MLS Ticker: Vines rejoins Rapids, Dynamo transfers Ulfarsson, and more

Another familiar face is returning to MLS with hopes of sparking his club career.

Sam Vines has returned to the Colorado Rapids on a permanent deal from Belgian club Royal Antwerp. Vines signed a four-year contract with the Rapids, which will run through the 2027 campaign.

“We are incredibly happy to bring Sam back home to the Rapids. He is an exceptional player, who has gained valuable experience abroad in Europe, and we’re thrilled to add his talents to our group” said Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith. “His career progression and success at both club and international levels are a testament to his quality, hard work and the investment our club has made in developing young local players and our ‘Drive to Youth’ philosophy.” 

The 24-year-old spent the previous three seasons with Royal Antwerp, scoring two goals and adding two assists in 58 appearances across all competitions. Vines lifted a First Division title, Belgian Cup, and Belgian Super Cup all in 2023.

Vines, a Colorado Springs native, spent four seasons with the Rapids after signing a Homegrown Player contract in February 2018. He featured in 53 MLS matches for the Rapids, contributing two goals and four assists.

Vines has earned nine caps with the U.S. men’s national team to date and joins up with international teammates Zack Steffen and Djordje Mihailovic, who also made the move to Colorado this winter.

Here is a closer look at all of the recent MLS News:

Dynamo sells forward Thorleifur Ulfarsson

The Houston Dynamo will be without the services of 2023 standout Thorleifur Úlfarsson.

Ulfarsson was sold to Hungarian side Debreceni VSC, both clubs announced. The Dynamo will keep a percentage of a future sell on as part of the transaction. The Iceland native was selected No. 4 overall by Houston during the 2022 MLS Draft.

“We would like to thank Thor for his contributions to the Houston Dynamo organization and we wish him the best in the next chapter of his career,” said General Manager Pat Onstad. “We have ambitions to be a club that helps young players advance their careers. For Thor to progress from a college draft pick to being sold to a European club competing for a spot in UEFA competitions in two seasons is a step in the right direction for our growth as a developmental club.”

Ulfarsson made 49 appearances over the last two years, registering seven goals and two assists for the club. The 23-year-old now heads to the Hungarian first division, joining a Debreceni squad that sits fifth in the league table.

NYCFC signs 2024 first round pick Malachi Jones

New York City FC locked down its recent top draft pick ahead of the 2024 MLS season.

Malachi Jones signed a two-year contract, which also includes two option years through 2027. The No. 8 overall pick in December’s draft, Jones enjoyed a positive two NCAA seasons at Lipscomb University.

Jones made 35 appearances for the Bisons, scoring 12 goals and providing 15 assists. The 20-year-old earned United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team honors, as well as being named first team all-ASUN for the second consecutive season.

“We are thrilled that Malachi has decided to start his professional career and join New York City FC,” said NYCFC Sporting Director David Lee. “When we drafted Malachi, we were unsure if he would be willing to leave school to pursue a professional career, but we believed that he was one of the most talented players in the MLS SuperDraft. Since we selected Malachi, we have been able to present what we believe the opportunities and benefits of joining our Club would be and we’re delighted that he has made this decision.”

A four-time first-team all-state selection, Jones finished his high school career with 119 goals and 43 assists. Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Jones was named the 2022 Gatorade Tennessee Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

St. Louis CITY SC loans Miguel Perez to Birmingham Legion

18-year-old Miguel Perez will earn valuable playing time outside of MLS.

Perez has been loaned by his parent club St. Louis CITY SC to USL side Birmingham Legion for the 2024 campaign. St. Louis holds the option to recall Perez from his loan at any period.

Perez made 18 matches across all competitions for Bradley Carnell’s squad last season, scoring two goals. The midfielder previously featured in MLS NEXT Pro with CITY2, as well as St. Louis’ UPSL squad.

“Miguel showed immense progression in his first professional season and we want to see him gain more minutes in a competitive league like USL for his growth”, said Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel.

“Miggy continues to be one of our local success stories after scouting him at a camp in Booneville, bringing him into our academy and earning a spot on the first team,” he added.  “Our fans have enjoyed watching him grow and develop his skills and as a club, we want to ensure he has every opportunity to continue his journey by getting more playing time. We wish him all the best in Birmingham and can’t wait to see how he progresses throughout the year.”