The Real Questions: Everton Luiz, Royals movement and Christopher Garcia

Real Salt Lake: How does RSL’s starting 11 change with Everton Luiz back in the mix?

In the 2020 season opener against Orlando, RSL had to play their match without Luiz, due to a red card in the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs. He saw minutes in the Real Monarchs preseason game versus Sacramento Republic, though, and is match fit. There’s no reason to expect him not to play this weekend, but how does that alter RSL’s starting 11?

RSL was missing a lot of members of the roster that could have been selected. This is due to Luiz’ suspension; injuries to Kyle Beckerman and Sam Johnson; and the late joining of Jeizon Ramirez to the team. Although we don’t have a return date on Beckerman and Johnson, Luiz is almost guaranteed to start against New York. Unless a lot of other major changes are made, it is safe to assume that Luiz will just simply take the place of Justin Portillo or Nick Besler, with Justin Portillo seemingly more likely, particularly with the Real Monarchs season also starting Saturday.

Utah Royals FC: What should fans expect with preseason getting underway?

The best thing to expect with the Utah Royals FC preseason is to expect the unexpected. There is still over a month until the NWSL season starts, and that leaves a lot of time for anything to happen. With the trading of Becky Sauerbrunn for Elizabeth Ball, a handful of retirements, and a new head coach, this offseason has been anything but quiet. It’s likely to continue through the rest of the preseason.

Utah has had a wild offseason; preseason has the potential to be no different. There’s still a lot of time for big trades and additions to be made to the roster.

Real Monarchs SLC: Who is Christopher Garcia?

Lucas Muller - RSL Soapbox

Christopher Garcia is Real Salt Lake’s newest homegrown signing. He is just 17 years old, and already scored a goal for Real Monarchs SLC in preseason. In his time with the RSL Academy he had 18 goals in 38 appearances. He played with the RSL Academy U-17 and U-19 teams for the majority of his time there, when he was only 16 years old. He’s another young talent that is going to try and make his mark for Real Salt Lake and Real Monarchs SLC.

If preseason is any determining factor, it is likely Garcia will spend most of his time with Real Monarchs SLC and see some minutes with them to start out the 2020 season. He was with RSL for preseason camp in Arizona, but ended preseason with the Real Monarchs in Sacramento. Garcia is the pinnacle of the good, young talent coming out of the RSL Academy. He’s likely going to make a big splash within the RSL organization. In short, be excited about this kid.