Josh Saunders' preseason training stint with Real Salt Lake could be extended a little longer. According to GM Garth Lagerwey, the team is exploring ways to deal for the two-time MLS Cup winner, whose tenure with the LA Galaxy is apparently over.
"With the offseason moves we made, we are actually under the cap," Lagerwey told MLSsoccer.com on Thursday. "It isn't a done deal, yet. We still have some negotiating to do to work a few things out, but I think Josh would be a great asset to our team if we can figure things out."
Saunders remains listed as a trialist with the club and has been in RSL camp for the past two weeks, including playing in goal against his former team in a scrimmage at the Home Depot Center. And though few expect the 31-year-old to dislodge imcumbent Nick Rimando in goal, Lagerwey – a former MLS goalkeeper – appreciates what Saunders could bring in providing competition at the position.
"Josh has been playing great," Lagerwey said. "He definitely provides a steady presence in goal, and this isn't a knock on Nick at all, but maybe it would be good for him to occasionally look over his shoulder at training and see someone pushing him."
Saunders is out of contract with the Galaxy, but the club still retains his rights and made him a bona fide offer, which he turned down. LA head coach Bruce Arena told reporters last week that the club would accommodate a move to another team in the way of a trade.
“Whatever those technical issues are, we'll get those resolved,” Arena said. “That won't be in the way of Josh's ability to move on to [RSL] or another team in the league. We'll certainly support a move for him any way we can.”
