Real Salt Lake makes some moves and league news

March 3, 2009 by f4denz.

3 Outgoing, 1 extension and 1 Incoming equals 24

Today was the day that teams had to make some roster moves and RSL made several, first is a surprise which was the release of Nik Besagno (a surprise because I thought this was done in January and Nik hasn’t been in camp with RSL). Real Salt Lake also released Kevin Reiman and Brennan Tennelle, both would have to be considered victims of the new 24 man roster in MLS and not a financial move, both made the league minimum. So my guess at the 24 man roster was close but with Tennelle out, RSL picked up Ned Grabavoy in the waiver draft today, and a surprise that our 24 man roster includes 4 keepers which is going to fuel rumors of either Nick Rimando or Chris Seitz being on the trading block. Both would have a good deal of value, Nick is a prove top 5-6 keeper in the league and Chris in one of the top US goalkeeping prospects.

Grabavoy brings some grit and determination to the midfield, last year he played a more defensive role in his 1700 plus minutes of action with San Jose, but in 2006 he provided 3 goals and 3 assists for Columbus with just over 2000 minutes of playing time. I think with the departure of Dema, this is a good move and a very cost effective one.

Speaking of grit and determination, Chris Wingert has signed a contract extension until 2012 which will make many fans happy. Chris is just 26 years old and during the off season got his first cap with the USMNT.

When you look at the RSL roster you see only a couple players over 30 (Mathis, Williams, with Rimando and Russell both turning later this summer) and a lot of young players with 11 players born after 1985 and 20 players born in the 80’s or 90’s.

Here is the current roster for RSL, but don’t be surprised to see at least one more major move before the start of the MLS season.

Other MLS News

There will be no MLS in Florida anytime soon, citing the current economic climate FC Barcelona and Marcelo Claure have had their effort removed from consideration. This leaves Portland, Vancouver, St. Louis, and Ottawa as the official 4 teams left as candidates for the possible two expansion slots. I would not count out Montreal from being considered even though they pulled their bid out late last year, given the success of their USL side in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and huge attendance at last week’s match, they might just reemerge in the expansion race. I have a feeling that we might not see any announcements for a while as many groups would have to consider the impact of the current economy on their bid.

This could really impact what club RSL gets for the All Star match, current rumors are that Valencia is a top candidate, which is a weak choice in my opinion but since they are likely not to qualify for the Champions League and don’t appear headed to the Peace Cup, it may be the best we can get with the available budget. Still better than getting a club from Mexico in my opinion.

OFF MY SOAPBOX

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