Designated Player Spot Now Open on 2026 RSL Roster
HERRIMAN, Utah (Tuesday, January 27, 2026) – Real Salt Lake and Major League Soccer have terminated the loan agreement involving 24-year-old Brazilian striker Rwan Cruz, the player returning to Botafogo (Brazilian Série A). RSL’s initial option date was originally slated as June 30, 2026, with this move creating an open Designated Player spot available for RSL’s 2026 roster.
Cruz arrived in Utah last August following a successful stint at Ludogorets Razgrad in Bulgaria, appearing in 12 games across MLS reg. season, playoffs and Leagues Cup for the Utah side. The former Santos, Vasco da Gama and Botafogo attacker notched one assist – the game-winner – in a 1-0 home win over Rocky Mountain Cup rival Colorado on October 5.
TRANSACTION: Real Salt Lake terminates the loan agreement with Brazilian side Botafogo for former Designated Player Rwan Cruz, creating an open Designated Player spot on RSL’s roster for the upcoming 2026 season.
Real Salt Lake players, coaches and staff completed its first week in Lagos, Portugal, in the Algarve region, with Monday’s 2-1 victory over Danish SuperLiga side Brøndby IF. Goals from an unnamed trialist and third-year wingback Alex Katranis in the 10th and 82nd minutes highlighted a comprehensive performance that saw 22 players see action. Late last week, RSL also won 2-1 over another Danish SuperLiga club, Randers, with Dominik Marczuk and Tyler Wolff finding the back of the net.
RSL will now conclude its Iberian peninsula experience against fellow MLS Western Conference foe FC Dallas this Friday, Jan. 30, in a match that could potentially feature newcomer Stijn Spierings, a veteran Dutch midfielder, as well as Nigerian striker Victor Olatunji, before completing its 24-hour door-to-door travels, returning to Utah late on Sun., Feb. 1.
After spending the first week of February back in Utah, the Claret-and-Cobalt then wrap up its 22nd preseason slate with two games in Southern California, facing off against newly-transferred DF **Kobi Henry**’s former USL Championship side, Orange County SC (Sat., Feb. 7), as well as MLS Cup 2024 champions LA Galaxy (Fri., Feb. 13), the latter match being played outside of Palm Springs, Calif.
RSL then kicks off its 2026 Major League Soccer campaign on Sat., Feb. 21 at B.C. Place, home of the reigning Western Conference champion, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, one week prior to the Claret-and-Cobalt’s 2026 home opener at America First Field against long-time rival Seattle Sounders FC on Sat., Feb. 28. Both of RSL’s February games kick off at 5:30p MT, with season ticket and four-game packages NOW AVAILABLE at www.RSL.com/tickets.
