Herriman, UT (Wednesday, May 11, 2022) — Real Monarchs announce the signing of Uruguayan Forward Benjamin Rodriguez from Defensor Sporting Club, to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract, pending league approval.
"We are thrilled to add Benjamin into the Real Monarchs fold, his ability on and off the ball makes him an exciting young attacking talent. At just 19 years old we believe that he has only scratched the surface of his potential and we are confident that within our system he will continue to grow and become a vital piece for our organization going forward," Real Salt Lake Assistant General Manager Tony Beltran said.
Rodriguez, 19, joins Real Monarchs from his home country of Uruguay, where the attacker played for the last two years with Defensor Sporting, one of the winningest teams in the Uruguayan Premier League, for the last two years. Rodriguez helped the U16 team win the Uruguayan Championship while also starting for the club’s U17 squad and appearing for the U19 team.
Rodriguez’ signing was completed prior to the close of the primary transfer window. He joins a pair of international defenders, Golden Mafwenta and Aziz Kayondo, as the Monarchs’ most recent signings. Mafwenta has started each of the Club’s last two MLS NEXT Pro matches, while Kayondo made his debut this past weekend at Sporting Kansas City II. The defensive duo, as well as Rodriguez, will be available for Head Coach Jamison Olave’s selection this Sunday, May 15, at Tacoma Defiance.
Real Monarchs are currently competing in the newly-formed MLS NEXT Pro. This move comes after seven seasons in the USL Championship, during which the team won the 2019 USL Championship Cup, the 2017 USL Regular Season Shield, and the Western Conference Title in both 2017 and 2019, while also qualifying for the postseason in 2018.
Tickets for Real Monarchs can be purchased by calling 844.Real.Tix or by visiting www.RSL.com/tickets.
TRANSACTION: Real Monarchs sign FW Benjamin Rodriguez to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract.
Player Information:
Name: Benjamin Rodriguez
Position: Forward
Height: 5’8’’
Date of Birth: January 31, 2003
Age: 19
Birthplace: Paysandú, Uruguay
Citizenship: Uruguay
Last Club: Defensor Sporting
How Acquired: Signed on May 4, 2022
Real Monarchs' current roster as of 05/11/22
Goalkeepers: No current players signed to Real Monarchs contracts
Defenders: Bobby Pierre, Pierre Reedy, Golden Mafwenta, Aziz Kayondo
Midfielders: Jack Imperato, Leo Torres, Pedro Fonseca, Tyrone Mondi, Christian Nydegger
Forwards: Terron Williams, Yekeson Subah, Benjamin Rodriguez
