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Several sources, including the players involved are confirming that the Dilly Duka/Dominic Oduro swap is finally done. There are no further details regarding if allocation money was involved in the deal.
Adam Jardy and Ives Galarcep
Its been a fun 3 years @columbuscrew Big thanks to the Massive Crew #Supporters and my #Teammates.. All the Best in 2013
— Dilly Duka (@D_Duka11) February 2, 2013
Oduro thanked the fans and the Fire front office before turning his attention to Columbus.
Thanks to all the fire fans and front office for all your supports. And I'm now looking forward to the next chapter , here I come #columbus
— Dominic Oduro (@Freakyfast8) February 2, 2013
This brings the long running Duka saga to a close. The team has been looking to deal him for the entire offseason as the relationship between player and team soured beyond repair. Duka now has a chance to revive his career as he tries to find a place in Chicago's crowded midfield that is weakest on the left side.
Duka's trade officially leaves a hole on the left side. Justin Meram, Ethan Finlay, and Ben Speas have seen minutes with the first team this preseason as Duka was left at home as camp opened. Bernardo Anor is still recovering from an ACL tear suffered last season. The Crew have been quiet on whether they plan on bringing in reinforcements to help fill that spot.
Oduro is on his fifth MLS team after beginning his career in Dallas, a brief stop in New York, and spell in Houston, and a successful stint with the Fire. Known for his blazing speed, Oduro has struggled with his finishing throughout his career, but had a team high 12 goals for the Fire in 2011. He has 33 goals in 99 regular season appearances.
Oduro gives the Crew something they have lacked in several years, speed at the forward position. The Ghanaian has played striker and wide forward throughout his MLS career and will provide valuable depth up top. He also gives the coaching staff some technical flexibility. He can play in a 4-4-2, but his skill set would allow the Crew to use him in a 4-3-3.
The biggest result of the trade is to finally allow both sides to move on. Duka's walkoff after an early substiution last September appeared to be the final straw as the Crew were obviously unhappy about his attitude. He went from starter to ending up being held out of camp. Duka can now move to a situation where he can start over and the Crew move a player they saw with an attitude issue.