Bundesliga club Hamburg signed Preston Zimmerman to a full professional contract that would keep the young American at the German club until 2009. Zimmerman's agent told Yanks Abroad that the 19-year-old, who currently plays for Hamburg II, could be given the opportunity for first-team action early next year, as Hamburg loses several first-team players to the African Nation's Cup. "He will still have to earn his place in the first-team squad," Schoenbauer said. "With his new deal, it gives him a greater opportunity to achieve this in the new year."

Separately, Chivas USA added forward Atiba Harris to its roster after Real Salt Lake, his former club, traded the 22-year-old St. Kitts & Nevis international for a third-round pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. In two seasons with RSL, Harris played in 43 regular-season matches, scoring four goals and adding two assists.

"Atiba is an exciting young player who possesses speed and an ability to hold the ball and combine with other players, while also posing a real threat in the air," said Chivas USA coach Preki. "We hope that he will give a different look to Chivas USA's attack."

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