:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44340182/usa-today-8157077.0.jpg)
Kreg Asay: Jeff Attinella. Jeff had some good appearances in 2013 while Rimando was away and Saunders was injured, and for it all he was still considered 'no Rimando'. In 2014 Attinella picked up double the games he started in 2013, picked up a Save Of The Week win, and made a very good showing including 2 PK stops. While he may still not be up to Rimando's level, he's a better than average backup.
Weston Jenson: Jeff Attinella. Attinella was selected by Real Salt Lake during the first round of the 2011 Supplemental Draft. After not securing a contract with RSL, Attinella took the field for NASL side FC Tampa Bay where he lead the NASL side to a great 2011 season and a Championship 2012 season. Coming back to the Claret-and-Cobalt in 2013, Attinella has been a beast for RSL. In 2014 alone, Attinella has collected two save of the week awards. Since rejoining RSL, Attinella has secured the secondary goalie position - stepping in for Rimando while away to the World Cup - and securing four total shutouts; that is why he is my RSL Comeback Player of the Year.
Matt Montgomery: Abdoulie Mansally. Despite earning fewer minutes than he did in 2013 and playing in fewer matches, our Gambian left back showed considerable improvement in his defensive work this year. He played about 120 fewer minutes, but he also didn't show that same marked tendency to gamble defensively that hampered his playing time.
Randal Serr: Chris Schuler. For me, the comeback player of the year is Chris Schuler. Throughout his first few years with Real Salt Lake, he was unlucky to have some injuries that kept him out for long periods of time which hindered his growth and development as a player. 2014 was a different story. Schuler was consistently very good and, in my mind, the best defender for the club. He was smart with his body and it paid off in a big way.