Jack Bell reports that 38-year-old German goalkeeper Frank Rost came to the Red Bulls and the United States “for a new lifestyle, a new experience” after nearly 20 years in the Bundesliga. So far, the keeper acquired because general manager Erik Soler was unsatisified with Bouna Coundoul and Greg Sutton has played three games and given up six goals.

Rost played in 426 Bundesliga games but fell out at Hamburg SV last season. “I always said that after this season, it was enough in the Bundesliga,” Rost said. “I know Erik 10 years, and he called me six months ago. The most recent call was about a month ago and he said: ‘Come to us. We need a goalkeeper.’ It was no problem for me. It was an easy decision.”

The deal, on a free transfer after Rost finished his contract, cost the Red Bulls their third designated-player slot in hopes of stanching the leaks of goals.

Coach Hans Backe said: “We wanted an experienced goalkeeper, and at the end of the day we’re happy with him. We need a goalkeeper who is very consistent all day long if we are going to pick up the right results.”