Finance
New England Revolution Trades for $500K GAM & 2025 Intl Roster Slot from San Jose
2024-12-09
In a significant move on December 9, 2024, the New England Revolution underwent a major roster reshuffle. The club acquired $500,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) and a 2025 International Roster Slot from the San Jose Earthquakes. In return, they parted ways with defender Dave Romney and midfielders Mark-Anthony Kaye and Ian Harkes. This trade was executed during Major League Soccer's half-day trade window, adding a new dimension to the team's strategic planning.

Revolutionize Your Roster with These Trades

Defender Dave Romney's Departure

After two years with the New England Revolution, Dave Romney is leaving the club. The 31-year-old California native made a significant impact, earning 61 league appearances with 58 starts. His career totals now stand at an impressive 232 MLS games played and 213 starts across 10 seasons. His presence on the field will be missed by the team and its fans.During his time with the Revolution, Romney demonstrated his skills and dedication. His leadership on the defense was crucial in many matches, and his experience added value to the team. His departure marks the end of an era for the club, but it also opens up new opportunities for other players.

Midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye's Exit

Mark-Anthony Kaye, 30, is also leaving the Revolution. Since arriving in a trade from Toronto FC in July 2023, he made 31 MLS appearances, including 25 starts, and contributed three assists. The veteran midfielder from Toronto has a rich career with 169 appearances over seven seasons with Los Angeles FC, Colorado Rapids, Toronto FC, and now New England.Kaye's midfield skills and ability to control the tempo of the game were evident during his time with the Revolution. His passing accuracy and vision on the field made him a valuable asset. His departure will leave a void in the team's midfield, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the gap.

Midfielder Ian Harkes' Time with the Revolution

Ian Harkes spent two seasons with the New England Revolution after joining from Scottish club Dundee United in July 2023. In 36 MLS games for the Revolution, he registered three goals and four assists. His MLS career now includes five goals and six helpers in 69 league appearances between New England and D.C. United.Harkes' arrival brought a new dimension to the team's attacking play. His creativity and ability to create scoring opportunities were evident in many matches. His departure will be a loss for the Revolution, but it also allows the team to look for new players to add to their attacking arsenal.

The Offseason Roster Build Begins

The Revolution started their offseason roster build with the addition of Malian center back Mamadou Fofana from French side Amiens SC. This move adds depth and strength to the team's defense. The MLS schedule of roster-building events, available in detail here, kicked off with today's half-day trade window, followed by the MLS Expansion Draft (Dec. 11), free agency (Dec. 12), the Re-Entry and Waiver processes, and the MLS SuperDraft (Dec. 20). The team will convene for 2025 preseason training in the second week of January, where they will continue to work on strengthening their roster.These trades and roster-building activities are crucial for the New England Revolution's future success. By acquiring GAM and an International Roster Slot, the team has more flexibility to make additional signings and improve their squad. The departures of Romney, Kaye, and Harkes also create opportunities for new players to join the team and make their mark.As the offseason progresses, fans will be eagerly following the team's every move. The New England Revolution is poised to make some exciting additions to their roster and build on their success in the coming seasons.
Avenues for Hope & School District: Helping Homeless Students with Funds
2024-12-09
During the holiday season, the act of giving takes on a special significance. In Twin Falls, Idaho, money donated during this time plays a crucial role in assisting those less fortunate within the community. One such group are the vulnerable students in the Twin Falls School District.

"Holiday Giving: Empowering Twin Falls Students"

Identifying At-Risk Students

At-Risk Coordinator Jenny Herzog has identified 309 students who meet the federal definition of homeless. These students come from families facing home insecurity or living in motels or campers with friends. In some cases, they are separated from their families and living with others. Last May, the number was 396, but Herzog explains that they are still gathering data and the numbers could rise again by May.

Herzog and her team work hard to identify those at risk and bring them in. They have a list of community resources to refer these students to and also offer family health services within the building.

They also strive to connect families with housing. The district receives federal dollars for this purpose but can only use them for academic matters. Whether it's providing school supplies, backpacks, or helping them join extracurricular programs or take driver's ed, they are there to assist.

Partnering with Avenues for Hope

The district has been partnering with Avenues for Hope for four years to raise money for their Angel Fund. This locally funded program covers items that federal dollars cannot. Hygiene items like lots of laundry soaps are provided, and laundry cards are especially in demand as many of these students, living in motels or trailers and couch surfing, don't have access to laundry facilities, and the cost is significant.

Covering these items frees up a family's budget, allowing them to focus on other expenses. The money raised makes a big difference as more people reach out.

It also helps the students focus on their education and worry less about their appearance. As Eva Craner, Director of Public Relations, points out, mental stress can prevent students from achieving academically. By providing the necessary support, these students can reach their highest potential.

Goal and Campaign

Their goal is to raise $5,000, and the campaign runs from now until Dec. 31. Every dollar counts as it makes a significant impact on the lives of these vulnerable students.
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"Neighbor Shot While Confronting Car Thieves: Woman's Reaction"
2024-12-10
San Antonio, Texas has witnessed a harrowing incident where a neighbor stepped in to prevent a car theft only to end up in the hospital with a gunshot wound. This incident has left the community shocked and questioning the nature of such events.

In the Heart of San Antonio, a Neighbor's Act of Bravery Had Devastating Consequences

Confrontation at Farmsville Drive

On Monday morning, officers arrived at a home on Farmsville Drive, not far from Marbach Road. There they found a man lying on the ground, suffering from a gunshot wound in his back. According to SAPD, the man and his father had confronted two individuals who were attempting to steal a car from a neighbor across the street. Both sides were armed with guns and engaged in a tense standoff.

The man was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. It remains unclear whether the thieves, who fled the area in two separate cars, were also injured during the shooting. The sound of gunshots had initially been mistaken for something else by Bryan Castellon, who only realized later what had happened. He opened his door to see patrol cars rushing into the neighborhood.

The Value of a Life vs. a Car

Nina McCauley, the owner of the car in question, was shocked to learn that her neighbor had come so close to losing his life over it. “I hope he’s OK. I’ve been praying that he’s OK,” she said. “The car’s not worth it. Take the car. You can always get another one, but you can’t get another life.”

In hindsight, McCauley couldn’t help but wonder if things could have been different if she had been outside that morning, as she usually was. She believes that by being present, she might have deterred the thieves from targeting the car.

Investigation and the Search for Shooters

Investigators immediately targeted areas where they believed they might find evidence. They searched the neighborhood for any possible security video and checked the car for fingerprints. As of early Monday afternoon, they were still looking for the shooters who had managed to get away.

This incident has raised questions about the safety of neighborhoods and the lengths to which people will go to protect their property. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of being vigilant.

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