The Red Bulls confirmed that Nick Rimando is in training camp with the team in Bradenton, Fla. Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
By Michael Lewis
BigAppleSoccer.com Editor
Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando is in Red Bulls training camp, fueling speculation that the MLS club will trade for him.
Red Bulls officials last night confirmed the 27-year-old Rimando was in Bradenton, Fla., but wouldn't comment on a possible deal with RSL.
Rimando has been the subject of trade talks with several MLS clubs, including FC Dallas and his former club, D.C. United, league-wide sources said.
United dealt the 5-10, 190-lb. Rimando along with Freddy Adu to RSL Dec. 11 for reserve goalkeeper Jay Nolly, a major player allocation and significant future considerations.
He had been United's starting keeper for most of his five-year tenure with the club. He missed 16 games to an injury in 2004, but wound up back in goal during the team's MLS Cup championship run. He lost his job to Troy Perkins in 2006, playing in but two games.
If Rimando joins the club, that would leave Bulls with three keepers, forcing sporting director and coach Bruce Arena to trade one of them because few teams can afford that many veteran goalkeepers on their roster.
The most likely candidate to go would be journeyman and Rutgers grad Jon Conway since the club signed former Dutch international Ronald Waterreus last week.
Conway wrestled the No. 1 job from Tony Meola down the stretch, capturing the MLS goalkeeping crown with a 1.00 GAA and a 7-2-3 record and five shutouts.
