Real Salt Lake Signs 16-Year-Old Goalkeeper To First Team Roster

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake just signed the youngest player in club history to it’s first team roster. 16-year-old goalkeeper Jeff Dewsnup signed his first professional contract after the club inked a deal that would secure him as a future Homegrown Player for the Claret and Cobalt.

“It feels amazing to be able to sign with the team I’ve supported my whole life,” Dewsnup said. “I’ve always looked up to the other homegrown players in the club and have wanted to be just like them. It just feels like a dream come true!”

Dewsnup becomes the 24th RSL Academy product to earn a contract with the club while also becoming the first Herriman, Utah native to ink a deal with Real Salt Lake after progressing through the Academy.

The Homegrown Factory ™️ keeps churning them out

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) January 12, 2021

“He’s a very talented goalkeeper and we had a specific plan for him,” Head Coach Freddy Juarez said. “We will continue to work with him to make sure he continues on that path to the first team. I want to thank all of the academy coaches that have helped Jeff’s development. That’s critical. He’s gotten a high degree of coaching.”

During his time with the RSL Academy, Dewsnup has made 12 appearances at the U-16/17 level. He has also represented the United States at the international level by being called into the U-15 and U-17 teams.

“Jeff is a fantastic young goalkeeper with an extremely bright future in the game,” General Manager Elliot Fall said. “We are thrilled that that future will be in Claret and Cobalt. As a Herriman native, he is a further testament to our investment in development and soccer in our community.”