Real Salt Lake Squad 2025

Real Salt Lake Squad 2025

Real Salt Lake (RSL) has long been a cornerstone of Major League Soccer (MLS), known for its commitment to developing talent and competing at the highest level. As the 2025 season approaches, the club has assembled a dynamic and balanced squad, blending experienced veterans with promising young stars. This roster reflects a strategic mix of homegrown players, shrewd acquisitions, and international signings, all aimed at bringing silverware to Rio Tinto Stadium. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the 2025 Real Salt Lake squad, categorized by position, with in-depth profiles of each player.

Goalkeepers

1. Zac MacMath

  • Nationality: United States
  • Former Clubs: Philadelphia Union, Colorado Rapids, Vancouver Whitecaps
  • Transfer Fee: Acquired via trade in 2020 (undisclosed fee)

Zac MacMath remains a reliable presence between the sticks for Real Salt Lake. A seasoned MLS veteran, MacMath brings a wealth of experience and composure to the team. Known for his shot-stopping ability and command of the penalty area, he has been a consistent performer since joining RSL. In 2024, he recorded 10 clean sheets and a save percentage of 72%, solidifying his role as the first-choice goalkeeper. MacMath’s leadership and ability to organize the defense make him an invaluable asset to the squad.

2. Gavin Beavers

  • Nationality: United States
  • Former Clubs: RSL Academy
  • Transfer Fee: Homegrown signing

At just 20 years old, Gavin Beavers is one of the most exciting young goalkeepers in MLS. A product of the RSL Academy, Beavers has risen through the ranks to become MacMath’s understudy. Standing at 6’6”, he boasts an imposing frame and exceptional reflexes. Beavers made his first-team debut in 2023 and has since shown glimpses of his potential, particularly in cup competitions. His development is a testament to RSL’s investment in youth, and he is widely regarded as the future No. 1 for both club and country.

3. Tomás Gómez

  • Nationality: Colombia
  • Former Clubs: Independiente Medellín, San Antonio FC
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer in 2024

Tomás Gómez provides depth and experience as the third-choice goalkeeper. A former standout in the USL Championship with San Antonio FC, Gómez joined RSL on a free transfer in 2024. While he has yet to make a league appearance for the club, his professionalism and work ethic have earned him respect within the squad. Gómez’s presence ensures healthy competition in training and offers a reliable option in case of injuries or suspensions.

Defenders

1. Justen Glad

  • Nationality: United States
  • Former Clubs: RSL Academy
  • Transfer Fee: Homegrown signing

Justen Glad is the heart and soul of Real Salt Lake’s defense. A homegrown talent, Glad has been with the club since 2014 and has grown into one of the league’s top center-backs. Known for his intelligence, positioning, and ability to read the game, Glad has been a mainstay in RSL’s backline. In 2024, he averaged 5.2 clearances and 1.8 interceptions per game, showcasing his defensive prowess. At 28, Glad is in his prime and continues to attract interest from European clubs, though he remains committed to RSL.

2. Marcelo Silva

  • Nationality: Uruguay
  • Former Clubs: Granada, Almería
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer in 2017

Marcelo Silva brings a wealth of experience and physicality to RSL’s defense. The Uruguayan center-back has been a consistent performer since joining the club in 2017. Standing at 6’2”, Silva excels in aerial duels and is a commanding presence in both boxes. In 2024, he scored three goals from set-pieces, highlighting his threat on attacking corners. Silva’s leadership and no-nonsense approach make him a fan favorite and a key figure in the squad.

3. Andrew Brody

  • Nationality: United States
  • Former Clubs: Louisville City FC
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer in 2021

Andrew Brody has established himself as a versatile and dependable full-back for RSL. Capable of playing on either flank, Brody’s energy and work rate make him a valuable asset in both defense and attack. In 2024, he contributed four assists and averaged 2.3 tackles per game. Brody’s journey from the USL Championship to becoming an MLS regular is a testament to his determination and resilience.

4. Bryan Oviedo

  • Nationality: Costa Rica
  • Former Clubs: Everton, Sunderland, FC Copenhagen
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer in 2023

Bryan Oviedo brings international pedigree to RSL’s defense. The Costa Rican left-back, who previously played in the English Premier League and Danish Superliga, joined the club in 2023. Oviedo’s experience and technical ability have added a new dimension to RSL’s play, particularly in overlapping runs and crossing. Despite being 34, he remains fit and continues to deliver consistent performances.

