-14	Since making a late cameo in their Dec. 22 draw against Fulham, the Newcastle right back has gone the distance in four straight. Unfortunately, the Magpies are now winless in five and have dipped below the drop line. Yedlin had quite the hot-and-cold day in a tough 2-1 loss to Chelsea last weekend. He chalked up nine defensive stops and a pair of key passes, but was also among the guilty on the Blues winner.

DeAndre Yedlin SEA: 2013-14

Since making a late cameo in their Dec. 22 draw against Fulham, the Newcastle right back has gone the distance in four straight. Unfortunately, the Magpies are now winless in five and have dipped below the drop line. Yedlin had quite the hot-and-cold day in a tough 2-1 loss to Chelsea last weekend. He chalked up nine defensive stops and a pair of key passes, but was also among the guilty on the Blues winner.


<strong>Tim Ream</strong><br> RBNY: 2010-11	The veteran defender started all five EPL matches since our last check, helping Fulham go 2-2-1 with their first two clean sheets of the season. Next up for the Cottagers, who are out of the cellar but still five points from safety? Third-place Tottenham pop in for a crosstown derby on Sunday.

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Tim Ream | Reuters/Action Images


<strong>Geoff Cameron</strong><br> HOU: 2008-12	The Queens Park Rangers defensive midfielder looks on target for a February return from an ankle injury. QPR went 3-2-1 without Cameron since our last update, climbing to 10th and to within four points of the Championship’s promotion playoff zone.


<strong>Matthew Olosunde</strong><br> NY Red Bulls Academy	The word going around town is that Olosunde could be done at Manchester United, with local rumors claiming he's headed to MLS.

Germany

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Weston McKennie (at left) | Reuters


<strong>Weston McKennie</strong><br> FC Dallas Academy	Just as the English rags are claiming Liverpool look ready to jump for the Schalke midfielder, he's getting ready to tackle Sunday visitors Wolfsburg. The Miners are hoping to bounce back from a tough first half of the season that has them in 13th, and a mere four points above the danger line. They also have the daunting task of facing Manchester City in the Champions League round-of-16, starting with the Feb. 20 home leg.

Weston McKennie FC Dallas Academy

Just as the English rags are claiming Liverpool look ready to jump for the Schalke midfielder, he's getting ready to tackle Sunday visitors Wolfsburg. The Miners are hoping to bounce back from a tough first half of the season that has them in 13th, and a mere four points above the danger line. They also have the daunting task of facing Manchester City in the Champions League round-of-16, starting with the Feb. 20 home leg.


<strong>Carlos Salcedo</strong><br> RSL: 2013-14	Over the holidays, some Mexican reports suggested that Eintracht Frankfurt center back could leave to re-join his old crew Chivas. It may have been a case of tabloid fantasy, as Salcedo took part in both of Eintracht's midseason friendlies. He stands a good chance of booking his fifth straight start when they resume league action by entertaining Freiburg on Saturday. Another coming attraction: a Europa League round-of-32 opener at Shakhtar Donetsk on Feb. 14.

Carlos Salcedo RSL: 2013-14

Over the holidays, some Mexican reports suggested that Eintracht Frankfurt center back could leave to re-join his old crew Chivas. It may have been a case of tabloid fantasy, as Salcedo took part in both of Eintracht's midseason friendlies. He stands a good chance of booking his fifth straight start when they resume league action by entertaining Freiburg on Saturday. Another coming attraction: a Europa League round-of-32 opener at Shakhtar Donetsk on Feb. 14.


<strong>Alphonso Davies</strong><br> VAN: 2016-18	With veteran wing terrors Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben on the mend, Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac could dress the Canada phenom when they travel to Hoffenheim on Friday night. Davies has impressed the staff since arriving in an MLS-record transfer, with his new boss telling reporters this week that he expects the youngster to see plenty of first-team action the rest of the way. The champs will open the second half of the season trailing leaders Borussia Dortmund by six points, while they also remain alive in the DfB-Pokal and Champions League.

