Real Salt Lake Re-Signs Defender Donny Toia
Dec 16, 2019, 4:16 PM | Updated: Dec 17, 2019, 9:38 am
Photo courtesy: Real Salt Lake
SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake has re-signed left-back Donny Toia ahead of the 2020 MLS season. Toia, 27, was RSL’s first homegrown player signed in March 2011. Since then, Toia, has taken his talents across the United States. He is in his second stint with RSL and has competed in two seasons with the Claret and Cobalt.
In 2012, after just one season with the club, Toia was released. Fast forward six seasons, Toia was released yet again by Orlando City following the 2018 season. He was welcomed back to RSL and played a big role throughout their 2019 campaign. The club has rewarded him with a one-year extension.
Back in Utah
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) December 16, 2019
“Donny is a player who has been a part of the RSL family since he was a standout youth player in Arizona. He’s proven himself a steady, reliable performer and someone who we can count on to bring professionalism and hard work, day in and day out,” RSL General Manager Elliot Fall said. “We are very happy to know that we can extend his time with the club for several more years to come.”
In 2019, Toia started 24 regular season matches and both playoff matches for RSL. He was a regular at his preferred left-back position where he totaled one goal and one assist over 2,323 minutes of playing time.
“Donny was very consistent for us and helped solidify the backline to help make us one of the best defenses in the league,” RSL Head Coach Freddy Juarez said. “He earned his spot by putting his head down and working and every day he was consistent.”
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Following Toia’s extension, the club now has eight Academy products on its 2020 roster. Toia joins Luis Arriaga, Corey Baird, Justen Glad, Aaron Herrera, Erik Holt, David Ochoa, Tate Schmitt, and Julian Vasquez.
Real Salt Lake currently has 21 players signed to its 2020 roster. They have 7 more spots to fill prior to the season starting on February 29, 2020.
Goalkeepers (2): David Ochoa, Andrew Putna
Defenders (6): Justen Glad, Aaron Herrera, Erik Holt, Alvin Jones, Nedum Onuoha, Donny Toia
Midfielders (7): Luis Arriaga, Nick Besler, Damir Kreilach, Everton Luiz, Justin Portillo, Pablo Ruiz, Albert Rusnák
Forwards (6): Corey Baird, Sam Johnson, Douglas Martinez, Jefferson Savarino, Tate Schmitt, Julian Vazquez
