SOUNDERS FC: Final roster cuts to be made soon

Written by Ryan Kinney

With the MLS roster compliance just two days away (March 1st), the Sounders will need to cut their roster down to 30 or fewer players. No matches remain before the March 31st deadline, meaning it is now up to the coaches to make final roster decisions.
One of the more competitive battles is between Josh Ford and Bryan Meredith, who are fighting for the third and final goalkeeper spot.

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Josh Ford:
- Attended University of Connecticut
- Recorded a school record 50 shutouts
- Selected 11th in the 2011 MLS Supplemental draft

Bryan Meredith:
- Attended Monmouth University
- Led the nation in goals against average as a junior (0.306)
- Selected 29th in the 2011 MLS Superdraft

Both players have impressed Sigi during training and the team is considering options that would allow the Sounders to keep both. With goalkeeper Terry Boss seemingly a lock for the backup spot, it's unlikely to me that the Sounders would keep four goalkeepers.

The decision for the third spot could be especially important with the retirement of Kasey Keller at the conclusion of this season. Bringing in a third goalkeeper would give the player a chance to develop a year under Keller, and next year under Boss. The ultimate goal would be preparing Ford or Meredith as the Sounders goalkeeper of the future.

There has been speculation that the Sounders would like to only keep 28 players on the roster.

Note: According to his twitter, defender Leone Cruz has been cut by the Sounders. Cruz was the 21st pick in the 2011 Superdraft.

Reach Ryan Kinney at rkinney20@gmail.com