Trading away Carey Talley was a win-win-win situation, according to Real Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis.
He believes it will benefit RSL by freeing up playing time for some of the younger guys, benefiting the team in the long run — not to mention acquiring a second-round draft pick in 2010 or 2011.
He believes Talley will benefit by getting a fresh start with Chivas USA in Southern California.
And Kreis also believes that Chivas USA will benefit because Talley's experience and versatility should help the club through some tough times.
"All in all I think everybody wins," said Kreis.
RSL's coach is obviously most concerned about his club, which is why he said, "it was not a decision to make us better right now but in the long term it was a good decision for this club."
Talley played the same position as Dema Kovalenko, Nate Sturgis and Kenny Cutler, the latter two of which are still quite young. Sturgis is only 21 and has a bright future ahead of him. He's expected to be a member of the U.S. Olympic Team this summer if healthy.
Without Talley in the mix, both Sturgis and Cutler will see an increase in playing time in league games and reserve games.
As for the time frame to fill that roster spot, general manager Garth Lagerwey doesn't believe it's an urgent priority even though the process has already begun.
Yomby William has practiced with the team as a trialist since last week and even played in the reserve game against FC Dallas on Sunday. William, who was a second round SuperDraft pick by Kansas City this year, played center back at Old Dominion alongside RSL rookie David Horst.
Lagerwey indicated that he'd also spoke with the league about another prospective player.
From a numbers point of view, Lagerwey said RSL is not at a competitive disadvantage following the trade. Most MLS teams carry two senior roster goalies on their 18-man senior roster. RSL's Chris Seitz, however, is still considered a Generation adidas player and his salary doesn't count against the salary cap.
Before the Talley trade, 17 of RSL's 18 senior roster players were field players, one more senior roster field player than most teams. That number is now 16, which according to Lagerwey still keeps Real on a level playing field.
HEADING OVERSEAS: RSL defender Tony Beltran and goalkeeper Chris Seitz were named Monday to the U.S. Under-23 National Team that's heading to Toulon, France, to participate in a pre-Olympic tournament May 21-29.
Coach Peter Nowak's 22-man roster will train in France for five days prior to the tournament, but both Beltran and Seitz will be available for Salt Lake's Rocky Mountain Cup showdown at the Colorado Rapids this Thursday.
The U.S. squad faces Turkey on May 21, Ivory Coast on May 23 and Italy on May 25. All 16 games of the tournament will be broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel.
INJURY UPDATE: RSL defender Ian Joy had has walking cast removed and began light jogging at Tuesday's practice. Joy's been bothered by ankle shin splints this year, and trainers immobilized his ankle this past week in hopes of speeding the recovery process along. He's doubtful for this Thursday's game at Colorado.
Midfielder Javier Morales is listed as questionable after tweaking a groin muscle against Dallas last Saturday, whereas Fabian Espindola is probable with his nagging hamstring injury.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com