SALT LAKE CITY - Real Salt Lake today announced that the team has re-acquired veteran MLS GK Nick Rimando, quickly replacing the recently retired Scott Garlick on the team's senior roster.
Rimando was originally traded to RSL by D.C. United in the much-publicized December, 2006 transaction that also brought Freddy Adu to Salt Lake. Due to salary cap limitations, RSL was forced to trade Rimando to the New York Red Bulls just two weeks ago, but when Garlick abruptly retired earler this week, RSL Head Coach John Ellinger wasted no time in bringing the well-decorated Rimando back into the fold. In return, RSL will send New York a 2009 fourth-round supplemental draft pick to New York, along with a 2008 fourth-round draft pick (via Chivas USA).</p>
"Nick is a quality goalkeeper; he has had a ton of success in this league", said Coach Ellinger. "I was disappointed that we were unable to hang onto him in the first place, but we had to let him go to adhere to the salary cap. We are fortunate that he was available for us to re-acquire."</p>
"Scott (Garlick) decided that he was ready to move on with his life away from soccer, and suddenly we were in need of a veteran presence in between the pipes. Chris (Seitz) has an extremely bright future, but he is also very young and will miss a good portion of our season while he is with the U-20s for their World Cup in July. Nick is an ideal replacement for Scott, and I am very comfortable moving forward with him as our 'keeper."</p>
Rimando departed United as the club's all-time leader in wins (41), shutouts (29), saves (355), save percentage (72.2 %) and goals-against-average (1.22). He was the team's primary Goalkeeper in 2004 when D.C. captured the MLS Cup. The 27-year old was also named as the Decade's Best XI goalkeeper by fans at the beginning of 2006. </p>
"I am excited to be "back" in Salt Lake, if you could call it that," joked Rimando. "My wife and I are both elated; Salt Lake is where I originally wanted to be. I know the coaches very well, and there are several players on the roster who I have played with before. I anticipate a very smooth transition, and hopefully I can come in and contribute to bringing a championship to Salt Lake. Just by looking at the talent Coach Ellinger has assembled, I believe we have the makings of what could be a great team."</p>
Rimando and his wife will be arriving in Utah tomorrow, and Nick is expected to join his teammates as soon as possible. He will be traveling with the team to Madrid for RSL's ten-day training stint at the Real Madrid facilities, starting Monday, February 26. </p>