Alphonso Davies VAN: 2016-18

With veteran wing terrors Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben on the mend, Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac could dress the Canada phenom when they travel to Hoffenheim on Friday night. Davies has impressed the staff since arriving in an MLS-record transfer, with his new boss telling reporters this week that he expects the youngster to see plenty of first-team action the rest of the way. The champs will open the second half of the season trailing leaders Borussia Dortmund by six points, while they also remain alive in the DfB-Pokal and Champions League.


<strong>Tyler Adams</strong><br> RBNY: 2016-18	It looks as though the winter RB Leipzig catch will be in the match squad when they get back to Bundesliga work with a Saturday visit from table-toppers Borussia Dortmund.

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Khiry Shelton | USA Today Sports Images


<strong>Khiry Shelton</strong><br> NYC: 2015-17 SKC: 2018	The new Paderborn striker suffered a bad-luck knee injury in a training collision with a teammate last week. A few days later, news dropped that the setback was worse than initially feared. After looking like he'd be in the strike rotation when 2. Bundesliga play resumed, Shelton is now set for surgery that is expected to delay his club debut by a few months.


<strong>Kianz Froese</strong><br> VAN: 2014-17	A day after our last update, the Fortuna Düsseldorf II attacking midfielder set up a go-ahead goal with nine minutes left in their home game with Borussia Mönchengladbach, who spoiled the fun with a late equalizer. Froese has spent winter camp with the first team, and is aiming to make the 18 for the Bundesliga survivalists’ weekend match at Augsburg.


<strong>Chris Richards</strong><br> FC Dallas Academy	The Bayern Munich Under-19 team are still on their extended winter break. With his loan move now officially a full transfer, Richards is a good bet to be in the lineup when they return to league action at nearby rivals Ingolstadt on Feb. 3.

Mexico


<strong>Omar Gonzalez</strong><br> LA: 2009-15	The former US defender and Atlas got off to a fine Clausura start by topping Queretaro away by a 2-1 count two weekends back, but suffered an identical defeat at home Club América last Sunday. Sandwiched between those league tilts, Gonzalez marshaled the back in a 1-0 Copa MX group phase victory at Pumas.


<strong>Rogelio Funes Mori</strong><br> FC Dallas Academy	The Monterrey forward struggled a bit through a spotty Apertura campaign interrupted by injuries, but he got out of the Clausura blocks quickly with a double in their 5-0 opening-day rout of Pachuca on January 6. In round two, Funes Mori came up empty as <em>Los Rayados</em> leaked a last-minute 2-2 equalizer against visiting Leon.


<strong>Rafael Baca</strong><br> SJ: 2011-14	The veteran midfielder lost his starting place at Cruz Azul late last year, but was recently assured by manager Pedro Caixinha that he remains an important player for the team. Nevertheless, Baca is still waiting on his 2019 debut, having watched from the dugout in two of the club's first three matches of the year. Considering the fact they failed to win any of them, his number could be called before long.

Rafael Baca SJ: 2011-14

The veteran midfielder lost his starting place at Cruz Azul late last year, but was recently assured by manager Pedro Caixinha that he remains an important player for the team. Nevertheless, Baca is still waiting on his 2019 debut, having watched from the dugout in two of the club's first three matches of the year. Considering the fact they failed to win any of them, his number could be called before long.

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Tony Alfaro | USA Today Sports Images


<strong>Tony Alfaro</strong><br> SEA: 2016-18	Due to a paperwork delay, the newly acquired defender has yet to dress for Chivas. Without him, they've opened the Clausura with wins over Tijuana and Cruz Azul. The Guadalajara crew are also perfect through two Copa MX group stage matches.


<strong>Lalo Fernandez</strong><br> RSL: 2012-17	The Tigres netminder did not dress for their Clausura opener (a 2-2 draw at Leon), but was back to his usual place on the bench for last weekend's 3-0 victory at Tijuana.

