Salt Lake City – The list of players Real Salt Lake has identified as eligible for the first round of the MLS Re-Entry draft was announced today. The draft is scheduled for Thursday Dec. 12, 2013. The list includes Yordany Alvarez, Khari Stephenson, Josh Saunders and Brandon McDonald.
Yordany Alvarez (midfield) – The 28 year old Cuban native joined Real Salt Lake in 2011 and played in 5 games that season. He had a bigger role that the other players left available for the draft. Alvarez played in 18 matches this season for RSL starting in 11 most notable when replacing Kyle Beckerman when he was not available.
Khari Stephenson (Midfielder) – The 32 year old Jamacian, Stephenson played in many games for Real Salt Lake. Khari played 19 times starting nine of the matches. He scored one goal with one assist and 7 shots on goal. Stephenson’s professional career started in 2004 playing for Kansas City and San Jose. Stephenson also appeared in 26 games for Jamaican national team.
Josh Saunders (Goal Keeper) – Saunders, signed as a primary backup to starer Nick Rimando, tore his left ACL on July 13 against FC Dallas, in what was only his third game for RSL. Saunders missed the remainder of the season due to the injury. Saunders a veteran won two MLS championships as the keeper for the LA Galaxy and was eagerly picked up by RSL as Rimando’s backup and saw action in only 3 games before his injury.
Brandon McDonald (Defender) – 27 year old McDonald arrived with RSL most recently of the four in a trade with D.C. United. He only played in three matches this year for RSL and started all three. McDonald lead D.C. United in playing time in 2012 but played very little this year for RSL after the injury plagued backfield became healthier.
Based on the MLS re-entry draft rules, Real Salt Lake will be able to negotiate new contracts with the players if any are left un-drafted. The full list of all 68 players from all teams can be found here: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/12/09/major-league-soccer-unveils-list-eligible-players-december-re-entry-draft. Notable on the list are Former RSL players Fabian Espindola and Justin Braun. RSL has the 18th pick out of 19 teams in the MLS Re-Entry draft.