SANDY, Utah (Wednesday, April 20, 2016) – Real Monarchs SLC announced the signing of MF James Moberg, bringing the former Vancouver Whitecaps FC SuperDraft pick into a team that has started the 2016 USL season with a 2-1-1 record.
“James is a midfielder, but he has qualities that we can use at center back – he’s a versatile player that can give you a lot. He’ll do a solid job anywhere you put him. He’s a good set-piece taker, has a good shot from distance and can provide a final ball to create opportunities for his teammates,” Monarchs Head Coach Freddy Juarez said. “This group’s a tight group and he’s meshed in well.”
Moberg, 22, joins the Monarchs after four seasons with the University of Washington Huskies. The 6-foot-2 midfielder appeared in 69 matches for UW, totaling 10 goals and 21 assists in four years. In his senior year, Moberg scored three goals, all game-winners, before a knee injury ended his season early. There, he played under Real Salt Lake General Manager Craig Waibel, then an assistant coach with Washington.
Moberg was selected in the third round, 50th overall, by Vancouver in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft in January.
In addition to his play with Washington, he was invited in the United States Under-23 College Identification camp in Carson, California, last August.
“James comes from a good pedigree. We have some insight with Craig knowing him and he comes in technically sound with a very good work ethic,” Juarez said. “He can continue to grow, but what he already brings is a good base and is something we can enhance.”
The Monarchs are back at Rio Tinto Stadium twice in the next week, welcoming the Rio Grande Valley Toros on Saturday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. and Seattle Sounders 2 on Tuesday, April 26, with kickoff also at 7:00 p.m. MT. Tickets for both games are available at www.RSL.com/Monarchs.
The general public sale for 2016 Monarchs season tickets is ongoing. In addition, Real Salt Lake season ticket members can join the Crown Club (www.RSL.com/tickets/Crown-Club) by adding Real Monarchs season tickets for as low as $54, including exclusive Crown Club benefits. The Rio Tinto Stadium box office is open Tues.-Fri., 10a-6p; more information can be found online at www.RSL.com/Monarchs/Schedule or via the Fan Relations Hotline at 801-727-2702.
