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Four-year RSL vet Jeff Attinella had somewhat of a down year. With Nick Rimando on the outs with the US Men's National Team and not having any injuries or ailments, 2016 saw Jeff "Water Gato" Attinella play the fewest regular season games during his time with the team: four, for a grand total of 360 minutes.
In those games he managed eight saves, one win and three losses.
Jeff did start in RSL's two US Open Cup games with a 1-1 record, both times backing the team into Penalty Shootouts where he made two saves against Wilmington, but managed none against the more formidable Sounders.
Will Attinella remain with RSL for 2017 and beyond? That remains one of the big questions fans would like answered. The two main possibilities are that if RSL opts not to protect him in the Expansion Draft, he could be picked by either Minnesota United or Atlanta United; alternately, with the rumors of Nick Rimando joining Atlanta swirling, it's possible that Attinella could become the starting GK.
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Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
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Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
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Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
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Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
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Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
One factor not to overlook however is Lalo Fernandez. The current 3rd stringer has developed into a strong goalkeeper with the Monarchs, and if the front office wants to go with youth; it’s possible that Attinella could drop to 3rd on the depth chart, or remain as backup GK for Lalo. Some may consider that a longshot, but weirder things have happened in MLS.