Real Salt Lake’s offseason shopping list includes a need for striker options and the Western Conference club is closing on a name familiar to American soccer fans.
RSL is closing on a deal to sign free agent forward Rubio Rubin, sources confirmed to SBI on Thursday. The 24-year-old striker, who represented the U.S. Men’s National Team as recently as 2018, last played for the San Diego Loyal in the USL.
RSL is in need of forward reinforcements and Rubin could be just the player to help provide attacking depth to Freddy Juarez’s side. The former U.S. Under-20 World Cup standout spent time in Europe at the start of his career before spurning a move to MLS in order to sign with Liga MX side Club Tijuana.
Rubin spent two seasons under contract with the Xolos, and spent parts of two seasons on loan with Mexican second-division side Dorados, where he played for Diego Maradona.
Rubin most recently enjoyed a successful stint playing for Landon Donovan with the San Diego Loyal, where he scored five goals in four matches.
Rubin’s path to RSL has been made easier by his removal in 2019 from Major League Soccer’s Allocation List, which consists of players who have either left MLS via transfer or have been members of the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Hasn’t had success since his foot surgery 4 or 5 years ago. Of course that squad from 2015 hasn’t really hit as expected.
Other Attacking Options on the team:
Zelalem: multiple injuries played played 14 mins this season
Maki Tall: has hardly played since 2015, currently in Belgian 3rd Div.
B.Jamison IV: 1g in 12 app. In Norwegian 2nd, currently unsigned
Tommy Thompson: Converted to RB, serviceable in MLS
Jordan Allen: retired in 2017.
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The defense has done pretty well with Steffen the highlight. Miazga and Carter-Vickers have had good runs in the Championship, EPB also doing well in 2nd tier European leagues, Shaq Moore has found stability in Spanish 2nd div.
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Acosta, Arriola, Delgado, and Hyndman have been good MLS players but despite bursts of promise here and there never had the big breakthroughs that were hoped for.
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Sonora is finally having some success in Argentina after failed stint in Germany.
Whenever I saw him playing for the Nats I thought he looked promising. But he never did much in Mexico. Maybe MLS will jump start his career.