Argentine Goalkeeper Cuerdo Wants MLS Move

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Smiling Sebastian Leonel Cuerdo of Arsenal

Sebastian Cuerdo, 22, has expressed his desire to join Major League Soccer, after terminating his contract with Arsenal de Sarandi of the Argentine First Division last season.

The former River Plate youth player is keen on a move to the United States, after being released from Arsenal with the arrival of new coach Daniel Garnero.

Cuerdo was part of the Arsenal squad who lifted the Copa Sudamericana in sensational fashion last season, when a last-gasp strike from Martin Andrizzi saw them overcome Mexican giants Club America in the final in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires. It was the first time the club had ever claimed an international title, although in July 2008 they added their second trophy with the Suruga Bank Championship, after edging J. League Cup champions Gamba Osaka in Japan.

Since then Cuerdo has been seeking first team action, and believes an opportunity may arise if he were to emigrate to the United States.

"I consider it to be a young league with lots of potential for the future," he stated. "I think any change is a good thing, but I don't see it as a springboard, but as a destination."

He continued: "I think it is a very well organized league with the potential to grow; it contains very competitive teams strengthened by international stars. I also know that teams from the region are competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and each time the attendances are increasing," he claimed.

With the likes of MVP candidate Guillermo Barros Schelotto starring for Columbus Crew, Marcelo Gallardo at D.C. United and Claudio Lopez at Kansas City Wizards, Argentine players have taken MLS by storm. Cuerdo also shared the same dressing room with several players who found success in the United States.

"I played with [Juan] Carlos Toja at River and with Franco Caraccio at Arsenal. They played at FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo. I also know Facundo Erpen, and during [Daniel] Passarella's time I trained with Marcelo Gallardo.

"I spoke to Caraccio about MLS, and he told me that he felt very comfortable there, and that he was surprised by the great stadiums there, as well as with the growth in importance of the competition, and how competitive it has become," he stated.

Cuerdo could be next to join his compatriots in what he considers to be a "very competitive league" which has become increasingly popular in Argentina because of the "quality of football" on display and of course the fact that so many Argentines are doing well there.

In order to prepare for a possible departure to MLS in the near future, the Argentine goalkeeper has been taking part in the 'International Congress of Goalkeepers', which is an annual event organized by high-profile River Plate goalkeeper trainer Alejandro Saccone.

"It is an event organized by Alejandro Saccone and Club Atletico River Plate. This year I am supposed to demonstrate the technical aspect of my game. Each year it is more important. It is very unique in Argentina and people from all around the world take part in the program."

Gregory Sica