Rowdies Keeper Attinella Heading (Back) to RSL

After a stellar 2012 performance in the net for NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies, goalkeeper Jeff Attinella is reportedly on his way (back) to Salt Lake to back up Nick Rimando. (Hat tip to Inside MN Soccer for picking out the scoop from The Crow’s Nest.)

In the second leg of the 2012 NASL Championship, Attinella had an absolutely huge performance, coming up with six saves during the match and three saves when the match went to penalty kicks. If you can stomach the background music, check out video highlights from the match to see what RSL is getting in their new keeper.

You hate to credit a championship season to one player, whether it’s a star striker or a workhorse midfielder, but it’s hard to argue that Attinella doesn’t deserve quite a bit of credit for the Rowdies’ Soccer Bowl. As The Crow’s Nest points out, Attinella was actually drafted by RSL in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft, but never signed. Clearly he’s earned himself a second chance.

Real Salt Lake announced this morning that they have declined their option on goalkeeper Kyle Reynish, who saw limited playing time in his time with RSL. With Rimando receiving regular call-ups to the USMNT, it’s likely RSL wanted another keeper whose mettle has been tested in high-pressure situations.