John Kennedy Denied Move To Toronto

Toronto FC head coach Mo Johnston has revealed that the club's bid for Celtic defender John Kennedy was unsuccessful, with the primary reason being that TFC's pitch is made of artificial turf, which could increase the chance of Kennedy's knee woes recurring. The Scottish international reportedly had agreed to join the MLS side to continue his rehab at a high level, before his team decided the risk of injury was too great. "They took advice from the specialist and the word then came back that he could not be risked on that surface at this stage of his career," Johnston told the Toronto Sun.

Kennedy has not played for Celtic since March of 2004 after destroying his knee in his Scotland debut against Romania.

Twellman To Stay In New England

So much for those Norway rumors. Taylor Twellman has re-signed with the New England Revolution. The contract is reportedly for four years at $300,000 per year. It was a much-needed re-signing for the Revs, having seen national team star Clint Dempsey depart for Fulham.
Twellman led the MLS in scoring in 2002 and 2005 and also took home MVP honors in '05. He has also seen time with the national team, scoring three goals in January 2006 against Norway. He has 75 goals in 130 regular season games, and has scored more times than any other player since 2002.

Twellman was the target of transfer talk when Odd Grenland of Norway reportedly made a $1.2 million bid for him. The MLS has turned down that offer, as well as a similar one for Shalrie Joseph made by Celtic FC.

Offers For Revs' Joseph, Twellman Rejected

Major League Soccer has rejected offers for two of the New England Revolution's biggest stars in recent weeks, it has been revealed.

Shalrie Joseph had been pursued by Celtic FC, with the Scottish club offering upwards of $2 million for the 28-year-old defensive midfielder. They had previously submitted a bid of $1 million for Joseph last August. Joseph currently makes about $150,000 annually.

The other target of a European club recently was Taylor Twellman, with the MLS rejecting a $1.2 million bid from Odd Grenland in Norway for the striker. Twellman is currently training with the U.S. Men's National Team in preparation for Wednesday's clash with Mexico in Glendale, AZ. Celtic FC may get another look at Joseph and/or Twellman on July 19th, when they travel to Commerce City, CO, to play against the MLS All-Stars.

No More Rapids?

There are several reports out of Denver tonight that the Colorado Rapids will be undergoing more changes this offseason. Confirmed is a color change for their kits, but now we are hearing that the team name might be scrapped altogether in favor of the more international-friendly "Arsenal Colorado FC". It hasn't been confirmed yet, but the Rapids' front office has been hinting that a big change is on the way.

Last week, Colorado was at the center of another major announcement: The 2007 All-Star Game will be held at the brand-new Dick's Sporting Goods Park and Celtic will be taking on the best the MLS has to offer. It is unknown as of yet whether David Beckham will be taking part in the event, to be held on July 19th.