RSL Begin Parting of Ways

Fabian Espindola (left) is one of the faces departing RSL

Ever since RSL was eliminated from this year's CONCACAF Champions League, the fans (and players) have been waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop.  Without winning MLS Cup or advancing in CCL, the Claret and Cobalt wouldn't be receiving any extra allocation money to put toward keeping the team together, combined with the fact that they were hard up against the salary cap.  The news began to trickle out today, and it was not happy news for the fans.

Ives Galarcep began breaking the story this evening.  When the MLS roster freeze comes off on Monday, RSL is expected to pull the trigger on two deals.  First off, defender Jamison Olave and forward Fabian Espindola are headed to the New York Red Bulls in exchange for allocation money.  These are two of the key men in RSL's Championship run in 2009, as well as the 2010-2011 CCL Final run.  Olave was MLS defender of the year in 2010 and Espindola is 2nd on the team in all time goals.

The second trade is a little less of a blockbuster, but just as heartbreaking for the fans.  Midfielder Will Johnson is set to be shipped to the Portland Timbers in exchange for yet more allocation money.  The Canadian International has played all but 6 of his 120 career MLS games with Real Salt Lake.  It seems fans have been most shocked about this move when one looks at the response on social media.

Last but not least, MF Jonny Steele is departing the club after 1 season.  While he certainly seemed to lack consistency overall, he was always worked his tail off and provided the fans with great memories with goals both at Portland and the dagger game winner against TFC at home.  He certainly contributed to the team this season.

It's worth saying that as of this writing, late Sunday night, these moves have not been confirmed as the roster freeze is still on.  However, no one representing the clubs involved, the league, or the players has denied it.    This should go down during the next couple of days, and rumor is that RSL may not be done.

I can tell you one thing that this off-season will not be: boring.  The Puddle wishes all of these guys the best as they pursue their careers and they will always be part of the RSL Family.