RSL forward Devon Sandoval loaned to Rayo OKC

Devon Sandoval has been loaned to Rayo OKC for the remainder of the 2016 season, according to a club-issued press release.

Sandoval, 25, hasn’t scored a goal since September — assisted by Burrito Martinez — and has found minutes difficult to come by after Yura Movsisyan reached 90-minute fitness early in the season. He’s played 223 minutes this season over 10 matches, starting two of them. He last played in a 2-0 loss to FC Dallas, playing 90 minutes in that match.

In the release, Sandoval said he was looking forward to consistent playing time.

“This is a good opportunity for me to get consistent playing time. I’m excited to play in Oklahoma City,” Sandoval said. “I’m on good terms with the organization and Craig Waibel, Jeff Cassar and my teammates have all been very supportive. It’s a good opportunity and you never know what can happen.”

This only bolsters Rayo OKC’s Real Salt Lake connection. The club is currently home to former RSL players Rauwshan McKenzie, Pecka, Jarad van Schaik, Sebastian Velasquez, and Robbie Findley.

It’s not entirely clear what Sandoval’s future at Real Salt Lake holds, but this sort of move could either be one to free up room for another player or, perhaps, to give the central striker some much-needed confidence in front of goal. He’s proved valuable with Real Monarchs, but either the loan mechanisms there may be restrictive, or he may need a fresh perspective.

Time will tell on this one.