Player Profiles, #15: Abdoulie Mansally provides solid depth despite limited time

Abdoulie Mansally is a versatile player able to play nearly everywhere on the left side of the pitch, from a forward to a left wing back.

Both D.C. United and Real Salt Lake pounced on the opportunity to have a regular call-up to the Gambian national team on trial with their clubs after New England released him in May 2012, but it was RSL who finally secured Mansally with a contact on July 20, 2012. During his acclamation to his new team, Mansally secured a new position as left back, drastically different from the striker position he played in New England. At the age of 23 in 2012, Mansally performed well for the Claret-and-Cobalt, making five appearances and starting a playoff match.

While never able to outcompete Chris Wingert for favored left back role, Mansally did manage to secure a larger role with RSL in the following years. In 2013, Mansally made 14 appearances, nine of which were starts, in his first full season with RSL.

Mansally also proved versatile when he appeared in three of RSL's four CONCACAF Champions League matches that year, starting one match and coming off the bench for the other two. While unable to find the back of the net, Mansally did manage to register an assist and five shots.

Mansally proved useful yet again during the 2014 campaign as he continued to provide solid depth at the left back position for RSL. His role was cut down from the year prior, but he still managed to put in solid performances during the 11 matches he appeared in. During one of his six starts in 2014, Mansally again recorded a single assist.

Despite not offering Mansally a bona fide offer, Garth Lagerwey told the Salt Lake Tribune that the club has already had approached Mansally about a new contract. While his role at RSL is still up in the air, the young Gambian will continue to shine for both his club and country.

With Wingert getting up there in years and prone to injury as we have witnessed the last two years, keeping Mansally under contract with RSL could prove to be valuable.

Editor's note: This is part of a series of player profiles recapping the 2014 season and previewing the 2015 season. Player ratings were compiled via a vote by RSL Soapbox writers. Statistics are via mlssoccer.com.