The 1860 Lions Sign A "Wolff"

After some struggles to earn promotion to the Bundesliga 1, Munich 1860 signed another American, reports Kicker. Striker, Josh Wolff, will be relied on to score goals in close matches to help the team escape second division soccer.

The Lions are currently only four points short of earning promotion. The team counts on a strong backline led by American defender, Gregg Berhalter, who appeared for the U.S. National Team in World Cups 2002 and 2006.

The former captain of Energie Cottbus helped the East German team climb into the Bundesliga 1 last season, only to remain in the Bundeliga 2 by signing with Munich 1860.

Wolff will join his American comrade after several successful campaigns in Major League Soccer. Wolff was a Fire original and played 84 matches for Chicago. While in the Windy City, the young striker tallied 32 goals.

After his success in Chicago, the Georgia native moved to Kansas City to play for the Wizards. While with the Wizards, Wolff put in 27 goals in 80 matches.

In 2003, Wolff suffered a meniscus tear and ankle injury which slowed his blistering pace significantly. However, the forward finished his last three MLS seasons healthy. Wolff scored 25 goals in the past three seasons with the Wizards and all but maxed out his salary under the league's tight cap.

Like most European teams, 1860 only signed the striker to an 18 month contract. The reasons for the short contract are multi-fold.

Few European teams will give any player pushing 30 more than a one year deal. The belief is by that age most players, especially forwards, are finished. Wolff is 29.

Munich 1860 also struggles with budget issues. Despite the team's recent success, previous pushes toward the "Big Show" have hurt Munich's funds. The team simply can't afford to issue a big contract.

Wolff is an American. Although signing American players is becoming more common in Europe, it is still viewed as a gamble. Despite appearing in two World Cups, Munich will keep in mind that he only scored once in both.

For Wolff, this move is elementary. His salary is largely fixed in the MLS, and he's still fairly young. For the forward to start preparing for retirement, he needed to go abroad. This move will help him further develop his on-field smarts and ideally help him establish a comfortable nest egg.