Jonny Steele returns to MLS with New York following RSL trade

Former Real Salt Lake midfielder Jonny Steele will be joining New York Red Bulls for 2013, NYRB announced today. Steele's rights, which were held by Real Salt Lake, were traded to New York in exchange for a conditional supplemental draft pick.

Steele scored two goals with Real Salt Lake early in the season and played 28 matches, starting only 11. His form dipped as the season went forward, but whether that was down to fitness or ability is hard to say definitively. Though he received spates of criticism from some sections of Real Salt Lake supporters, RSL coach Jason Kreis seemed to put some faith in him, putting him on late in many matches.

Steele joins RSL veterans Fabian Espindola and Jamison Olave at New York Red Bulls. He's being brought in for depth, NYRB Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh said in a press release.

"Jonny is a player who our coaching staff is very familiar with and believe will provide depth in our midfield," Roxburgh said in a press release. "We are pleased to have agreed to a contract with Jonny and look forward to his contribution this season."