In case you missed it, (for those of you not from the NW) Sounders goalie Preston Burpo (2nd team all-league 2002) broke/dislocated his jaw and impacted several teeth down into his gumline in a freak collision with new Sounder defender Danny Jackson at Portland Thursday. He underwent surgery Friday and it went well. It is unclear if Preston will be able to heal and return in 2003. Rich Cullen, a full-time Air Force member, has taken over for Burpo. He has recorded 2 shut-outs with stellar play. Burpo will be "eating" from a straw for the next few weeks.
any word on who the Sounders are looking at for a second keeper? One keeper on the roster 3 games in is not a good sign.
Ryan Wittstruck was signed over the weekend as the backup 'keeper. He was in camp with P*rtland and then later with us.
Burpo could be back as soon as 6 weeks. But if Cullen is doing well they probably wouldn't rush Burpo back to #1.