This could be a mystery worthy of Jack Bauer, and without a new CBA it looks like the rosters, which were due to be set yesterday but that deadline was extended, will remain at 24 players 20 senior players and 4 developmental.
So what do we know for sure is that we currently have more bodies than we have slots:
Goal Keepers(3): Nick Rimando, Kyle Reynish, Tim Milea
Defenders (10): Chris Wingert, Nat Borchers, Jamison Olave, Tony Beltran, Robbie Russell, David Horst, Rauwshan McKenzie, Justin Davis(r), Chris Schuler(r), Chris Banghart(r)
Midfielders (11): Javier Morales, Kyle Beckerman, Will Johnson, Andy Williams, Raphael Cox, Jean Alexandre, Ned Grabavoy, Nelson Gonzalez, Alex Nimo, Collen Warner(r), Luis Gil(r)
Forwards (5): Robbie Findley, Pablo Campos, Fabian Espindola, Tino Nunez, Abe Thompson
By my count that means we have 5 more players than slots, will RSL find a way to loan out a couple rookies for the season to clear some roster spots.
So who do I think will make the cut? Find out after the jump
I think RSL is likely to keep 2 of their 4 new defenders and based off my very limited exposure to them at practice I would say it is likely that Justin Davis and Chris Schuler will stick, and I hope maybe we can loan either McKenzie or Banghart to one of the second division teams.
The midfield really is a tough one for me as there is so much talent there but without playing minutes guys like Raphael, Jean, Nelson, Collen, and Luis will have their development really slowed. This year will be one with lots of minutes but how to keep so much talent on the roster.
Up top it will be a question of who can step in and fill the shoes of Yura Movsisyan? Will it be Fabian returning to his form of 2008, or will Pablo Campos become a two way player and get more playing time?
These decisions would be much easier were the new CBA or the league bump the roster to 28, I just saw on twitter that Keeping it Real is reporting RSL will release Justin Davis, Chris Banghart, Abe Thompson and finalize the release of Rachid El Khalifi. That gets us close but not down to 24 unless some other deals are in the works, I do consider the release of Davis to be a bit of a surprise since he has shown in college to be able to play almost any position. I will try to keep everyone updated if more news comes out, thank goodness for lunch breaks.
OFF MY SOAPBOX