Skip to main content

Sporting KC adds Argentine forward Bieler

  • Author:
  • Publish date:
Claudio Bieler (left) struggles for the ball with Luciano Civelli during the Sudamericana Cup in 2011.

Claudio Bieler (left) struggles for the ball with Luciano Civelli during the Sudamericana Cup in 2011.

Sporting Kansas City has introduced Argentine forward Claudio Bieler as a designated player, adding a talented goal-scorer from Ecuador's Serie A to its roster.

The 28-year-old Bieler was acquired by the MLS club from LDU Quito for an undisclosed transfer fee after scoring 57 goals in 110 games in Ecuador's top professional league.

Nicknamed "El Taca,'' Bieler had 20 goals in 34 games this past season.

Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said after losing in the MLS Cup playoffs that he would seek to add a talented striker this offseason. Vermes said Tuesday that Bieler had proven to be a "very consistent goal scorer.''

The designated player rule allows MLS clubs to acquire high-salary players and have only a portion of their salary count against the club's budget. Sporting KC has had three designated players: Claudio Lopez in 2008 and Omar Bravo and Jeferson in 2011.

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.