Updated Apr 13, 2009 - 3:43 pm

Keller's replacement? Let the keeper wars begin!

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Kasey Keller has a while to ponder his first time being sent off the pitch this week, as he watches his team prep for a big conference showdown against Chivas USA on Saturday.

The star goalkeeper will be sidelined for the match, the consequence of a red card earned in the first half of last weekend's loss to Kansas City. But one player's gaffe is another's opportunity: The veteran's absence opens the door for two former USL Sounders, Keller's backups, to vie for the starting spot.

MEET THE CONTENDERS:

Greg Johns of the P-I has a great profile of Ben Dragavon, the Monroe-native who was between the posts after Keller's ejection and has the dubious distinction of allowing the first goal against the Sounders all season. Dragavon led Monroe High School to a 2001 Class 3A state championship and then went on to play at Western Washington University and the USL Sounders. He is actually part of the MLS emergency pool, tapped because the Sounders were down to less than two healthy goalkeepers. Prior to the goal, Dragavon had an excellent diving save, stopping Claudio Lopez's shot in the 78th minute of play.

Also looking to step into the net is Chris Eylander, Keller's regular backup, who is coming off a knee injury suffered in preseason. Eylander is another local--he grew up in Auburn and played for the University of Washington. He was a standout for the USL Sounders, leading the league in saves in 2007 and 2008.

In fact, the 25-year-old Eylander has already faced the Sounders' next opponent. In July of last year, he had 6 saves to shut out Chivas USA, 2-0, in a round-of-16 U.S. Open Cup game.

Don Ruiz at the News Tribune spoke to Chris about his injury:

"I actually feel really quite good about my knee...Last week I felt I had a sharp week of training, so I definitely feel positive about where I'm at.

"There is a little pain and that's just going to be there for a little while, but from a soccer standpoint, there isn't really anything holding me back at all."

Ben Dragavon says he looks forward to the challenge of earning an MLS start:

"Me and Chris will battle (this week in practice), that's for sure...We're always competitive in a healthy way. We've known each other for years. We'll have a good week of training, the coaches will make their decision and that's that."

Chivas USA (3-0-1) currently leads the Sounders (3-1-0) by one point in the Western Conference standings. While Eylander seems the clear choice, his knee remains a big question mark. Coach Sigi Schmid said after the Wizards loss that he wasn't sure of a replacement for Keller, and he will be watching closely during training this week.

Let the keeper wars begin!

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BONUS GOALIE COVERAGE: Check out this NYTimes conversation with Kasey Keller. The interview was conducted last week (before the red card) but published today.

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