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Luis Marin, the supposed consistent backstop that Sporting Kansas City signed in the offseason, was anything but in 2015 and, as a result, has had his contract terminated by mutual agreement.
The club announced the move Wednesday morning, as well as the news that Jon Kempin had been recalled from the San Antonio Scorpions to fill in as the second-string keeper.
Marin was signed in December after a 2014 season in which Sporting Kansas City struggled for consistency in the keeper position from Eric Kronberg and Andy Gruenebaum. Marin did not provide too much of an upgrade, giving up 12 goals in eight matches and had a 1.50 goals against average and his 63 percent save percentage was one of the worst in the league.
He was benched after an exceptionally poor performance against the Houston Dynamo, in which Sporting KC gave up four goals in a 4-4 draw. After that, Tim Melia was upgraded to the starting position and has shined as the number one keeper with a 70 percent save percentage (7th in the league among starters) and a 0.75 GAA (2nd only behind Tally Hall). This move erases any goalkeeping controversy and gives Melia the number one spot for the foreseeable future.
As for the third-string keeper, no move has been announced yet. Sporting KC may call in an MLS pool keeper like they did last year with Melia or they may sign a cheap keeper to serve as depth.
This move also may move money off the books, depending on how much of Marin's contract was guaranteed. As per league policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed, but if the guaranteed money was low, this allows Sporting KC to take some of that money and use it for the summer transfer window, which will open July 8. Marin's contract termination also opens up a roster spot and an international spot.
Update: It appears Marin asked to be let go due to family issues.
Vermes: Marin came to him with family issue that he needed to take care of and asked for release #SportingKC
— Thad (@TheBackpost) May 27, 2015