Nic Platter inching closer to DC United roster

There was more good news on Friday for Minnesota Thunder goalkeeper Nic Platter . The goalkeeper from Los Angeles, California has been trying out with United for the past several weeks. Last Saturday he was given a 90 minute test in a scrimmage against the Puerto Rico Islanders, which Platter passed with flying colors making several key saves.

On Friday, Steven Goff who writes Soccer Insider for the Washington Post, told us that goalkeeper Milos Kocic, the second-round draft pick from Loyola (Md.), has an offer in Sweden and will decide next week whether to accept United’s developmental contract or pursue the opportunity overseas.

He wrote, the goalkeeper situation is this: Louis Crayton is the No. 1, trialist Nic Platter will likely be acquired from USL-1 Minnesota, and Kocic or James Thorpe will fill the developmental slot. No other trialists are expected.

DC United General Manager Dave Casper was quoted as saying, “Nic had a good camp in Puerto Rico and we want to see more of him next week. Minnesota said they would not stand in his way if we wanted to sign him.”

Platter is still under contract with the Thunder for another 2 years. While the Thunder have always been supportive of their players moving onto MLS, the organization also feels they have developed Platter and will certainly want to be compensated adequately. As of Friday, DC United still had not made a formal offer for Platter.

If Platter leaves, the Thunder will need to scramble to find another keeper and bolster the roster to help current backup keeper Mat Van Oekel. On Friday it was announced that the Carolina Railhawks released last year’s starting goalkeeper, Chris McClellan. The keeper logged in 2700 minutes with the team last year playing in 30 games. The 6 year USL veteran and goalkeeper of the year in 2007, was displaced when Carolina’s new manager, Martin Rennie brought his former Cleveland City Stars keeper, Eric Reed with him when he took over for the Railhawks.