FRISCO, Texas — Former Everton and Arsenal goalkeeper Richard Wright joined FC Dallas on Monday for a brief training stint with the club. The English netmnder is currently in his third spell with Championship strugglers Ipswich Town FC.
Manager Schellas Hyndman described the training session as an opportunity to evaluate Wright, despite having three keepers currently on the roster.
“We felt like this year we wanted to really raise our goalkeeping situation,” Hyndman told MLSsoccer.com. “Last year we carried four goalkeepers, but we weren’t sure who that fourth goalkeeper would be. Instead of signing someone, we have the opportunity to look at a few keepers and see if there’s someone we might want to sign in the summer window or maybe someone we might want to have on our radar for next year.”
The club is seemingly set at the position for the coming season, with MLS career wins leader Kevin Hartman slated as the team’s starter. Chris Seitz enters his second season as the team’s backup, while 17-year-old Home Grown Richard Sanchez sits as the third option.
Hyndman insists that team’s current keeper rotation is set and that the club is not interested in bringing Wright on in the immediate future.
“He’s done well for us,” said Hyndman. “But if we do anything, we might do a pre-contract.”
But would Hyndman consider adding Wright as a third or fourth option this season?
“I don’t think so,” said Hyndman. “He’s a goalkeeper that would want to come in and be competing for a No. 1 spot. This will give us a chance to see if he’s in that category.”
Though Wright continues to train with the club, Hyndman suggests that more keepers might be brought in for a closer look.
“We’ve had our eyes on another international 'keeper,” said Hyndman. “So we may very well be bringing him in and getting a look at him as well.”
