RSL loans Danilo Acosta to Orlando City SC

Real Salt Lake’s deal to move Danilo Acosta isn’t a permanent one — at this point, at least — as the out-of-contention left back has been loaned to Orlando City SC.

As part of that move, RSL will received $75,000 in general allocation money, and Orlando City will receive the option to purchase Acosta’s rights following the conclusion of the season.

In a club-issued press release, RSL general manager Craig Waibel described it as a way to build Acosta’s experience.

“This is a great opportunity for Danny to gain more playing experience to further his development,” RSL General Manager Craig Waibel said. “Going to Orlando for the year will give him exposure to a new club and a different environment. It is also a great chance for him to establish himself as an every-game starter at this young point of his career.”

Of course, this is all largely down to Acosta and RSL coach Mike Petke being at odds. Acosta had, at times, seemed to win a starting spot, only to have it taken away at the first opportunity, and despite some very positive performances. Given we know very, very little about what’s happened there — we have only the external facts at hand — we can only hope that that “exposure to a new club and a different environment” will have a positive effect on all parties.

In a best-case scenario, Acosta comes back with a good head on his shoulders, and Petke — or whoever is coaching RSL in a year — has a renewed sense of faith in the left back. But he can’t perform so well that Orlando City wants to buy him long-term — it’s a weird one.