Justen Glad signs new four-year deal with RSL

One of Real Salt Lake’s longest-tenured players (which is a bit weird to say, honestly) is set for a longer stay yet, with Justen Glad signing a new four-year deal today, according to a club-issued press release.

Glad, 23, joined Real Salt Lake in 2014. He’s played in 126 matches since that point, establishing himself as a starting center back from 2016 forward. He signed as a homegrown player and was a fixture at the academy level, as well as with U.S. youth national teams. He has yet to make an appearance at the senior international level.

Glad had been on an option year in his contract and was already set to return for 2021.

From the release, RSL general manager Elliot Fall:

“Justen is a proven high-level starter in this league and at 23 years old has significant room for growth as well. We are thrilled to have him on board long-term and see him continue to cement himself as a leader in our locker room.”

Justen Glad:

“I love RSL and having come up through the Academy and seeing the club put their faith in me from the very beginning has been an amazing feeling. I’m excited to continue this journey with RSL and I think we’re at a critical point within the organization right now. I’m excited to be a part of pushing this club in the right direction and elevate it to new levels.”

RSL coach Freddy Juarez:

“We think he’s one of the top center backs in the league and has a ton of experience already at a young age. He’s still continuing to grow — he gets better every year. Most importantly, it’s always a beautiful thing to continue to work with a Homegrown who has so much love for the club and more importantly a great human being. I’m excited about and happy to have Justen Glad come back.”