RSL Linked with Goalkeeper Rafael Cabral

Written on Jan 15 2025

RSL Linked With Goalkeeper Rafael Cabral

Earlier today we signed another goalkeeper, late last night we were linked with this goalkeeper. That reinforces the thought that we'll be having a goalkeeper tryout between Macmath, Cabral, Stajduhar, academy kids, and draft picks. Rafael Cabral is a 34 year old brazilian goalkeeper. He has so much experience, so I think it best to walk through his career.

Rafael started his career for Santos in Brazil where he made 151 appearances over 3 years along with 3 appearances for the Brazilian national team. This was from 2010-2013 and was likely the peak of his career. He was in his early 20s at the time. In 2013 he signed a contract with Napoli where he made 32 appearances over 5 years while also making no appearances for the Brazilian national team. This lack of playing time indicates a drop off at some point. After his contract expired he made a move to Italian side Sampdoria where he made 2 appearances in 1 season. After this season he signed for English Second tier side, Reading in 2019. He made 95 appearances over 3.5 season indicating he was a starter for most of his time there. In 2022 Rafael moved to Brazilian side Cruzeiro  where he made 95 appearances over the last 2 seasons indicating he was a relatively normal starter until he moved to Gremio in 2024. He has not made a professional appearance since August. I have no reports indicating this is the result of an injury. His contract was waived earlier this month and he is able to join Real Salt Lake on a free transfer.

This move along with some of our other movement at the goalkeeper position confuse me. Last season we had serious problems in net with consistency and mistakes. To fix that it looks like we're signing an aging player who aged out of both the English Second Tier and the Brazilian league. This doesn't seem like a logical move in that direction. While I know very little about this player I do respect his experience. If we had a young goalkeeper in the wings I'd love this pickup. But after Gavin Beaver's rumored departure it seems that is unlikely. This is a 34 year old with Brazilian national team pedigree. His salary will not be league minimum. This move leaves me skeptical. I hope one of these goalkeepers can surprise us. I wish we would drop all the options and pickup someone really good.

RSL Technical Director Kurt Schmid confirmed his knowledge of this player today with Spencer Checketts on the ESPN 700 radio show.

Roster Construction Notes

Rafael Cabral will occupy a senior roster slot, as well as an international roster slot. Rafael earned 1 million dollars in his last contract with Reading. He has aged another 3 years with a lack of playing time. I predict we will be paying somewhere around 500,000$ for his contract. This is a steep salary for someone not guaranteed to be an improvement. 

https://x.com/ESPN700/status/1879683382105260465