Update: Updated with new information from Real Salt Lake and MLSSoccer.com.
Update: Real Salt Lake has officially announced the signing.
Despite not making any moves during the open transfer window, RSL have signed former FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps defender Blake Wagner. The left-footed 23-year-old from Georgia can play as a leftback and as a left winger.
Keepin’ It Real Soccer reported the signing earlier today on Twitter, and the player’s profile on the official MLS website has indicated his club is Real Salt Lake since at least this morning, if not earlier. Official confirmation has not yet been released.
With Chris Wingert facing a spell out of the side after suffering a broken wrist during the match against Toronto FC, Wagner will almost certainly step in to provide defensive cover, particularly as Robbie Russell has at times struggled for fitness this season. The move, Kreis says, was not the result of the injury to Wingert, but the timing was "fortuitous."
The signing comes only as a small surprise, as Wagner ran out for the RSL reserves in a 2-0 victory over the club where he got his start, FC Dallas.
Though he started nine matches for the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2011 after making the jump up from the USSF Division 2 club, Wagner was waived by the club in July.
Wagner trained at the IMG Soccer Academy, where many high-profile MLS players trained early in their careers. RSL captain Kyle Beckerman graduated from the academy, as did former RSL marquee player Freddy Adu.
Though previously considered a player with much potential, having joined the Generation Adidas program instead of pursuing a collegiate career, his MLS career has not been the breakout he’d have hoped for.
Check back for the latest on the new signing, including official confirmation when it is available.
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