5. Jaziel Orozco

  • Nationality: United States
  • Former Clubs: RSL Academy
  • Transfer Fee: Homegrown signing

Jaziel Orozco is one of the brightest defensive prospects in MLS. At just 21, he has already made over 50 appearances for RSL, showcasing his maturity and composure. Orozco’s ability to play as a center-back or defensive midfielder adds versatility to the squad. His passing accuracy of 88% in 2024 highlights his comfort on the ball, making him a modern defender capable of building play from the back.

Midfielders

1. Pablo Ruiz

  • Nationality: Argentina
  • Former Clubs: San Luis, Universidad Católica
  • Transfer Fee: $500,000 in 2018

Pablo Ruiz is the creative engine of Real Salt Lake’s midfield. The Argentine playmaker has been a revelation since joining the club, known for his vision, passing range, and set-piece expertise. In 2024, Ruiz recorded eight assists and created 2.5 chances per game, cementing his status as one of MLS’s top midfielders. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game makes him indispensable to RSL’s style of play.

2. Braian Ojeda

  • Nationality: Paraguay
  • Former Clubs: Olimpia, Nottingham Forest
  • Transfer Fee: $1.2 million in 2022

Braian Ojeda is a tenacious and dynamic presence in RSL’s midfield. The Paraguayan international joined the club in 2022 and has quickly become a fan favorite. Ojeda’s tireless work rate, ball-winning ability, and tactical intelligence make him a perfect foil for Ruiz. In 2024, he averaged 3.1 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game, underscoring his defensive contributions.

3. Jasper Löffelsend

  • Nationality: Germany
  • Former Clubs: Pittsburgh Panthers (NCAA)
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer in 2022

Jasper Löffelsend’s rise from college soccer to MLS starter is a remarkable story. The German midfielder, known for his energy and versatility, has become a key player for RSL. Löffelsend’s ability to cover ground and break up play has been crucial to the team’s balance. In 2024, he also chipped in with three goals and four assists, showcasing his attacking contributions.

4. Diego Luna

  • Nationality: United States
  • Former Clubs: El Paso Locomotive
  • Transfer Fee: $250,000 in 2022

Diego Luna is one of the most exciting young talents in MLS. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder joined RSL in 2022 and has since developed into a key player. Luna’s dribbling, creativity, and eye for goal make him a constant threat in the final third. In 2024, he scored seven goals and provided six assists, earning him a call-up to the U.S. national team.

Forwards

1. Cristian Arango

  • Nationality: Colombia
  • Former Clubs: Millonarios, Los Angeles FC
  • Transfer Fee: $6 million in 2023

Cristian Arango is the marquee signing of Real Salt Lake’s 2025 squad. The Colombian striker joined the club in 2023 and has since been a prolific goal scorer. In 2024, Arango netted 18 goals and provided five assists, earning him a spot in the MLS Best XI. His clinical finishing, movement, and ability to hold up play make him the focal point of RSL’s attack.

2. Anderson Julio

  • Nationality: Ecuador
  • Former Clubs: San José, Atlético San Luis
  • Transfer Fee: $1 million in 2021

Anderson Julio is a versatile forward capable of playing on the wing or as a central striker. The Ecuadorian speedster is known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to score spectacular goals. In 2024, he contributed 10 goals and four assists, forming a potent partnership with Arango. Julio’s explosiveness and work ethic make him a nightmare for opposing defenders.

3. Danny Musovski

  • Nationality: United States
  • Former Clubs: LAFC, San Diego Loyal
  • Transfer Fee: Free transfer in 2023

Danny Musovski provides depth and experience to RSL’s forward line. The American striker joined the club in 2023 and has been a reliable option off the bench. Musovski’s movement and finishing ability have earned him crucial goals in key moments. In 2024, he scored six goals in limited minutes, highlighting his efficiency.

Conclusion

The 2025 Real Salt Lake squad is a blend of youth and experience, with a strong emphasis on homegrown talent and strategic signings. From the commanding presence of Justen Glad and Marcelo Silva in defense to the creative brilliance of Pablo Ruiz and Diego Luna in midfield, and the goal-scoring prowess of Cristian Arango and Anderson Julio up front, this team is built to compete for titles. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, RSL is poised to make a deep run in the MLS Cup and cement its status as one of the league’s elite clubs. The future looks bright for Real Salt Lake, and the 2025 season promises to be an exciting journey for players and fans alike.