MLS Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake Secures Return of Dynamic Attacker Anderson Julio

Published on April 28, 2022 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Real Salt Lake News Release


HERRIMAN, Utah - Real Salt Lake has confirmed the permanent transfer of Ecuadoran FW Anderson Julio, who returns to the Wasatch Front pending approval of his work visa and International Transfer Certificate. Financial terms of the three-year deal (prior to Club options in 2025/26) are not disclosed, per team and League policy.

Julio scored eight goals in 30 MLS reg. season appearances a year ago, primarily in a "super-sub" role. The then-24-year old winger notched a brace in his RSL debut last April 24 in a 2-1 road win at Minnesota United, and provided a postseason equalizer at Kansas City during the 2021 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs while on loan from Atletico San Luis (Liga MX). Five of Julio's remaining six goals scored for RSL arrived in the 88th-minute or later, with the 5-8 forward providing three game-winning goals (at MIN, v HOU and v LAG).

"Bringing Julio back to the RSL family has been a top priority during the last several months," said Real Salt Lake General Manager Elliot Fall, noting that Julio will again wear jersey No. 29, as he did throughout the 2021 season. "We know what he brings on and off the field, in the locker room and throughout the community. Securing his permanent transfer and his long-term rights as opposed to another season-long loan has been our goal, and we are elated to welcome him back, get him into game shape and watch him flourish as part of our culture."

Julio effectively only spent 10 games away from RSL, the Ecuadoran winger returning to Mexico in December following RSL's ouster in the 2021 Western Conference Final at Portland. Julio's consistent late-game heroics provided a signature for RSL's 2021 "cardiac" approach, as the Utah side led MLS in goals scored after the 75th minute.

"I am quite excited to return to Utah, this is what I have wanted for a very long time," said Julio from Mexico, where he currently awaits procedural paperwork processes that will allow him to return to work in the United States. "I cannot wait to come back and work hard to help Pablo and the boys enjoy much success, and to reward the fans for their love of Real Salt Lake."

#29 - Anderson Julio

Pronunciation: WHO - lee - oh

Position: Forward

Height: 5-9

Weight: 158

Hometown:

Date of Birth: 31 May 1996 (25)

Nationality: Ecuadoran

How Acquired: Signed via permanent transfer from Atletico San Luis (Mexico)

As of April 28, 2022, Real Salt Lake's current roster during the ongoing MLS season, listed alphabetically by position, is as follows:

Goalkeepers (4): Gavin Beavers, Jeff Dewsnup, Zac MacMath, David Ochoa

Defenders (10): Andrew Brody, Zack Farnsworth, Justen Glad, Bret Halsey, Aaron Herrera, Erik Holt, Jaziel Orozco, Marcelo Silva, Tate Schmitt

Midfielders (10): Julio Benitez, Nick Besler, Scott Caldwell, Maikel Chang, Bode Davis, Damir Kreilach, Jasper Löffelsend, Everton Luiz, Pablo Ruiz, Jude Wellings

Forwards (9): Sergio Cordova, Chris Garcia, Anderson Julio, Axel Kei, Jonathan Menendez, Justin Meram, Rubio Rubin, Bobby Wood

Through the first nine games of the 2022 MLS campaign, RSL has earned 13 points while playing six of its first nine away, including seven games against MLS Cup Playoff sides from a year ago. Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni has utilized 24 players throughout the injury-filled first quarter of the year, as the Club has lost 67 combined games due to injury, suspension or international duty.

Real Salt Lake finished last season in dramatic fashion, booking its place in the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs on Decision Day before making a run to the Western Conference Final following a 14-14-6 regular-season record. RSL will open the 2022 season on the road against Houston Dynamo FC on Sunday, February 27 before returning to Rio Tinto Stadium for the home opener against Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, March 5.

TRANSACTION: Real Salt Lake sign FW Anderson Julio via permanent transfer from Atletico San Luis (Mexico) on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

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