MLS Transfers: Rapids, Crew, Fire Bolster Attacks With Foreign Signings

De Lima most recently played for FC Wohlen, a team in Switzerland’s second division. De Lima played about 1,600 minutes there this year, scoring a pair of goals. A year earlier, the 23-year-old scored four goals in 1,790 minutes.

For more on the signing, be sure to check out Fire blog Hot Time In Old Town.

Arrieta is currently playing for Costa Rican giants Saprissa and will be eligible to play for the Crew when the summer transfer window opens on June. 27.

“Jairo is a proven goal scorer who we have had our eye on for some time,” Crew head coach Robert Warzycha said in a team release. “He is quick and agile in and around the box, and we expect him to be a great addition to our attack.”

“Edu is a skilled and creative forward with a great deal of experience,” Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo said in a team release. “His signing will bolster our attack and we’re happy to add him to the roster.”

Before injuries derailed his career, Edu played for nine seasons in La Liga. He broke in with Celta, scoring 28 goals in 117 La Liga appearances over four seasons. He then transferred to Betis, where he scored 41 goals in 136 appearances over five seasons. Among his best performances were an 11-goal season in 2004-05 and a 12-goal season in 2007-08.

Fresh off making a trade to bolster their depth at forward, the Portland Timbers were once again making moves. This time, they addressed their struggling defense, signing Scottish left back Steven Smith. To make room for Smith, the Timbers also announced they had cut midfielder James Marcelin.

“Steven has impressed us, both on the field and as a person, during his trial,” Timbers coach John Spencer said in a team release. “He is a hard-working defender who possesses a winning mentality. Steven has been a part of successful clubs throughout his career and has experience at high levels, including playing in the Champions League.”