Expansion Draft aftermath: Picking up the pieces and moving forward

Since last Monday, Real Salt Lake's roster has taken a decided turn for the slimmer. Options were declined on four players, Nat Borchers was traded to Portland Timbers, and Ned Grabavoy and Chris Wingert were picked up by New York City FC in the expansion draft.

Let's just quickly go through the team and cycle through some of the pieces we'll probably be looking to pick up. Remember, of course, that 'certain' doesn't mean they'll still be with the team next year. It just means that we're relatively certain that they're still with the team right now.

Goalkeepers: Unchanged.

Defenders

Certain: Tony Beltran, Chris Schuler, Abdoulie Mansally, Jamison Olave, Justen Glad.

Questionable: Carlos Salcedo.

Out: Out are Nat Borchers, Aaron Maund, Chris Wingert, and Rich Balchan.

In: (Updated!) Jamison Olave

Needs: Several defenders. Two or three center backs, a starting and backup left back, and a backup right back are needed. Jordan Allen could be the backup right back. Abdoulie Mansally could be the solution at left back, but a backup or a starter is needed.

Midfielders

Certain: Kyle Beckerman, Luis Gil, Luke Mulholland, Javier Morales, John Stertzer, Jordan Allen, Sebastian Velasquez, Sebastian Saucedo.

Questionable: Cole Grossman is potentially in contract discussions, but also had some interest from Stabaek in Norway, where Bob Bradley coaches.

Out: Ned Grabavoy.

In: No players have arrived at the club.

Needs: A reliable midfielder with a more defensive eye. John Stertzer and Cole Grossman might fit this role. Luis Gil will certainly get more minutes this year.

Forwards

Certain: Alvaro Saborio, Joao Plata, Sebastian Jaime, Olmes Garcia, Devon Sandoval

Out: Robbie Findley and Benji Lopez.

In: No players have arrived at the club.

Needs: For the season to start so they can start scoring.