SANDY, Utah (Friday, March 18, 2016) - Real Monarchs SLC announced the signing of former Real Salt Lake DF Chris Schuler, keeping the six-year MLS veteran at Rio Tinto Stadium for the 2016 season while he continues to rehab a foot injury that ended his 2015 season after just five matches with RSL. Per league and club policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
"This is a good transition point. I still have something to prove and I'm thankful for the Monarchs to give me this opportunity," Schuler said. "It's great to have Craig Waibel, Jeff Cassar and Freddy Juarez supporting me and being in my corner. It definitely helps to be around familiar faces because my teammates have shown me a lot of support along the way."
Schuler, 28, played six seasons with Real Salt Lake after being selected in the third round, 39th overall, in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. He played 80 matches in six seasons, highlighted by his career-best 25 appearances in 2014. However, a rash of injuries in 2015 limited him to just five league appearances.
Out of contract following the 2015 season, Schuler has been working his way back from a foot injury that prematurely ended his sixth MLS season.
"Chris is an experienced national team level center back that we're excited to help, excited to see if we can get him healthy and get him playing back to where he was at his best and maybe even add to him," Real Monarchs Head Coach Freddy Juarez said. "He's been out of the game for a little bit, so a lot of times when that happens and you take a step back you get that energy again, you humble yourself a little bit, you're hungry. We're hoping a lot of things for him, helping him, getting him back, so eventually he gets back to the first team and contributes, but also the time that he's with us, he's a leader that can help the younger guys in their development. He's a big part and we're excited to have him at training every day."
The Monarchs open their second season at Rio Tinto Stadium against St. Louis FC on March 26. The club ended its inaugural season with a five-game winning streak to finish the season 7-13-8.
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 $66, 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.
