Article by: Jon Billings,

[2/18/09]

 The latest Tacoma Tide draftee to the MLS is Raphael Cox. A member of the Tide over the last two summers, Cox was drafted to Real Salt Lake in the 4th Round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Now almost a month into preseason, Raph talks about how things are going for his team, and for himself.

How’s training camp going?
  Camp has been very productive so far. We are making great ground as a team as to how the coaching staff wants us to play. I am being challenged and I’m also learning a lot everyday. The players have been really nice to get to know.

You’d played with the Colorado Rapids a bit, a few years ago, has training with RSL as a more official member, been similar? Different? How?
  I played with the Rapids last season over spring break because Ciaran [O’Brien] got me in there. I was just a college kid there, trying to see how things are run on a daily bases and I didn’t get much time to train with the guys. At Salt Lake they drafted me so I’m in a totally different position. I get more time in front of the coaching staff and more touches on the ball.

What are your feelings about how you’ve been playing?
  I think I have been playing alright. I can always be playing better and looking to improve my game. The level is way different than college so it takes a little time to adjust and get my feet under me.

Where do you see yourself fitting in with Real Salt Lake?
  Salt Lake brought me in as a left sided player. They don’t have many natural lefty’s so that gives me a good chance to get some good minutes with the first team.

What type of response have you gotten from the RSL organization in welcoming you in?
  The organization has been great in welcoming me. They have been very organized and professional. I have had a sit down with the coaching staff and the GM and it has gone very good.

How have the coaches felt about your play? What have they said?
  They have told me that one of the spots on the team that they are looking to improve on from last years team was an attacking left sided player like myself. And they feel like I have the potential to fill the void.

Raphael Cox is currently in Florida for Training camp with RSL and will likely know the definition of his pending contract by the end of the preseason training camp. The league deadline for roster confirmation is March 2nd.