Spain


<strong>Ballou Tabla</strong><br> MTL: 2016-2017	The teen winger's run of six straight starts ended with a 17-minute sub shift in last weekend's win over Alcoyano, which ran the Barcelona B unbeaten streak to eight. Through 20 third-division rounds, the junior Catalans stand three points shy of fourth place, which comes with both a promotion playoff berth and a Copa del Rey invite.

France


<strong>Matt Miazga</strong><br> RBNY: 2013-15	Could things be looking up for Miazga at season-long loan home Nantes? After spending several weeks with the reserves, the US defender has made the bench for the Canaries' last four Ligue 1 matches. Nantes have dropped consecutive 1-0 decisions and will have three games inside a week starting with Sunday's short league trek to Angers. Then, on Wednesday, they have a Coupe de France round-of-32 tussle at mites Entente.

Matt Miazga RBNY: 2013-15

Could things be looking up for Miazga at season-long loan home Nantes? After spending several weeks with the reserves, the US defender has made the bench for the Canaries' last four Ligue 1 matches. Nantes have dropped consecutive 1-0 decisions and will have three games inside a week starting with Sunday's short league trek to Angers. Then, on Wednesday, they have a Coupe de France round-of-32 tussle at mites Entente.

Netherlands


<strong>Erik Palmer-Brown</strong><br> SKC: 2013-17	The NAC Breda loan defender did not feature in the draw at Zwolle and the win over Heerenveen that capped their season's first half. Currently next-to-last, but separated from the safety zone by mere goal differential, the Yellow Army get back to Eredivisie work by marching into Willem II for a derby on Sunday.

Belgium

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Andy Najar (at right) | Reuters


<strong>Andy Najar</strong><br> DC: 2010-12	After a few games on the right side of a three-man back line, Najar picked up stakes for defensive midfield (and donned the captain's armband, to boot) in Anderlecht's 3-1 league defeat at Mouscron on December 22. Five days later, he shifted again, working right wing in a 3-0 home win over Waasland-Beveren that snapped the club's five-game winless slide. The fifth-place Mauves return from the winter pause by invading Gent on Sunday.

Andy Najar DC: 2010-12

After a few games on the right side of a three-man back line, Najar picked up stakes for defensive midfield (and donned the captain's armband, to boot) in Anderlecht's 3-1 league defeat at Mouscron on December 22. Five days later, he shifted again, working right wing in a 3-0 home win over Waasland-Beveren that snapped the club's five-game winless slide. The fifth-place Mauves return from the winter pause by invading Gent on Sunday.

Turkey


<strong>Cyle Larin</strong><br> ORL: 2015-17	The Besiktas striker was an unused sub in their last two league games of 2018, a skin-of-their-teeth home draw with Trabzonspor and a humbling 4-1 loss at Kasimpasa. The Black Eagles are down to seventh, three points adrift of the last Europa League place, ahead of Friday's season-resumption trip to lowly Akhisarspor. The encouraging news is Larin hit the lone-goal winner against friendly foes Helmond Sport on January 8 and followed that up with a brace in a tune-up rout of Afjet Afyonspor.

Cyle Larin ORL: 2015-17

The Besiktas striker was an unused sub in their last two league games of 2018, a skin-of-their-teeth home draw with Trabzonspor and a humbling 4-1 loss at Kasimpasa. The Black Eagles are down to seventh, three points adrift of the last Europa League place, ahead of Friday's season-resumption trip to lowly Akhisarspor. The encouraging news is Larin hit the lone-goal winner against friendly foes Helmond Sport on January 8 and followed that up with a brace in a tune-up rout of Afjet Afyonspor.


<strong>Eric Ayuk</strong><br> PHI: 2015-16	Just before Christmas, the Osmanlispor winger scored his first goal in over three months, nodding home the 68th-minute opener in a 3-1 victory over guests Adanaspor. It was their fourth straight victory, and lifted the second-flight club into the last promotion playoff spot. The Ankara side will emerge from their winter slumber to host Boluspor on Saturday.

