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MLS notes: Backe expects Rost to leave, Timbers deny Rapids’ request and more

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Photo by David Bernal/ISIphotos.com

It appears that Frank Rost's time in Major League Soccer has come and gone.

Hans Backe told the New York Post Tuesday that he expects New York's midseason acquisition and Designated Player goalkeeper to return to Germany, leaving the Red Bulls with an unresolved situation in goal yet again.

Part of the reason that the club dealt Dwayne De Rosario to D.C. United was to clear cap space to sign a goalkeeper of Rost's caliber, but the move amounted to a high-cost, short-term rental during a season that ended short of lofty expectations. Bouna Coundoul appears to enter the offseason as the club's top option in goal, although it's an area that is likely to be addressed again.

Backe also mentioned that he expects integral midfielder Joel Lindpere to remain with the club, either with a new deal or via the club picking up its option on the Estonian international, who will compete for his country in its Euro 2012 qualifier playoff against Robbie Keane's Republic of Ireland.

Here are a couple of more items from around MLS:

TIMBERS DENY RAPIDS' INTERVIEW REQUEST

The Colorado Rapids have a hole to fill on their coaching staff following the dismissal of Gary Smith, but current Portland Timbers coach John Spencer won't be the one stepping into that void.

The Timbers denied the Rapids' request to interview Spencer, according to The Oregonian, taking the potential candidate out of consideration for the job.

While there's no reason for Spencer to be looking to leave his situation in Portland, it's understandable why Colorado would be interested in acquiring his services. In addition to leading Portland to the cusp of the postseason in its expansion year, Spencer was a standout player and captain for the Rapids from 2001-2004, earning two Best XI nods while wearing the Rapids' crest.

LE TOUX REPEATS AS FAIR PLAY WINNER

For the second straight season, Philadelphia Union attacker Sebastien Le Toux captured the MLS Fair Play award. Le Toux didn't receive a single card, yellow or red, all season, and committed just 20 fouls en route to edging out New England's Darrius Barnes and and Colorado's Kosuke Kimura for the honor. He joins Michael Parkhurst (2007-08) and Steve Ralston (1999-2000) as players to win the award in consecutive years.  

The Timbers, who committed a league-low 347 fouls all season, captured the team Fair Play award, beating out Chivas USA and the Philadelphia Union.

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How would you characterize the state of the Red Bulls and their roster? Happy to hear that Spencer won't leave Portland for Colorado? Whom else do you think Colorado should look at? What do you make of the Fair Play Award winners?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. It looks like the Nigerian-American Center Back, Ogunbiyi, is coming to NY. This should have happened a year ago.

    After that a DP #10 is essential. There is no question what was lacking this year. Gio Dos Santos would would be a terrific replacement for Marquez. Red Bull has the dinero.

    Reply
  2. No huge gaps in talent with NY, they should have done better. Trading De Ro to make room for Rost was silly. They were fine with Coundoul. De Ro wasnt scoring but doing his job in the middle and the team was winning.

    Tim Ream was awful though. They need a true #10 (not Dax) and a sturdy MLS Center Back to do the grunt work alongside Ream.

    Reply

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