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2017 Dossier: David Horst

With a ton of experience under his belt, Horst will don an RSL kit for the second period in his career.

Chivas USA v Portland Timbers Photo by Kevin Casey/Getty Images

Player name: David Horst

Position: Defender — center back

Last club: Houston Dynamo

One thing you need to know

We’ve seen him before. Many fans will remember him, but just in case you don’t, you should know that his professional career began in Salt Lake, when he was drafted 14th overall in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft by RSL. He spent three years here, making a total of three appearances before he went to the Portland Timbers via the 2010 Expansion Draft.

While his minutes in Salt Lake were slim, he was sent out on loan in 2009 and 2010 where he played a total of 34 games, so he wasn’t just a sitting duck.

What he brings to the team

Horst brings a grip of experience to the squad, entering his 10th MLS season. His career really took off after he got to Portland, and even more-so when he landed in Houston in 2014. He’s scored a total of five goals — three of which came in 2016 in a Houston uniform.

He’ll be adding some much-needed depth to our central defense, which will now consist of Horst, Aaron Maund, Justen Glad, Chris Schuler, and Justin Schmidt — quite possibly the deepest we’ve been in this position for a few years.

Why you should be excited

He seems to be really pumped on coming back to Salt Lake, announcing in a letter he penned as a farewell to the Dynamo fans that he was looking forward to being part of something special in SLC.

It should ease the minds of RSL fans to have someone like Horst in our center back pool. He’s got a proven track record of solid MLS experience, especially after he became a staple in Houston’s defensive line. He started 83 of his 89 games over the three-year span he spent with the Texas side.

He’ll be a valuable asset, especially when the schedule gets heavy, legs get tired, and injuries start popping up like we’ve seen them do.

Predictions for 2017

  • Horst won’t be a regular starter, but will regularly come off the bench.
  • He’ll score two goals this season, both with his head.
  • He’ll grow another legendary mustache like he had in Portland, but bigger and better.