Sandy, UT (Sports Network) - Real Salt Lake re-signed four players Thursday,
including forward Fabian Espindola and midfielder Ned Grabavoy.
Espindola and Grabavoy combined to make 52 appearances, including 46 starts,
last season for Real Salt Lake.
"This offseason was perhaps the most challenging in recent years when it came
to keeping together the core and identity of Real Salt Lake," said RSL general
manager Garth Lagerwey.
"While we could not help but lose some valuable contributors, in ... Espindola
and ... Grabavoy we return two players that not only combined for more than
100 starts over the last three seasons, but provide qualities on the field and
in the locker room that can't be measured."
The 26-year-old Espindola was signed to a four-year contract, one year after
he had 10 goals and three assists.
"It feels great to be able to continue my career with Real Salt Lake. The
negotiations were difficult at times, but I'm glad we could come to an
agreement that worked out for both myself and the club," said Espindola.
The 28-year-old Grabavoy was signed to a three-year deal. He has started 47 of
his 68 regular season appearances for RSL, with three goals and three assists.
"I couldn't be happier to have the opportunity to continue my career with Real
Salt Lake, and I'm excited to find myself in a great situation for continued
success," said Grabavoy.
Midfielder Yordany Alvarez, 26, and forward Paulo Jr., 23, were also re-signed
by RSL. Alvarez signed a three-year contract, and Paulo Jr. was also locked up
for the next three seasons.
"With the long-term additions of Yordany Alvarez and Paulo Jr., we lock down
two starting-caliber players to provide cover at key positions, depth that
will be sorely needed to compete at a high level in every competition we
enter," Lagerwey said.
Per club policy, financial terms for the deals will not be disclosed.
The Sports Network