Following a report three weeks ago saying that he was negotiating a move to MLS, the Costa Rica outlet Teletica is not only reiterating that Joseph Mora will be headed to MLS but that D.C. United is the lead destination. Black and Red United has learned that D.C. is in fact considering the player, but that a move is not definite at the moment.
Mora has been with Deportivo Saprissa for the past three years, playing in 77 games, though the bulk of his time has been in the last two years with 59 appearances (50 starts). The speculation is that the 25-year-old left back will follow former teammate Ulises Segura to D.C. following the second leg of Saprissa’s CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal with Club America Wednesday night (Mora traveled with the club and, with America ahead 5-1 after the first leg in Costa Rica, Saprissa’s elimination is a formality). It should also be noted that, like Segura and Jose Ortiz before him, former D.C. player and scout Kurt Morsink represents Mora in Costa Rica.
Given Taylor Kemp’s lingering issues recovering from hernia surgery last September and his absence from training on Tuesday, recent acquisition Oniel Fisher is the strong favorite start the opener at Orlando City Saturday. Mora would have to be seen as strong competition for the starting job even when Kemp is fit, as Fisher is a bit more comfortable at right back.
The other question is the matter of how logistically Mora fits into the squad. Mora would likely be the 19th senior roster player (and 25th overall), but would be the eighth international player for a team with only six international spots at the moment. In order to actually place Mora on the active roster, something (most likely a trade for an international spot) would have to happen.
Meanwhile, a highlight reel for a left back?