Skip to content

Chicago, Columbus ready to swap Dominic Oduro and Dilly Duka

Feb 2, 2013, 10:35 AM EDT

Houston Dynamo v Chicago Fire Getty Images

It may not seem like Chicago needs another midfielder, but according to reports in the midwest, they’re about to get one. The Fire look set to send attacker Dominic Oduro to Columbus for Dilly Duka, with the Columbus Dispatch reporting the deal is done.

The Fire has already acquired Jeff Larentowicz and Joel Lindpere this offseason, with holdovers Daniel Paladini, Wells Thompson, Alex, and the seemingly right back-bound Logan Pause already forcing Frank Klopas into some improvised solutions. Decisions about how to use attackers like Patrick Nyarko and Chris Rolfe also get pulled into this crowded picture, with Designated Player Sherjill MacDonald likely to be Klopas’s first choice up top.

That crunch is part of the reason Oduro’s moving on. The Ghanian attacker exploded for 12 goals in 2604 minutes after coming over from Houston in 2011, but with more competition for spots in 2012, Oduro slipped to six goals and 1823 minutes.

Though Oduro is four years older than Duka, this seems like a shrewd acquisition for Columbus. Oduro may be the perfect type of guy to come in and spell either Federico Higuaín or Jairo Arrieta, Columbus’s first choice attackers. He’s been far more productive than Duka while making almost the same amount of money (something that may be different for the coming season). While he can’t replace Higuaín’s playmaking ability, he does allow Robert Warzycha to maintain a viable attacking tandem when the Argentine is out.

The main things Columbus give up are youth and promise, but it may be worth it. Duka has provided glimpses of somebody who could provide a needed spark to Columbus’s midfield, but he never established a consistent place in the team (averaging 21 appearances over the last two seasons).

Chicago seems willing to gamble that the talent that made him a U.S. U-20 regular four years ago can still come good. If it doesn’t, Chicago’s merely added to their midfield logjam.

Latest Posts
  1. Poor Strama, Allegri: Inter, AC Milan leave coaches in limbo

    May 22, 2013, 11:51 PM EDT

    FC Internazionale Milano v Udinese Calcio - Serie A Getty Images

    Serie A’s two Milanese clubs have yet to move for new head coaches.

  2. Full circle: Misantrope’s revival could land Benítez in Paris, Madrid, or Naples

    May 22, 2013, 11:06 PM EDT

    Chelsea's interim manager Benitez looks on before their English Premier League soccer match against Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton

    Over the last three months, Rafa Benítez has reignited a floundering career.

  3. It’s piling on for Reign FC, who may permanently lose Megan Rapinoe to Lyon

    May 22, 2013, 10:14 PM EDT

    Megan Rapinoe

    The hits just keep on coming for the NWSL’s hard-luck team.

  4. U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round draw: What it means for your MLS team

    May 22, 2013, 9:20 PM EDT

    Open Cup logo

    The U.S. Open Cup draws sometimes need a decoder ring to decipher. Here’s a quick-and-dirty look at the MLS teams’ futures.

  5. With PSG willing to match Wayne Rooney’s wages, Manchester United has somebody to bail them out

    May 22, 2013, 8:17 PM EDT

    Everton v Manchester United - Premier League Getty Images

    If PSG’s willing to take Rooney’s wages of their hands, Manchester United can justify moving on.

  6. Crimes and misdemeanors: Congratulations, Bobby Boswell – you’re this week’s winner

    May 22, 2013, 7:32 PM EDT

    Bobby Boswell head shot

    Houston’s defensive leader sees his banned doubled by the Disciplinary Committee.

  7. Sauerbrunn, Quon, and why its still too early to see NWSL’s influence on Sermanni’s choices

    May 22, 2013, 6:47 PM EDT

    Becky Sauerbrunn (C) congrtulates goal-s

    Tom Sermanni has brought new talent into the national team, but it’s too early to know the extent to which the U.S.’s roster will see new faces.

  8. José Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo pick up meaningless two-match bans

    May 22, 2013, 6:02 PM EDT

    FBL-EUR-C1-REALMADRID-DORTMUND

    Cristiano Ronaldo will serve a two-match ban. José Mourinho will skirt it.

  9. The Hype: Will the Yankees be able to bring more fans to MLS?

    May 22, 2013, 5:26 PM EDT

    Screen shot 2013-05-22 at 2.23.14 PM

    Michele Beadle and friends take a look at what NYCFC means to the New York sports scene.

  10. Analyzing the ills of Chivas USA on the field

    May 22, 2013, 4:44 PM EDT

    Walter Vilchez

    We tend to beat up the Chivas organization for its off-the-wall strategic approaches and front-office instability, but what exactly is wrong with the team on the field?

  11. Looking at the United States’ roster ahead of their Canada rematch

    May 22, 2013, 4:03 PM EDT

    Alex Morgan,  Abby Wombach

    Yesterday’s announcement included few surprises ahead of the U.S.’s June 2 match at BMO Field.

  12. German Bundesliga head blasts FIFA’s Qatar choice

    May 22, 2013, 3:18 PM EDT

    Qatar 2022

    Well, what took them so long to get into the party?

  13. Which EPL club would suit Andy Carroll best?

    May 22, 2013, 2:05 PM EDT

    English forward Andy Carroll controls th Getty Images

    As the towering English forward weighs up his options, should he return to Liverpool, sign for West Ham or go elsewhere?

  14. Mario Götze to miss Champions League final against future club Bayern

    May 22, 2013, 1:40 PM EDT

    Real Madrid's Angel Di Maria is challenged by Borussia Dortmund's Mario Gotze during their Champions League soccer match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid Reuters

    With Dortmund’s main attacker threat out injured, can Dortmund still lift the Champions League trophy?

  15. Yankees: “We are working on NYC FC playing at Yankee Stadium”

    May 22, 2013, 1:15 PM EDT

    Kevin de Bruyne AP

    Can the Yankees provide a viable option for New York City FC to play in? Of course they can. Maybe.

  16. A stadium for New York City FC – tougher than you think

    May 22, 2013, 12:30 PM EDT

    HOT CHELLE RAE PERFORMS ON THE TODAY SHOW SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

    They have owners and an employee, but now comes the hardest part for MLS expansion club NYCFC. The challenges ahead are daunting:

  17. Five worst EPL signings this season

    May 22, 2013, 12:21 PM EDT

    Queens Park Rangers v Wigan Athletic - Premier League Getty Images

    The one accolade no EPL player wants on their soccer resume…

  18. Claudio Reyna announced as New York City FC Director of Football

    May 22, 2013, 11:05 AM EDT

    reyna_run_NYC_Smithfield-e1345525062731

    New York City FC announces Reyna as first employee, a good first move, right?

  19. Possible temporary homes for New York City FC

    May 22, 2013, 10:06 AM EDT

    Chelsea's John Mikel Obi and Paris St Germain's Maxwell battle for the ball in the second half of their team's friendly soccer match at Yankee Stadium, the home of the New York Yankees baseball team, in New York Reuters

    Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Red Bull Arena… which venue could work best as a temporary home for New York City FC?

Top 10 Player Searches
  1. M. Garza (MLB)
  2. J. Garcia (MLB)
  3. B. Harper (MLB)
  4. G. Hill (NBA)
  5. D. Wade (NBA)