FC Dallas Keeper Ray Burse may be loaned to the Portland Timbers

By: Bob Kellett | March 26th, 2008

Josh Wicks is gone. Jordan James is still a question mark. Sam Reynolds may or may not be the answer. And now another player may be thrown into the Portland Timbers’ goalkeeping mix. According to the official blog of FC Dallas, keeper Ray Burse is coming to Portland with the possibility that he will be loaned to the Timbers. Who is Ray Burse?

He is 23 years old and a graduate of The Ohio State University. He played for the Chicago Fire’s PDL team in 2005 and FC Dallas’ reserve side in 2006. He played in six games for Dallas in 2007. In other words, he doesn’t have a ton of experience. Burse has received high marks from Dallas fans, but is caught up in a numbers crunch there. Playing for the Timbers would obviously give him some much needed game action.

Most importantly, he was an American History major. If it doesn’t work out for him on the field he could always follow my lead and become a blogger. Just keep him away from the golf course.

So, what does this mean for the Timbers? I am getting the sense that the team is not fully confident in Jordan James. They would have been happy to have him as a backup to Josh Wicks, but they might not be all that convinced that he is a starter for the full season. I haven’t heard this from anyone’s mouth, but that is how I interpret the buzz about landing another keeper.

Is anyone familiar with Mr. Burse or have any thoughts on what this all means?

Category: Player News

Tags: FC Dallas, Player News, Portland Timbers, Ray Burse

« Timbers Grab Bag 03.26.08 | Home | Ray Burse training with the Timbers; Sam Reynolds gone? »

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• Ted |  March 26th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

  
  
  

  This could be a great move. Burse has a ton of potential. This reminds me of Josh Saunders. He was about the same age and in the same position of needing playing time. The only downside is that if he is loaned he could always be called back by the Hoops.

  Posted from United States

  

• Bruce |  March 26th, 2008 at 4:52 pm

  
  
  

  I have heard a similar story, unfortunately I’ve also heard that it means Sam Reynolds may be the odd man out. Nothing confirmed on that.

  Posted from United States

  

• Nick |  March 26th, 2008 at 5:25 pm

  
  
  

  Hey Bob – have you read this USL related piece?

  http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=519763&root=us&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1&cc=5901

  Posted from United States

  

• Bryan |  March 27th, 2008 at 1:09 pm

  
  
  

  FC Dallas fan here: Instant scouting report on Ray Burse… quick reflexes and great shot-stopping ability, needs to improve communication and decision-making. As I write that I realize that describes most highly touted young goalkeepers. He just needs playing time which he isn’t going to get right now in Dallas with Sala back in top form.

  Posted from United States

  

• Bob Kellett |  March 27th, 2008 at 1:21 pm

  
  
  

  Thanks for the scouting report, Bryan. I hope it all works out for Burse, the Timbers, and Dallas. Good luck to your team this season.

  Posted from United States

  

• Chicho |  March 27th, 2008 at 5:13 pm

  
  
  

  He would be a great addition. He has the physical tools to be a great keeper. Potential US international.

  Posted from United States

  

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