Report: RSL signs experienced goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel

Real Salt Lake might have their first player of the offseason — at least, as far as we know: Matt Van Oekel, a goalkeeper who formerly played for, of all teams, Minnesota United.

RSL Communications said nothing’s been signed, but did confirm that interest on the club’s part was genuine.

Van Oekel, 30, fits what Craig Waibel described as a veteran goalkeeper to compete with Lalo Fernandez for the second position on the team. He’s been playing at NASL side FC Edmonton since 2015, making 61 appearances in that time.

Before that, Van Oekel played for Minnesota United FC — then in the NASL, too — making 74 appearances. He was there from 2010 to 2014 and was at Minnesota Thunder from 2008 to 2009.

Van Oekel also played for Rutgers University in NCAA soccer, where he spent three of his four collegiate seasons.

We’ll watch this one for confirmation, but at this stage, I’d expect it will happen.