Costa Rica


<strong>Dennis Castillo</strong><br> COL: 2016	The Perez Zeledon defender started the Clausura with a bang, striking the second-half equalizer in a 2-1 rally win against opening-day visitors Carmelita on Sunday. Castillo again went the distance in Wednesday night's one-all draw at Cartagines.

Israel


<strong>Aaron Schoenfeld</strong><br> CLB: 2012-15	The striker watched Maccabi Tel Aviv's last two league games of 2018, both victories, from the dugout. Schoenfeld's lone appearance since our last check came a short cameo in their 2-1 State Cup win at Beitar Jerusalem on December 22. He was back on the sub's bench as they advanced to the quarterfinals by drubbing guests Hapoel Acre 4-0 on Thursday night.


<strong>Jonathan Bornstein</strong><br> CHV: 2006-11	The Maccabi Netanya left back notched his first assist in Israel by teeing up the capper in a 5-1 State Cup rout of low-level visitors FC Daburiyya on December 20. On Tuesday, Bornstein went the distance as the Diamonds reached the tourney's final eight with a penalty shootout triumph against Hapoel Be'er Sheva. In between, the former US international made his first league start in five on December 29, but was ejected for a second yellow near the hour of a 1-0 win over Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona. After serving a one-game ban that coincided with a 4-1 defeat at league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv, Bornstein was back in the lineup for a 1-0 home win against Ashdod last weekend.

Jonathan Bornstein CHV: 2006-11

The Maccabi Netanya left back notched his first assist in Israel by teeing up the capper in a 5-1 State Cup rout of low-level visitors FC Daburiyya on December 20. On Tuesday, Bornstein went the distance as the Diamonds reached the tourney's final eight with a penalty shootout triumph against Hapoel Be'er Sheva. In between, the former US international made his first league start in five on December 29, but was ejected for a second yellow near the hour of a 1-0 win over Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona. After serving a one-game ban that coincided with a 4-1 defeat at league leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv, Bornstein was back in the lineup for a 1-0 home win against Ashdod last weekend.

Norway


<strong>Sam Adekugbe</strong><br> VAN: 2013-17	The Canada left back looks set for another season as a inked-in starter at Valerenga. The Bohemians begin their preseason schedule at Sarpsborg 08 on Friday night. The games get real again when Mjøndalen drop in for opening night on March 30.


<strong>Oyvind Alseth</strong><br> TOR: 2017	Hometown boy Alseth and Ranheim begin their preseason slate of friendlies against Swedish side Östersunds on the 28th. They will start attempting to prove last season's seventh-place finish was no fluke when Tromsø come calling for Eliteserien opening day on March 31.

Scotland

Emerson Hyndman (center) | Reuters


<strong>Emerson Hyndman</strong><br> FC Dallas Academy	Just after our last update, the midfielder went all 90 in Hibernian's impressive 2-0 victory over Premiership leaders Celtic and did the same in a scoreless draw with second-place Rangers three days later. The following week brought matching 66-minute starts in a home draw against Livingston and another share at Rangers, and then he came off the bench for 28 minutes in a slim Easter Road loss to Hearts. But despite his interest in extending his stint to season’s end, Hyndman was recalled to Bournemouth when his loan expired at the new year. Sunderland were reportedly interested in bringing him aboard, but at present he remains a Cherry..

Emerson Hyndman FC Dallas Academy

Just after our last update, the midfielder went all 90 in Hibernian's impressive 2-0 victory over Premiership leaders Celtic and did the same in a scoreless draw with second-place Rangers three days later. The following week brought matching 66-minute starts in a home draw against Livingston and another share at Rangers, and then he came off the bench for 28 minutes in a slim Easter Road loss to Hearts. But despite his interest in extending his stint to season’s end, Hyndman was recalled to Bournemouth when his loan expired at the new year. Sunderland were reportedly interested in bringing him aboard, but at present he remains a Cherry..


