CONTRACTS: Rumors Abound for Released Americans in England

Photo: The.Examiner (UK)

The number of Americans playing in England took a hit with the end-of-season retained lists seeing some of our guys without teams going into silly season. There has been some movement/news over the past few days though about 3 of them;

According to Torquay's Herald Express, goalkeeper Brendan Moore is their number one target for the upcoming season. Brendan, the report states, is in the US checking out possibilities of signing with MLS. Brendan (24) is from Atlanta, so hooking up with his hometown MLS expansion team would probably be his target, although no news has come out of the Atlanta FC United camp - and seeing as the very first signing by the club was goalkeeper Alexander Tambakis, it seems unlikely that Brendan will get the starting job that he desires.....I'm guessing that there is more to come on this story very soon.

Duane Holmes was released by Huddersfield last month, but if reports are true he seems to be on the radar of a few clubs already. Charlton Athletic have him high on their list, and incidentally, new coach Russel Slade was targeting Duane before he signed (today) with the Addicks. Most have Charlton as his final destination. Duane also trialed with Barnsley and remain in the mix, although not much has been said since his April trial. Then there's Portsmouth who are also interested, although most pundits believe this is the least likely spot for Duane to end up. "Pompey boss Paul Cook is keen on American-born attacking talent" according to reports.

Another goalkeeper looking around this summer is Cody Cropper, released by MK Don's. MLS Soccer is reporting that the US U23 net-minder is exploring a MLS option with Minnesota and Atlanta (both expansion teams and both city's where Cody has ties)

Silly Season. It all begins on July 1st when the summer version of "Silly Season" starts - keep checking here for updates / rumors /and actual signings.

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CONTRACTS: Fleetwood Release Both of its American Goalkeepers

Brendan Moore at Torquay United

US Goalkeepers Brendan Moore and Alex Gogic have both fallen foul of the end of season bug in England.

Aleksander Gogic at Nike Academy

Fleetwood Town has released both American Goalkeepers, Brendan Moore (24) from Elmira NY, who was loaned out to Torquay United, in the middle of last season, and had a stellar season, 12 starts 6 Shut-outs, returned off loan to be jobless. Alex Gogic (20), who is one of the young upcoming Goalkeepers, a Nike Academy and NY Red Bull Alum provided backup to the starting netminder, all season long, was also released

Both players are young and should have successful Careers ahead of them

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US Goalkeepers Moving Around Across The Pond

Everton will have a special game program tomorrow to celebrate Tim Howard's tenure at the club, very classy. Tim is obviously a very high profile keeper, but there are others playing in Europe and Scandinavia who get less coverage (undeserved) and some are on the move.

Paul Rachubka who spent this season with hapless Bolton Wanderers has been released. Paul has become a bit of a journeyman in England's lower leagues, so it would not surprise to see him latch on to another over the off-season.

Brendan Moore, who had a terrific season on loan to Torquay United, has returned to Fleetwood, where presumably, he will take up the position as backup. Brendan should insist on another loan if that's the case, he should be playing and growing.

Cody Cropper ended the year on a sour note, and reportedly, MK Dons will decide whether or not to cut him this coming week. Cody is one of 5 goalkeepers on the Milton Keynes side, so its understandable that they need to reduce the squad. USYNT Cody is just 23, but he needs to be playing to hone his craft, and maybe another year or 2 with MK Don's as a backup would not be a bad thing.

Chris Konopka, from Toms River New Jersey joined Scottish Premier League side Ross County on a short term contract that will expire on June 30th. Ross County is apparently having Keeper problems, they currently have 3 on the books (incl Chris) with one loanee leaving at the end of May. It would be great to see Chris sign a longer contract with the club. Chris played with the Philadelphia Union and Toronto, in MLS

Tyler Back, joined RoPS in Finland Veikkausliiga, from Oregon State in February. Tyler played 3 times for RoPS in the League Cup allowing only 1 goal and he had 2 shut-outs. Since then he has been loaned to cross-town FC Santa Claus (please don't laugh) playing in Kakkonen Group C. Tyler came in and was made the starter - Tyler is 1 win 2 losses after 3 games.

Finally, Brad Guzan had an up and down season, feels more down than up, his team Aston Villa are relegated to the championship, and as is normally the case, a wholesale departure of players is/will happen. As for Brad, no news at this time - this one is closely watched.

As clubs make their 'Summer adjustments' I will keep an eye on the forgotten goalkeepers and update as things happen. Please if you see a report on a Goalkeeper move et. al. please let me know

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PODCAST: In Converstaion with Torquay Uniteds US GoalKeeper Brendan Moore

My thanks to @Dom_O_B for bringing this to our attention.

Great Interview/Podcast with Brendan Moore by The Torquay Herald Express newspapers sports team.....

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