It seems that RSL is going after the Columbus model of accumulating points in MLS ... well, we can't score but as long as they don't score, we'll at least get one point!

I'm circling the Columbus - RSL game later this year in my calendar to make sure I don't watch it.

Also, didn't Chivas prove the best way to get a goalie experience and knowledge is to throw him to the wolves? It sure worked for Guzan.

TFC is the only team I can think of other than RSL that would want Nicky.

Things could still go wrong? Mr. Goff, may I remind you that we are talking about the most professional front office in the league. I doubt highly that the well-oiled machine that is RSL could err at this stage...

NW FC - You got that right, brother.

If RSL follows protocol, they will sign Keller, trade him to TFC, mortgage the team to bring him back, then make him the head coach.

rsl just got the best american player n the league. We will now all see the huge gap vs our euro gk's and the mls ones

a 2.5 year deal would be longer than they have seitz for right? i wonder if they'd trade seitz and make rimando their backup. it'd be a shame for seitz to sit on the bench for a couple years, if he's going to be as good as he's supposed to be.

seems weird that they would dismiss Keller's friend the Keeper coach, then turn around and sign Keller

Dead-on, vasco. If this holds true, Jeff Cassar just got the biggest cush job in MLS - since he has nothing to teach Keller, he'll have nothing to do all day but watch. Still, I hope this is true, so we can soon say "Welcome home, Kasey." It will be great to have him in the league.

If Keller couldn't save Borrusia, how is he going to save RSL?

Keller didn't fail Borussia. Borussia's strikers failed Borussia.

Because RSL doesn't have a plush-made foal mascot to hold him back.

After living in Germany, Keller wants to live in a place with 3.2 beer on tap.

What will Dave O'brien talk about when Kasey moves out of the castle?

What he always talks about - the weather.

If I were RSL I would be looking at Beasley not Keller for my DP slot.

How could you bench Rimando?

Very candid interview with Kasey from yesterday: http://www.lasoccernews.com/article.php?article_id=1579

With all due respect to the great goalkeeper that I think Keller is, I think Ray Hudson says it best when he says:

"You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig"

I speaketh the truth

Based on the LA Soccer News interview, RSL is either blowing smoke or sweetened the deal very recently. However, if Keller didn't want to return to Borussia because of a lack of talent on the team, how could he go to RSL? Keller between the pipes doesn't make Eddie Pope younger, Freddy Adu less petulant or Esky a less streaky forward. Also, how does Seitz just sit for 2 and half years? This deal just doesn't make sense, which means it makes sense for RSL.

Look all you want Beasley, he will still be in Europe next year.

Don't cry for Chris Seitz. Look how much playing behind Carey Talley has benefitted Nik Basagno. RSL knows how to develop young players with potential.

Though if Seitz spends the next year and a half learning more under Keller and then moves for a big contract it wouldn't be the worst idea. He's what, 20? 21?

I hope Kasey can come play in the states, but again, to pile on, what a waste of talent to go to RSL. The interview someone posted was very interesting. I'm pretty happy with our boy Troy Perkins, but Keller would definitely be an upgrade...especially in ball distribution. I also know that DCU is waayyyy too cheap to get him.

the situation would be fine for Seitz. He'll be gone a lot this year with the U-20s and will be able to learn from one of the best in American soccer history. Plus, it'll give RSL the chance to cut Nick Rimando

Obviously Kasey will want to stay here if he signs with RSL...

http://www.bnblist.com/ut/castle_creek_inn/

this article doesn't make it sound too optimistic...

http://www.lasoccernews.com/article.php?article_id=1579

Between Nick and Seitz, they would most likely cut Nick. Seitz is much cheaper and younger. Nick's technique is bad and he too far gone to learn from Keller. Seitz is a perfect apprentice to Keller.

Keller has gestured previously that his ideal situation would be to land someplace where he could carry into coaching in the same place. He can mentor Seitz in these next 2-3 seasons, then become an Asst Coach.

Even with the pay cut after leaving United, as compared to average MLS wages, I am not convinved Nick provides value for money. One thing is for sure, you wouldn't want your young #2 'keeper learning from him...with the recent firing of GK coach Mellor at RSL, it really appears that they are paving the way for Keller to be a player/coach, just likes he wants...HOWEVER, RSL just hired Jeff Cassar, a former MLS 'keeper as GK coach. So perhaps this would only really offer Keller a playing gig, whereas he has stated he is looking for a place his family can settledown for ten years or so. Hmmm.

