Bigger and Better? Union Sign CB Bakary Soumare

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Some of the concern over the Philadelphia Union's decision to trade team captain Danny Califf may be diminished in light of their full planning reportedly coming to fruition today. Fans may disagree with the way the popular defender was treated or why he was traded, but we now have a better understanding as to the team's ultimate goals at the position.

According to a report by Ives Galarcep,
the team has been working to acquire Bakary Soumare, a 26-year-old, 6'4"
centerback who played to much accolade with the Chicago Fire before
being transferred to a French club in 2009. It appears as if they were
successful, completing a trade with Vancouver that gave the Union the
top priority spot in the MLS allocation order. 

Galarcep says Soumare will be eligible to play for
the Union after the summer transfer window opens on June 27th, but he
could need time before he's actually ready to suit up.  
Amobi Okugo has filled in very well since being moved from reserve
midfielder to starting centerback alongside Carlos Valdes—great news
both for the past few matches and the team's confidence should any
future needs arise. When he becomes available though, Soumare will
provide a more natural and experienced fit to the position. 

There's also some closure in knowing the long-term
on-field solution to the hole created by Califf's trade, and any
suspicion that his salary would go unspent or that he was moved purely
for reasons of discord with Peter Nowak can be put to bed. 

Ives has much more on what Soumare brings to the
table
, a resume that includes acknowledgement as a 2008 MLS Defender of
the Year finalist, but also some injury history. 

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