It was announced today that RSL had waived Raphael Cox, they also announced the signing of Chris Schuler and Tim Melia to developmental contracts. I thought Cox showed well with limited playing time last year but the RSL midfield is very crowded and with the effort to shore up the backline, it was clear that the midfield would be where RSL would likely make their moves.
I think with a 24 man roster, which is most likely going to the number again in 2010, that keeping three keepers is a mistake. The league maintains a pool of GK's for a reason, allocating 1/8 of your roster is a mistake in my mind, injuries are much more likely in field positions. The only reason Kyle Reynish saw any action in 2009 was the fact that we had loaned our backup keeper Chris Seitz for a weekend and it just so happened that Nick Rimando got hurt in that match. In 2008 Rimando played every minute of the MLS season for RSL, in 2007 RSL Rimando saw action in 27 matches while backup Chris Seitz played the other 3 league matches. In 2006 RSL again only used two keepers, in fact it was only in 2005 when RSL had to make a field player take over in goal, but not due to a lack of a keeper on the bench but rather because we had used all of our subs.
I get that the 37 match schedule might look like more than two keepers can handle, but with just 24 players, I think keeping a 3rd GK on such a small roster is a mistake. I hope this one won't come back and haunt us.
I do think that any USL team that needs a talented young midfielder might want to give Raphael a call quickly, as I don't think he will spend too much time looking for a full time soccer gig. He will be missed by fans who enjoyed his outgoing personality and effort on the pitch.
OFF MY SOAPBOX