MLS Moves: Morales says goodbye to RSL fans
- by Paul Kennedy @pkedit, Nov 4, 2016
Morales' RSL career spans its rise into an MLS champion in 2009 and one of the most consistent teams in league history.
"It is always difficult to say goodbye," he wrote, "but this goodbye hurts a little more. After 10 years it is time to leave a place which has felt like home."
Morales has 49 goals and 81 assists in 240 games for RSL. He scored four goals and added four assists in 29 games in 2016. After a strong start, RSL struggled in the late going and lost to the LA Galaxy, 3-1, in the Knockout Round.
The 29 games were tied for the second most in his 10 seasons, but the four assists were the fewest of any season in which he played a full season. He played seven games in his debut season in 2007, and he played only 10 games in 2011 when he suffered a dislocated ankle and torn ligaments in his left foot.
Morales is one of many Argentina playmakers who have thrived in MLS. He talked Portland star Diego Valeri with whom he played at Lanus in Argentina into signing with the Timbers in 2013.
Morales exited MLS Cup 2009 when he was injured on a challenge by the Galaxy's David Beckham. He also played for RSL when it finished second in the 2011 Concacaf Champions League and runner-up to Sporting Kansas in MLS Cup 2013.
Excellent player; one less quality player on the MLS pitch.