RSL Roster – A Numbers Game

Although there is still a lot of time before RSL’s contract situation needs to be sorted out, and there are likely to be at least one or two new developments ahead in preseason, it’s easy to see where the 2012 roster is headed.

The team currently has 20 players under contract, and it’s expected that they’ll land on 26 players total when all is said and done. Here is the known portion:

Players Currently Under Contract (20)

Forwards (4): Saborio, Espindola, Paulo Jr, Arnoux

Attacking midfielders (2): Javier Morales, Luis Gil

Outside midfielders (4): Will Johnson, Ned Grabavoy, Enzo Martinez, Nico Muniz

Holding midfielders (2): Kyle Beckerman, Yordany Alvarez

Centerbacks (3): Nat Borchers, Jamison Olave, Chris Schuler

Outside backs (2): Chris Wingert, Tony Beltran

Goalkeepers (3): Nick Rimando, Kyle Reynish, Lalo Fernandez

So the question becomes, who are the 6 additional players that will be added? If we look at the current preseason roster there are some clues, perhaps:

Projects (2): Sebastian Velasquez, Diogo de Almeida – not likely to be expected to contribute this year, but there is a good chance they make the roster and are given a chance to develop down the road.

In the mix (3): Jonny Steele, Emiliano Bonfigli, Leone Cruz – There’s a good chance that all three make the roster. In the case of Bonfigli and Cruz they are still very young and light on experience. Steele has bounced around a bit in the lower divisions in the US after leaving Wolverhampton.

Question marks (4): Terukazu Tanaka, Kasali Casal, Lance Laing, Mike Banner – It’s no secret that RSL is looking for an outside back, with only two currently under contract. I have a feeling that Banner may have had the edge had he not left for a trial in Finland. If things don’t work out there, then there is a chance that we see him back. Tanaka has lasted quite deep into camp – an indication that he’s doing alright and also has no better options. Casal and Laing are just joining the squad and we’ll have to see how that turns out. The big question among this group is whether or not RSL will sign one or two outside backs (in addition to de Almeida), and whether or not these four have enough quality to contribute this season.

Preseason Roster