Andrew Putna, Others, Available For Selection Ahead Of Austin FC Expansion Draft

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Major League Soccer is introducing its newest member ahead of the 2021 season, Austin FC, Tuesday afternoon with an expansion draft to help the newbies begin the process of filling their roster.

Protected Player

Real Salt Lake has announced the 22 players that are exempt from being selected, however, eight RSL players will be available for Austin FC.

Kyle Beckerman, Nick Besler, Maikel Chang, Damir Kreilach, Everton Luiz, Douglas Martinez, Justin Meram, Jeizon Ramirez, Pablo Ruiz, Albert Rusnak, Marcelo Silva, Donny Toia will be unavailable for selection.

Furthermore, the 12 homegrown products on RSL’s roster will also be unavailable, those players include-
Luis Arriaga, Corey Baird, Christopher Garcia, Justen Glad, Aaron Herrera, Erik Holt, Milan Iloski, David Ochoa, Tate Schmitt and Julian Vazquez.

The 2020 @MLS Expansion Draft is tomorrow

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) December 14, 2020

Available For Selection

However, Austin FC will be able to choose eight players from RSL. Including goalkeepers Zac McMath and Andrew Putna; defenders Alvin Jones, Ashtone Morgan, Nedum Onuoha (retired); midfielders Luke Mulholland, Justin Portillo; and forward Giuseppe Rossi.

Andrew Putna’s name being available for Austin FC may come as a surprise for many RSL fans. Putna started 15 games for RSL in 2020 making 38 saves and conceding 26 goals. He managed 4 clean sheets throughout his 15 games.

Allowing Austin FC the potential rights to Putna signifies the intent that RSL has to play David Ochoa in 2021. Ochoa was most recently invited to the USMNT camp but had to withdraw after suffering a muscle injury a few days into training.

RSL Expansion Draft History

Over the past two most recent MLS Expansion Drafts RSL has had no player selected. The last RSL player selected came in 2016 when Minnesota United selected former RSL goalkeeper Jeff Attinella.

Let’s help Utah get back in the game by staying safe & healthy. 

When we follow health guidelines, we can continue to shop, dine & support local businesses #InUtah. 

One team, one goal, one Utah. #RSL

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) December 11, 2020

Prior to Attinella’s departure, seven RSL players had been selected by expansion teams in Expansion Drafts including the likes of Chris Wingert, Ned Grabavoy, Robbie Findley and Jason Kreis.

Prior to RSL’s inaugural 2005 campaign, RSL selected Andy Williams, D.J. Countess, Pablo Brenes, Brian Kamler, Nelson Akwari, Chris Brown, Matt Behncke, Rusty Pierce, Kevin Ara and Erick Scott in the 2004 MLS Expansion Draft on November 19, 2004.