In another addition to a burgeoning midfield, the RailHawks added Daniel Paladini, veteran of the MLS side Chivas USA. Paladini, 24 years old, appeared in eight games for Chivas last year, starting five and scoring one goal (that’s only four fewer than teammate Sacha Kljestan!). (h/t to Jarrett for the first video link)

Paladini has spent his entire career in California, from his hometown of Northridge to his alma mater Cal State-Northridge to his drafting by the Los Angeles Galaxy to his most recent stint with Chivas.

It’s the second signing, however, that catches us by surprise: a high-profile keeper, and one wholike recently signed defender Mark Schultehas a history with Martin Rennie.

Goalkeeper Eric Reed comes to the RailHawks after helping the Cleveland City Stars win the 2008 USL-2 Championship. The 2006 PDL Goalkeeper of the Year led the USL-2 in goals against average (.583) and goals against (7), he was also runner- up in shutouts (7) despite playing only 12 matches in 2008. Reed is a native of Nashua, NH but grew up in Southern California where he attended UCLA. The three-time All-PAC 10 Honoree helped the team reach the final match of the 2006 NCAA Men’s College Cup. Reed finished his college career with 162 saves, 24 shutouts and a 0.81 goals against average.

Whither Chris McClellan, last year’s popular keeper, who appeared in every minute of every league game in 2008? Will there be room on the team for both? Right now, he’s listed on the roster on the RailHawks site.

An examination of the roster reveals that today’s two signings brings the total squad to 18 players.

A couple of names are Conspicuously Absent: forward Dan Antoniuk and wing Martin Nuñez. We’ll be visiting camp tomorrow, and hope to bring you more news.

Here’s the list that’s on the team Web site.

Returning players

Kupono Low

Midfielder

Caleb Norkus

Defender

Matt Watson

Midfielder

Chris McClellan

Goalkeeper

Santiago Fusilier

Midfielder

Steven Curfman

Midfielder

David Stokes

Defender

Ryan Solle

Midfielder

Hamed Diallo

Forward

New Signings

Marcelo Romero

Midfielder

Lucena CF (Liga Española)

John Gilkerson

Defender

Red Bull New York (MLS)

Josh Gardner

Midfielder

Seattle Sounders

Luke Kreamalmeyer

Midfielder

Rochester Rhinos

Brian Plotkin

Midfielder

Columbus Crew (MLS)

Aaron King

Forward

Charleston Battery

Mark Schulte

Defender

Cleveland City Stars