MLS Clubs Finally Confirm Cruz Azul Deals

The LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes, and Philadelphia Union all broke their respective silences today regarding the departures of Jose Villarreal, Rafael Baca, and Michael Farfan. The Galaxy confirmed that 20-year-old forward Villarreal had been sent to Cruz Azul on loan through the end of the 2014 MLS Season (which coincides with the the of the 2014 Lia MX Apertura) with an option to buy. Villarreal had three goals in 32 league appearances for the club. San Jose confirmed that Baca, a 24-year-old midfielder who had two goals and nine assists in 79 games for the Earthquakes, was sold outright to Los Cementaros. Michael Farfan's move was also confirmed by the Philadelphia Union.

For all three players, per MLS' policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed - hardly surprising since this news was broken four days ago and Cruz Azul held a press conference unveiling their new signings over the weekend. You can't blame any of the three clubs for the silence though. From a tweet from the Philadelphia Union's account, "Per MLS regs, we can't comment on player transactions until official paperwork is approved. Will provide information as soon as we are able." Unfortunately in this case, the clubs were left holding the proverbial bag when the only entity that could allow them the ability to tell the truth seemingly ignored them. Perhaps this will be the clarion call that MLS needs to relax some of their draconian rules on what is disseminated - and by whom.