Homecomings, big-money moves and under-the-radar signings: Week 24 saw numerous players moved during MLS' Secondary Transfer Window make debuts for their new clubs. Here's a rundown of their performances
Dominique Badji (FC Dallas)
Badji enjoyed a strong debut by scoring on the road against one of the league's best defenses, earning praise from head coach Oscar Pareja. On the finish, he showed smart movement and turned a Michael Barrios cross into the near post with his chest like a true poacher.
His performance was indicative of what Dallas knew they were getting when they swapped Kellyn Acosta for him: a speedy goalscorer who won't be too heavily involved in the buildup. Badji completed just six passes, none of them forward, but Pareja won't mind as long as he's scoring goals.
Pablo Aranguiz (FC Dallas)
Alongside Badji, another attacker debuted for Dallas as highly-rated 21-year-old Aranguiz received his first minutes in MLS off the bench. The Chilean has huge, Mauro Diaz-sized shoes to fill, both now and in coming seasons, and he showed more than a few encouraging flashes during his 28-minute cameo, also drawing kind words from Pareja.
Facing the red-hot Sounders in Seattle is about as difficult a debut scenario as there is in this league, and he passed the first test.
Brad Smith (Seattle)
Sticking with the weekend's finale, FCD's opponent also had a debutant. Smith started and played 73 minutes for his new club after swapping the Premier League for MLS. Smith attempted four crosses, tied for team-high, which something Sounders supporters should expect more of. Will Bruin and Raul Ruidiaz will benefit most from Smith's delivery this season.
Christian Ramirez (LAFC)
One of the intra-MLS blockbuster deals of the Secondary Transfer Window, Minnesota United FC sent Ramirez to LAFC for a bundle of allocation money. The striker pulled on the black and gold jersey for the first time in his new club's 2-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City.
Ramirez came inches away from scoring on his debut with a diving header at the back post, but was unable to make contact as he went flying over the endline. He figures to get more opportunities immediately during his new club's busy schedule, as Saturday kicked off a stretch of three games in eight days, and with Adama Diomande still an injury question.
Krisztian Nemeth (Sporting KC)
On the winning side of SKC's match with LAFC, Nemeth made his second debut for the club he starred for in 2015. Nemeth, like Ramirez, didn't start as Peter Vermes eased him back into the team with a handful of minutes off the bench.
Justin Meram (Columbus)
Another second debut, Meram returned to Crew SC after a difficult half-season with Orlando City SC. Meram had an extended run on the pitch and helped lead the Crew to a late 1-0 win over Houston Dynamo.
Within a minute of entering, Meram made a recovery in the attacking half and smartly played a through ball to Federico Higuain for a shot on target.
Andreas Ivan (NY Red Bulls)
Ivan was described by Red Bulls head coach Chris Armas as a "dynamic attacker" and appeared that way in his brief five minutes on the pitch in his side's 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire.
Quincy Amarikwa (Montreal)
Amarikwa entered from the bench for Montreal and was lively with his new club. In 23 minutes, the striker attempted two shots as the Impact drew Real Salt Lake 1-1.
Micheal Azira (Montreal)
Azira also made his debut from the bench for Montreal against RSL, though only played six minutes.
Jon Bakero (Toronto FC)
Bakero, acquired by TFC from Chicago in July, played four minutes off the bench for his new club in their 3-2 loss to NYCFC.
