To say this hasn't been a great preseason for RSL might be a bit of an understatement. Both Captain Kyle Beckerman and 'keeper Nick Rimando missed some team training time while away with the US National Team. That's not bad in and of itself, but at least Kyle has been struggling with injuries for most of the preseason. Coach Jason Kreis has been pleased with Beckerman's progress, and he did play a few minutes against DC United in a scrimmage.
News for other key members of the Claret and Cobalt is not as good though. Will Johnson has headed to Germany for sports hernia surgery and will be out 3-4 weeks at least. Javier Morales began preseason training, but since has suffered setbacks after off season surgery. Alvaro Saborio and Nat Borchers also had off season surgery, and Kreis admits to MLSSoccer.com that their availability against the Galaxy for First Kick is doubtful.
Perhaps the most disturbing news comes at full back. At the start of preseason, RSL had only two full backs signed: Tony Beltran and Chris Wingert. They had sent Robbie Russell to DC United. Both Wingert and Beltran started preseason in great shape and form, but both have picked up injuries. Currently Kreis is sorting through some trialists to try and discover a hidden gem to help out.
I was not one to criticize the team for not going out and head hunting for a DP during the off season. However, letting Russell go to DC United, while totally the right move for Robbie, left the the team dangerously thin on outside backs, and I just wonder if they shouldn't have been more aggressive in trying to fill that hole.
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