RSL picks Michigan State CB Michael Wetungu with 46th pick in MLS Draft

Real Salt Lake’s drafting is done for the day, having used their second-round MLS SuperDraft pick to select Michigan defender Michael Wetungu.

Wetungu, 21, plied his trade at Michigan State as a center back, playing 78 games during his four years at the school and starting all but two of those.

It’s certainly likely that Wetungu will end up at Real Monarchs; that’s very likely the expectation. Real Monarchs are fairly light on defenders, with just four rostered currently: Steve Jasso, James Moberg, Taylor Peay and Noah Powder. Peay and Moberg both serve as center backs, and one would imagine that Wetungu would slot in there as depth, or perhaps in a starting role.

However, a good preseason could prove interesting for Wetungu’s chances with Real Salt Lake. Should he impress, one would wonder if he could make the RSL roster as a fifth-choice center back, with his minutes coming nearly exclusively with the Monarchs, barring an injury concern.

From a club-issued release, Real Salt Lake general manager Elliot Fall:

Michael is a solid defender who we see translating to the professional level seamlessly.