Friday, October 10, 2008

Mantilla to De Graafschap?

Former Real Salt Lake defender Mathias Mantilla is headed to the Netherlands for a trial with Eredivisie club De Graafschap. The club happens to be the previous one for current RSL midfielder Will Johnson. Here is the report from Soccernet:

Argentinian defender Mathias Mantilla has been handed a trial at De Graafschap.

The club announced on their website that the 27-year-old
will play in a practice match against FC Trias on Friday night, with a decision
on whether to sign him permanently to be made following that game.

Mantilla, who holds an Italian passport, has been without a club since leaving Real Salt Lake of Major Soccer League in the United States. On Friday evening Mantilla will join De Graafschap for a practice match against FC Trias in Winterswijk," the club's statement read.

"After that (technical director) Han Berger and (coach) Henk van Stee will decide if Mantilla's trial will get a follow-up."


Mantilla left Real Salt Lake in early August to return to his native Argentina. The move came after a mutual agreement between him and the team was reached. Mantilla was disappointed with his lack of playing time after the emergence of Columbian central defender Jamison Olave. The club had a difficult time paying starter-level salary to a reserve defender.