At any rate, RSL just posted that they are playing against China next Thursday. I am in SLC from Sun-Fri and just bought my ticket. I hope Esky knocks in a 'trick.

Someone up above

Kasey should stay in central Europe, preferrably in the Bundesliga if he's getting offers. He should make alot more there than anywhere in MLS. He'd also stay sharper for national team duty for the next three years if no other 'keeper emerges to back-up Howard for the WC. I'd stay out of countries like Romania though, can't see his kids benefiting from an almost third world environment. If he could go to any MLS team, I'd think he'd help most a team like Dallas, though they'd have to get rid of one or both of there overpaid 'keepers.

LASN: Would you play for a USL D1 team?

Man, Keller must have wanted to cuss-out the interviewer with that absurd question!

re: cuzco:

I think the national team will do just fine with Howard, Hahnemann, Guzan, and Reis. Some are not nearly the players Keller is and was, but it's time to start looking toward the future, not relying on a 37 year old who (painful as it is to say) has never fared well on the international stage.

Just like to say that that interview reveals that Keller is a class guy and why he was so influential on the national team for so long. I hope he finds what he's looking for, even if it is at RSL.

"I'm pretty happy with our boy Troy Perkins, but Keller would definitely be an upgrade...especially in ball distribution."
you're kidding right? Keller's ball distribution is pretty marginal and it's pretty much his only glaring weakness as a keeper.

I don't Keller's tone and his consistent comments trying to pressure MLS into signing him. Fact is, a good MLS goal keeper has a market value of around $200,000 to the teams in the league. If you still want big dollars, go play in Romania but no one is going to feel sorry for you signing for $250k. He's trying to take market value in Europe and apply it to a league that has a fraction of the revenue base that the top Euro leagues have.

Keller is not a difference maker for a team that can't score and struggles across the back. It would be one thing if RSL consistently lost 4-3 (they have had a few shootouts this year) but they have problems all over the field. I'm also just not as big a Keller fan as many people are. He is a very good goalie but I've never felt he was a pure difference maker in the nets - good, but I think Friedel overtook him and at 37 do you want to spend DP-type money on an aging keeper who isn't the final piece of the puzzle?

Seattle has a USL 1 team...thus the question...

"you're kidding right? Keller's ball distribution is pretty marginal and it's pretty much his only glaring weakness as a keeper"

I don't disagree, however, can anyone make a case that Perkins distribution is better than awful? Keller isn't a great distributor, but he's far cleaner than Perkins if you ask me.

And just where does RSL magically get the priority allocation to pick him up?

They have an allocation from Kreis's retirement. Keller would be good for Seitz and RSL. They need to sign him, just not as DP.

That would make sense except RSL agreed to trade that allocation back to FCD once Kreis retired. It was part of the original trade agreement.

"I don't disagree, however, can anyone make a case that Perkins distribution is better than awful? Keller isn't a great distributor, but he's far cleaner than Perkins if you ask me."

I think Troy is an excellent distributor. And I don't think much of Keller's distribution.

I am officially no longer a Keller fan after his quote "This is called professional sports. It's not 'Let's just play for the love of playing.' That's called amateur sports."

Sorry bud, youve made your money. And as far as Im concerned the best players in sports like Pete Rose didnt make money an issue. WHY? Because, as you quoted, they played for the love of playing.

In Beckhams 90+ minute 606 interview (link below), he clearly stated when asked about his move to the USA he doesnt care about money. He could have made the same or more elsewhere. He even went on to say the money doesnt matter so much that he loves soccer so much he would play for free.

People like Beckham, Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe... they play for the love of the game, not for the castles.

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/downloadtrial/fivelive/thefootballphone-in606/thefootballphone-in606_20070526-1800_40_st.mp3

In Beckhams recent 90+ minute 606 interview, he clearly stated when asked about his move to the USA he doesnt care about money. He could have made the same or more elsewhere. He even went on to say the money doesnt matter so much that he loves soccer so much he would play for free.

People like Beckham, Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe... they play for the love of the game, not for the castles.