Real Salt Lake today announced that the defending MLS Cup Champion has waived M/F Rachid El Khalifi and FW Abe Thompson and released rookie defenders Kris Banghart and Justin Davis from its preseason camp. Today's roster moves came as Real Salt Lake began a three-day practice stint locally in advance of the second camp of its 2010 preseason, a 17-day stay in Charleston, S.C.
El Khalifi departs Real Salt Lake after just half a year with the Utah side, the Dutch winger making four appearances (three starts) last summer in League play totaling 178 minutes of action. El Khalifi trialed with Real Salt Lake during a portion of its 2009 preseason before departing Dutch Second Division side Cambuur-Leeuwarden and inking a contract with the eventual MLS Cup champs last July 28.
Real Salt Lake claimed Thompson off the waiver wire last Nov. 25 on the heels of its MLS Cup triumph, but the 28-year-old striker and five-year MLS veteran will not stay around to challenge for one of the Utah side's forward slots for the upcoming 2010 campaign.
Davis and Banghart were both selected by Real Salt Lake in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 14 in Philadelphia, the University of New Mexico product Davis in the second round (32nd overall) and Denver University's Banghart in the fourth round (64th overall). Real Salt Lake will retain the MLS rights of both Davis and Banghart through the end of the 2011 season.
TRANSACTION: Real Salt Lake waives midfielder/forward Rachid El
Khalifi and forward Abe Thompson and releases defenders Kris Banghart
and Justin Davis.
