SANDY, Utah –Aaron Maund certainly didn’t expect to be traded to Real Salt Lake from Toronto this offseason, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t happy with where he landed.
The 12th overall pick in last year’s SuperDraft, Maund came to the Claret-and-Cobalt in a Dec. 3 trade that sent forward Justin Braun to Toronto. The move came as a bit of a shock for Maund, who had just completed a relatively successful rookie season that saw him start eight of TFC’s final nine MLS matches.
“I guess that’s just the business, you’ve got to be ready to move whenever,” Maund said after finishing a workout with several other RSL players at Rio Tinto Stadium on Thursday. "But I’m excited. I think it’s going to be a move for the best.”
The trade certainly bumped Maund up in the MLS standings. Toronto – which officially parted ways with former head coach Paul Mariner and hired current Queens Park Rangers player Ryan Nelsen as manager this week – finished 2012 dead last in MLS and has never made the playoffs. Real Salt Lake has obviously had a bit more success, something Maund is enthusiastic about.
“I’m really excited,” Maund said. “RSL has a history of doing really well and being contenders every year. You always want to be in that situation as a player, to come into a good organization with really good players.”
Adding to Maund’s excitement is the warm welcome he received from RSL fans after news of his arrival broke.
“Ever since the news came out that I was coming here the fans have been great,” he said. “It’s been a really warm welcome through Twitter and whatnot, which has been great. The fans really make me feel like part of the RSL family, they’ve just been awesome.”
Maund is also eager to play for Real Salt Lake Head Coach Jason Kreis, whose defensive system Maund thinks he’ll fit well in.
“I’ve heard that he really prides himself in playing a team style of defense,” Maund said. “I’ve heard he’s a great coach and a great guy, so I’m excited to play under him.”
