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Goalkeeper Joe Nasco we hardly knew ye?
After acquiring Nasco via a trade with the Colorado Rapids in an effort to free up protected roster spots for the expansion draft, it was expected that Nasco would be in preseason camp with the New England Revolution. Nasco and his wife earlier in the week hinted on Twitter that would be the case and were looking forward being in the Boston area soon.
But a press release from the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL suggest otherwise, as the 2013 NASL Best XI keeper after a stellar season with the Atlanta Silverbacks appears to be on his way back to the NASL.
Nasco appeared in four games for the Rapids this season, earning an overall record of 0W-2L-1T, allowing 7 goals and making 13 saves, including a Save of the Week candidate after his first start on August 30. He also became the fastest player to be sent off in MLS history with a 1st minute red card against the LA Galaxy on September 5.
The New England Revolution already likely have their top two keepers going into next season with Bobby Shuttleworth and Brad Knighton, so it's possible that Nasco was going to be dealt or loaned out anyway. But the Revs do like their keepers, having four under contract last year including youngsters Larry Jackson and Luis Soffner, with the 2013 draft pick Soffner spending most of his time with USL Pro affiliate, the Rochester Rhinos.
UPDATE (4:00PM): Hank Alexandre of The Midnight Ride Podcast confirmed that Nasco was with the Revolution today at Foxboro for preseason training camp:
Joe Nasco present at #NERevs preseason despite reports that he has signed with Ft. Lauderdale
— The Midnight Ride (@TMRPodcast) January 23, 2015
We'll look to clarify Nasco's status with the Revolution as soon as possible, in the meantime we're glad to see Nasco in camp with the Revs.
UPDATE (4:45PM): We have confirmed with the team that the Revs have received permission from Ft. Lauderdale for Nasco to train with them during preseason and he was present in camp today. So as of now I guess we'll qualify Nasco as a trialist but it appears the move to the Strikers is official.