<strong>Timothy Weah</strong><br> NY Red Bulls Academy	Both new/temporary manager Brendan Rodgers and PSG teammate Neymar tipped the young US attacker for big things following his winter-window loan move to Celtic. The Parkhead side, who stand top just above rivals Rangers, are currently paper-thin on the front line due to injuries. Could Weah debut as soon as early as Saturday's Scottish Cup tilt against visiting mites Airdrieonians? If not, then perhaps next Wednesday, when the Hoops start a three-game league home stand against St. Mirren.

Timothy Weah NY Red Bulls Academy

Both new/temporary manager Brendan Rodgers and PSG teammate Neymar tipped the young US attacker for big things following his winter-window loan move to Celtic. The Parkhead side, who stand top just above rivals Rangers, are currently paper-thin on the front line due to injuries. Could Weah debut as soon as early as Saturday's Scottish Cup tilt against visiting mites Airdrieonians? If not, then perhaps next Wednesday, when the Hoops start a three-game league home stand against St. Mirren.


<strong>Ian Harkes</strong><br> DC: 2017-18	Earlier this week, Harkes signed a two-year deal to join Championship title chasers Dundee United, whose stadium is a mere stone's throw from where the 23-year-old's grandfather grew up. Terrors boss Robbie Neilson expects that the midfielder needs some time to reach fitness, but will eventually contribute. "I think he'll be a big asset," he told BBC on Wednesday. "We think he'll add a bit of energy to the midfield." Meanwhile, the club can tentatively go top of the table with a win at Ayr United next Friday.

Ian Harkes DC: 2017-18

Earlier this week, Harkes signed a two-year deal to join Championship title chasers Dundee United, whose stadium is a mere stone's throw from where the 23-year-old's grandfather grew up. Terrors boss Robbie Neilson expects that the midfielder needs some time to reach fitness, but will eventually contribute. "I think he'll be a big asset," he told BBC on Wednesday. "We think he'll add a bit of energy to the midfield." Meanwhile, the club can tentatively go top of the table with a win at Ayr United next Friday.

Sweden


<strong>Romain Gall</strong><br> CLB: 2014-15	On the heels of a highly abbreviated offseason, Gall & Co. will kick off a four-friendly run that will conclude at FC Cincinnati on Feb. 8. The winter work is all leading up to a Valentine's Day date with spiffy Europa League round-of-32 first-leg guests Chelsea. Three days later, the Sky Blues start Svenska Cupen action against Degefors.


<strong>Kofi Sarkodie</strong><br> HOU: 2011-15<br> SJ: 2016-17	The right back has run out of contract with relegated Trelleborgs.

Switzerland


<strong>Kekuta Manneh</strong><br> VAN: 2013-17	Prior to Christmas, the winger remained a spectator for St. Gallen's last match before the league hibernation, a 2-1 loss at Luzern. On Monday, Manneh entered as halftime sub in their 3-0 friendly win over Hamburg. However, he was pulled a minute from time with a knock and his status is currently unclear for their big Feb. 3 return to league play at home to FC Zurich, the club that stands two points ahead of them in the last Europa League slot.

Kekuta Manneh VAN: 2013-17

Prior to Christmas, the winger remained a spectator for St. Gallen's last match before the league hibernation, a 2-1 loss at Luzern. On Monday, Manneh entered as halftime sub in their 3-0 friendly win over Hamburg. However, he was pulled a minute from time with a knock and his status is currently unclear for their big Feb. 3 return to league play at home to FC Zurich, the club that stands two points ahead of them in the last Europa League slot.

Slovakia


<strong>Brian Iloski</strong><br> LA Galaxy Academy	Iloski and loan employers Zemplin Michalovce are still on winter break. The seventh-place side start a string of midseason camp friendlies this weekend, and get back in the league swing of things with a Feb. 16 visit from Sered.

Finland


<strong>Ben McKendry</strong><br> VAN: 2016-17	While TPS don't kick off the new second-flight season until April, the 25-year-old Canada midfielder and friends will begin Suomen Cup group-stage play with a Friday matinee on Jan. 25.