6 things you might have missed from the MLS half-day trade window

While most were still digesting NYCFC's dramatic MLS Cup win against the Portland Timbers, some were scrambling their way through Sunday's half-day trade window.

It's not quite the silly season of January, but this four-hour slot did give clubs a chance to get some early business on the books as preparation begins for the 2022 season. It's less than three months away already!

You'd be absolutely forgiven for missing Sunday's wheeling and dealing given the drama of MLS Cup the night before. But fear not, here's a round-up of all the moves:

1. Charlotte FC continue to build for inaugural season

Big things are happening in Charlotte. The 2022 expansion club not only released their first-ever home jersey last week, they also added players nine and 10 to their roster.

First, there was Charlotte native Jaylin Lindsey coming home from Sporting Kansas City for $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), with another $225,000 to be paid if certain performance-based incentives are met. Despite being just 21 years old, Lindsey already has 34 MLS appearances under his belt as well as 43 caps for the United States across various youth levels. This might well prove to be a bargain.

Then, CLTFC filled that all-important goalkeeping position, bringing Mexican stopper Pablo Sisniega on board from LAFC for just $50,000 in GAM, with another $50,000 to come if he hits certain markers.

Not to be ignored was Charlotte also paying Nashville a handsome $500,000 in GAM for two international roster spots, leaving them with plenty of freedom ahead of Tuesday's Expansion Draft and the January transfer window.

2. Lewis Morgan gets big Red Bulls move

The biggest move of the day was Lewis Morgan's trade from Inter Miami to the New York Red Bulls for up to $1.2m in GAM - $700,000 for 2022 and $500,000 for 2023.

The Scottish forward struggled in 2021, but was often played out of position. In 2020, he was one of Inter Miami's most dangerous players, notching five goals and five assists in 24 appearances.

His speed, skill, and work rate without the ball should see him fit in well at Red Bull Arena.

“I am happy to have Lewis be a part of our squad,” said RBNY head coach Gerhard Struber.

“He possesses the instinct and intelligence to recognize to get in behind, to open up passing lanes and create space. His ability against the ball to press and counter-press will also prove useful to our team.”

3. Inter Miami bolster for Playoff push

While Inter Miami let Morgan go, they did strengthen in other areas on Sunday.

Victor Ulloa signed a new two-year deal with the club, but the undoubted headline was the Herons' capture of Jean Mota from Santos.

The 28-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year deal in Florida with the option for a third, after spending almost 10 years in the Brazilian top-flight, scoring 10 goals and setting up another 20 in 207 appearances across all competitions since June 2016.

Mota is versatile, able to play in pretty much any central midfield position, as well as left-back. He's a progressive passer, an effective ball carrier, and uncompromising in the tackle - arguably the qualities Miami were looking for in Blaise Matuidi.

4. Atlanta United say goodbye to MLS Cup hero

He was rash and prone to needless bookings, but Franco Escobar will go down as one of the biggest figures in Atlanta United history for his goal in their 2018 MLS Cup win over the Portland Timbers.

After spending a year on loan in his native Argentine with Newell's Old Boys, the 26-year-old has joined LAFC for $600,000 GAM, and another $350,000 based on performance metrics.

It's not the sort of exit such an iconic figure deserves, but Escobar leaves with the blessings of the 17s. He should add some much-needed bite to the LAFC backline.

5. Revs say goodbye to an old friend, Nashville continue to rely on MLS experience

From Dax McCarty to CJ Sapong, Nashville SC have made a name - and gained success - bringing in MLS veterans and helping them roll back the years.

The latest old head to come through the door is Teal Bunbury, who joins after eight seasons, 252 appearances, and 53 goals with the New England Revolution, where he was incredibly popular.

For a player of Bunbury's experience, a maximum of $150,000 in GAM ($75,000 now, $75,000 if certain criteria are met) is a small price to pay.

Nashville also brought in striker Ethan Zubak from the LA Galaxy in exchange for the club’s natural first-round pick (21st overall) in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.

6. Defensive reinforcements at Houston

There was a lot wrong with the Houston Dynamo in 2021, not least at the back, with only four teams in the whole of MLS conceding more than their 54 goals. Two of those were Texas rivals FC Dallas and Austin FC, who allowed 56 each.

The first step toward stopping those leaks has been taken with the capture of center-back Daniel Steres from the LA Galaxy, in exchange for the Dynamo's natural third-round pick (60th overall) in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. LA will also retain a portion of Steres' salary budget charge in 2022.

Not bad for a player with over 200 games of professional experience.