The Red Bulls bolstered its defense today, by signing goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul. The Senegal national team player will be available for the Red Bulls immediately. Coundoul, 27, posted a 1.16 goals against average while playing for the Colorado Rapids. He should improve the Red Bulls leaky defense, which has allowed a league worse 28 goals.

Coundoul will reunite with defender Mike Petke, which should allow for some cohesion on the back line. The Red Bulls biggest weakness has been a lack of communication, as exhibited when Jeremy Hall turned the ball over in a critical spot that led to a goal in a 1-1 draw with Seattle.

Juan Carlos Osorio is hoping that the presence of Coundoul will help his defense stay focused in the closing minutes of the first half. The Red Bulls gave up a set-piece only minutes before half-time in their loss to Columbus last week.

No cap figures were released, but the signing likely cost the Red Bulls somewhere around $50,000 a year. Coundoul made $33,000 last season with the Rapids.

The Red Bulls sent allocation money to the Rapids in exchange for Coundoul’s rights and released veteran goalkeeper Jon Conway to make room on the roster.

What do you think of the signing? Will this improve the Red Bulls defense and help with breakdowns? Will it help their chances in the Champions League? Share below.

MLS teams are beginning to cut players to dump some salary before the July 1^st guarantee roster date. Here is a run-down on the latest moves:

-DC Untied released goalkeeper Louis Crayton, saving about $170,000 in cap room. The move comes as no surprise, after the emergence of Josh Wicks. United will look to add a starting forward and some defensive cover.

-New York has agreed to terminate the contract of Juan Pietravaollo, who made close to $205,000 this season. The Red Bulls have had several players in for a trial, and they will sign someone from that list. Dutch winger Ernst Obster or youth product Matt Kassel are two options.

-Defenders Eric Denton and Kelly Gray were waived by San Jose. The two players combined made a little over $100,000. This move is to save some cap for a team that is likely out of the playoff picture. They will use the roster spots on development players.

Toronto FC bolstered its offense today, by signing Canadian national team striker Ali Gerba. Gerba, 26, previously played for League One side MK Dons, scoring ten goals during the 2008-09 campaign. He has played twenty-three times for Canada, banging in eleven goals.

Gerba is expected to start for Toronto FC, once he is able to join the team after the transfer window opens. He will provide a reliable, speedy threat up-top who is capable of finishing opportunities. He will be an upgrade over Johann Smith, who was recently cut by the club.

The threat of Gerba should release some pressure off the talented midfield of Toronto FC. Dwayne De Rosario and Armado Guevara should have more room to work with due to the threat Gerba’s pace. Target-man Danny Dichio will also have a speedy partner that he can flick the ball on to.

Toronto FC had to trade with San Jose to acquire the rights for Gerba. The Earthquakes shipped Nick Garcia along with Gerba’s rights in exchange for a 2010 Super Draft 3rd round pick.

Do you think the move makes Toronto FC a stronger contender for the Eastern Conference title? Will Gerba’s presence allow his club to make a deeper run in the Champions League? Give your opinion below.