Rafael Cabral has played every minute for RSL this season. Has he finally given RSL a consistent goalkeeper?
Wow. Rafael Cabral is good. He has kept RSL in games and even got the attack started a few times. The Brazilian goalkeeper has played every single minute for RSL and has not disappointed at all. He has locked down the starting spot for RSL, making acrobatic saves and bravely jumping in front of onrushing attackers. Cabral has had his fair share of knocks, but always gets back up and keeps playing.
Rafael Cabral joined RSL in the Cruzeiro in Brazil. At 34 years old, Cabral has plenty of experience, playing in Brazil, Italy, and England before signing with RSL. Cabral can make acrobatic saves, strong clearances, and dive bravely in front of onrushing attackers. He has been the Iron Man for RSL and doesn’t go down without a fight.
Cabral’s save percentage is 69.1, and he is not afraid of players coming at him. Cabral has taken a few knocks throughout the season but refuses to stop. Cabral is a beast and is willing to get physical by the goal, even jumping in front of opponents to snag the ball. Of course, the question is: “Is Rafael RSL’s goalkeeper of the future?” The answer is yes and no.
Why would he be RSL’s keeper of the future?
Cabral is a talented goalkeeper. He is hard to beat and has good reflexes and instincts. RSL has had trouble filling the void left by the legendary Nick Rimando’s retirement in 2019. Cabral provides consistency and strength in between the posts, which RSL needs badly. Rafael could be the answer RSL needs to the goalkeeper debate.
Cabral has the skill and discipline that are needed for a goalkeeper at this level. He has powered RSL to victory in each of their wins and deserved Man of the Match in a couple of matches. His saves and excellent ball distribution have kept RSL in games and set up their wins. RSL couldn’t have done it without Cabral, and Utah seems like a good fit for him.
Why wouldn’t he be RSL’s keeper of the future?
Cablral is 34. He is starting to reach the tail end of his career. Age is a real thing, and time always does what it does. If RSL is fortunate, Cabral will play for RSL long enough to give the Club time to develop new talent. Even then, athletes can surprise people. Nick Rimando retired at age 40. If Cabral can summon the same magic and health habits as Rimando, he could play just as long, or longer.
Cabral has not shown a lot of aging issues. He seems strong and ready to go every week. He takes a few knocks here and the but doesn’t seem to stop. Rimando showed similar strength through age, and Cabral seems to have unlocked the same formula. Cabral, though aging, could still have the strength to carry RSL forward.
In conclusion, RSL has struck gold in Rafael Cabral. He is strong, smart, and fearless. RSL should be determined to keep him through his remaining career. Real Salt Lake may have found their goalkeeper of the future, and should be excited to see where his career goes. The only real concern is age, but Rafael Cabral seems to have figured that out, too. It’s an exciting time for RSL goalkeeping, and the sky’s the limit!
