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Backe: Rost not returning to New York

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Photo by David Bernal/ISIphotos.com

As a new season approaches for the New York Red Bulls, it is still very uncertain who will be standing between the goalposts for a team looking to surpass its results from 2011. 

According to multiple reports, manager Hans Backe definitively said that German goalkeeper Frank Rost would not be returning to the club, weeks after sporting director Erik Soler said there was a "good possibility" of Rost coming back.

Although the move opens up a Designated Player slot on the team's roster, it also leaves recently drafted rookie Ryan Meara as the only goalkeeper the Red Bulls currently have as the team begins its preseason preparations.

After parting ways with Bouna Coundoul and Greg Sutton as well, the Red Bulls will have a complete overhaul at the goalkeeping position, one that has been a place of contention for multiple seasons. While Rost, who endured mixed results in his few months with New York, was never a given to return, Soler had previously hinted that the Bundesliga veteran would come back for another season at Red Bull Arena. 

When talking about the club's goalkeeping situation back on Dec. 13 (in a discussion with reporters during which he claimed Thierry Henry would not be loaned out and that Tim Ream would remain in New York in 2012), Soler said:

"I think there is a good possibility that we will have Frank here next year. We're still in discussions with him, and we're also discussing with others. We're also looking at a couple of younger goalkeepers, American ones that we want to bring in. So we hope to have a good mix of a good, talented, upcoming American goalie and Frank or another goalie to head that pack, and develop the young kid."

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How do you feel about the Red Bulls' goalkeeping situtation? Whom would you like to see the club sign? Did you want Rost to come back for another season?

Share your thoughts below.

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