MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Real Salt Lake: 2020 Preview – No Jefferson Savarino, no playoffs?

By Matt Coles

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 15: Albert Rusnak #11 of Real Salt Lake is congratulated by Donny Toia #4 and Everton Luiz after Rusnak scored a goal in the first half against Minnesota United during the game at Allianz Field on September 15, 2019 in St Paul, Minnesota. United defeated Salt Lake 3-1. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 15: Albert Rusnak #11 of Real Salt Lake is congratulated by Donny Toia #4 and Everton Luiz after Rusnak scored a goal in the first half against Minnesota United during the game at Allianz Field on September 15, 2019 in St Paul, Minnesota. United defeated Salt Lake 3-1. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 23: Albert Rusnak #11 of Real Salt Lake kicks the ball during the first half of the match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on October 23, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Sounders top the Real Salt Lake 2-0. The Seattle Sounders top the Real Salt Lake 2-0 to win the Western Conference Semifinal. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 23: Albert Rusnak #11 of Real Salt Lake kicks the ball during the first half of the match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on October 23, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Sounders top the Real Salt Lake 2-0. The Seattle Sounders top the Real Salt Lake 2-0 to win the Western Conference Semifinal. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Offseason Summary

Squad Retention

Both Albert Rusnak and Damir Kreilach will continue to be the key men at the top end of the pitch for Real Salt Lake in 2020. Having signed Everton Luiz on a permanent deal following his successful loan spell, RSL will be hoping the Brazilian midfielder will shine this year as well, with the likes of Luke Mulholland and Nick Besler also providing cover in the middle of the park.

Andrew Putna and David Ochoa will be battling it out for the No.1 spot ahead of the new campaign, with Justen Glad, Donny Toia, Nedum Onuoha and Aaron Herrera in front of them in a backline which remains relatively unchanged from last season.

Transfers & SuperDraft Picks

In total, Real Salt Lake saw nine players leave in the offseason, with three of those coming through retirements. Enigmatic goalkeeper Nick Rimando hung up his gloves following an incredible 20-year career, while Jordan Allen and Alex Horwath both retired due to consistent injury problems.

More from MLS Multiplex

Ecuadorian forward Joao Plata and American defender Danilo Acosta both saw their options declined, with the latter signing for the LA Galaxy ahead of the 2020 campaign. Meanwhile, Kelyn Rowe and Sebastian Saucedo were out of contract following the conclusion of last season, with the former joining New England Revolution.

Two men left Real Salt Lake on big-money deals. Brooks Lennon, the versatile American, moved to Atlanta United for $300,000 in GAM & TAM, while their star man from 2019, Jefferson Savarino, made the move to Atletico Mineiro, the Brazilian club paying $2million for the Venezuelan.

Eight came the other way. Goalkeeper Zac MacMath made the move from Vancouver Whitecaps for $50,000 in TAM. Defender Ashtone Morgan also made the move from the north of the border, signing as a free agent after his contract with Toronto FC expired. Maikel Chang and Iraqi midfielder Justin Meram also signed for RSL on free transfers.

The club brought in Milan Iloski as a Homegrown Player. Chris Garcia graduated from the RSL Academy to join the first team for 2020. Venezuelan forward Jeizon Ramirez moved from Deportivo Tachira and will be a Young Designated Player at RSL, while the club paid an undisclosed fee for Trinidadian defender Alvin Jones.

RSL held the 20th pick in each of the four rounds of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. However, they only used their first two selections, opting to pass in the latter rounds. Connecticut midfielder Dayonn Harris was selected with the 20th overall pick, before the club chose Michigan State defender Michael Wetengu in the second round.

Home/Real Salt Lake