Goalkeeper John Alvbage is no longer listed on Major League Soccer's official roster for Minnesota United, meaning the club has declined the option to extend his loan.
The Swede, who joined United back on Jan. 28, finished his loan from IFK Goteborg on Sunday, but the keeper still practiced with United at the National Sports Center on Tuesday. Alvbage recently had surgery on his thumb after injuring it a few weeks ago in training and is still rehabbing it.
Alvbage started United's first two matches, both big losses, before injuring his knee after colliding with teammate Jermaine Taylor's studs and needing stitches. He played only one half of one other match after that, as Bobby Shuttleworth stepped into the starting role and never relinquished it.
The Loons, with Shuttleworth and backup Patrick McLain as their two keepers on the roster, are in the market for a third one before this transfer window runs out Aug. 9. Goalkeeper Alex Kapp, a Creighton and Boston College product whom Atlanta United FC drafted in the third round this year but didn't sign, has been training with United and could be a possibility. The 22-year-old New York native is 6 feet, 190 pounds.
United still has the rights to its drafted goalkeeper, Alec Ferrell, but the Wake Forest product has been dealing with a long-term knee injury.
Alvbage's departure frees up one international spot for United, which has 10 total. Technically, midfielder Bernardo Anor would need that spot if he ever comes off the disabled list with his leg injury. But if not, the Loons have the potential to fill that with another international signing this transfer window.
Coach Adrian Heath said after practice Tuesday that the club is still working hard to sign one or two players in the next two weeks.
"We're in constant contact with not only teams within the league but teams outside of North America," Heath said. "And we're keeping our fingers crossed that we can maybe get one or two things still done before the end of the window."
