New Red Bulls goalkeeper Frank Rost arrived yesterday and likely will start tonight at Chivas USA. The 38-year-old German is expected — and expecting — to shore up the position and help lead his team to the MLS Cup.
“I’m happy I’m here. I hope I can bring my part to win the title here in MLS,” said Rost, who had offers to stay in the Bundesliga. “The MLS is more and more important in the world. You have famous players here in MLS. You also on this team have experienced players like Thierry [Henry] and Rafael [Marquez].”
Rost spent nearly two decades and more than 400 games in the Bundesliga, including the last four seasons with Hamburg SV.
“In the last 15 years he’s been rated one of the four or five top goalkeepers in that league,” said general manager Erik Soler, who confirmed The Post’s report that Rost’s required visa was received. “He’s got a lot of experience, and we’re very confident that he can bring us what we need in [a] time of defensive instability in the team. That’s the reasoning for getting him here.”
Rost kept 117 clean sheets out of 426 Bundesliga games, and coach Hans Backe said he would use him tonight at Chivas USA.
“He has tons of experience. He is the guy definitely who will organize the back four about the positioning,” Backe said. “He will definitely demand everyone to do their job defending, never allow. . .some casual football, play-of-the-day stuff. Definitely a winner; his mentality is very strong.”
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The Red Bulls allowed just three goals in their first eight games, but have allowed 21 in their last dozen. That funk started with a 3-2 home loss to this same Chivas USA team, whose diamond midfield gives the Red Bulls possession-related fits.