With whirlwind trade over, new RSL man Luis Silva 'ready to support the guys'


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SANDY — To say that Luis Silva's trade from D.C. United to Real Salt Lake was unexpected is to underscore it.

The attacking option arrived at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday just two days after being traded for Alvaro Saborio, still living out of a hotel and finishing up business in the nation's capital.

Now to the business of soccer.

"It was unexpected, but I'm very excited to be a part of this club," Silva said before RSL's home game with Houston. "I was able to rest a little in the hotel just now, and I'm ready to support the guys."

Silva arrived at RSL headquarters to meet with management, including technical director Craig Waibel, and get comfortable with his new teammates. He didn't need to be introduced to two of them, though. Before a midseason trade sent him to D.C. in 2013, the Los Angeles native spent 18 months in Toronto alongside Joao Plata and Aaron Maund.

"I was very good friends with both of them," said Silva, who spent time with Plata earlier Saturday. "I think we just both play the same style. We like to pass and move, little combinations that I think we know where we are on the field at all times. I think that helps a lot."

Silva had 11 goals and four assists in 22 appearances with D.C. in 2014, but injuries have hampered his time on the field this season. He's nearly recovered from a groin injury and expects to be available to make his RSL debut Friday in the annual Pioneer Day match against Sporting Kansas City.

"I feel good," Silva added. "I'll be ready for Friday. We'll see what the medical staff tells me and then go from there."

D.C. United's Luis Silva, left, controls the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps' Mauro Rosales on Sept. 6, 2014. Silva was traded to Real Salt Lake on Thursday for all-time leading scorer Alvaro Saborio. (AP Photo via The Canadian Press)
D.C. United's Luis Silva, left, controls the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps' Mauro Rosales on Sept. 6, 2014. Silva was traded to Real Salt Lake on Thursday for all-time leading scorer Alvaro Saborio. (AP Photo via The Canadian Press)

Much like Saborio, Silva is in the final year of his contract. But for the remaining three months of the MLS season, as well as U.S. Open Cup and CONCACAF Champion's League play that comes with it, he just wants to get on the field with his new team, even if it takes him into the lineup Aug. 1 against his now ex-club.

Silva's versatility played a heavy role in RSL's interest in him. A forward with D.C. for most of his time, he was an attacking midfielder in Toronto and spent much of his college career at UC-Santa Barbara as a defensive midfielder.

"At the end of the day, he's just a very good soccer player," RSL coach Jeff Cassar said. "He can find his way onto the scoresheet, whether it's through goals or assists. But if you look at his career plane, even through college, he's been very versatile."

In short, where he fits in the formation could be variable.

"Luis is a very interesting attacking player, very technical, enjoys keeping the ball on the ground," Waibel said of Silva, who will wear the No. 20 jersey. "That's something we've seen that at times we've been very efficient, and he's another player who likes to come in and keep the ball low, which I know is something Jeff desires."

His new teammates are also excited to see Silva play for them, instead of against them.

"He had a good year last year, and I remember him being a standout and a hard-worker on the field," RSL defender Tony Beltran said. "He's always running tirelessly and chasing down lost balls. He looks hungry, and that's good to have a hungry forward. He's eager to prove what he can do."

In his time in the league, he's developed into a quality goal-scoring option who has reportedly attracted attention abroad. He's also heard a lot about Salt Lake City, whether from Plata, Maund or any of his former teammates, like D.C. striker Fabian Espindola.

"The fans are great. I've been following this team since they've been in the league," Silva said. "I know there is a great fan base, and I'm excited to be a part of it."

Related stories

Most recent Sports stories

Related topics

SportsReal Salt Lake
Sean Walker

    ARE YOU GAME?

    From first downs to buzzer beaters, get KSL.com’s top sports stories delivered to your inbox weekly.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast