Real Salt Lake announced the club has traded M/F Atiba Harris to Chivas USA in exchange for the 2005 expansion partner's natural third round selection (37th overall) in the upcoming 2008 MLS SuperDraft. With the deal done, RSL now owns four of the top 37 picks (3rd, 14th, 17th & 37th) in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, set to take place on Friday, January 18, 2008, as part of the 2008 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention in Baltimore, MD.
"We thank Atiba for his contributions to our team and wish him the best of luck with Chivas USA," said RSL General Manager Garth Lagerwey. "This move opens up another spot on our roster for an international player while also landing us another pick in next month's SuperDraft, which we will use to continue to build upon our young base of talent."
Upon joining Real Salt Lake after a successful trial prior to the 2006 preseason, the 22-year-old Harris made 43 regular season appearances with the Utah side, starting 25, while scoring four goals and adding a pair of assists in his two MLS seasons (2006-07) in Salt Lake City. During the recently-completed 2007 MLS campaign, the St. Kitts & Nevis international started 13 of his 21 appearances for RSL, playing 1,259 minutes and contributing one assist.
An updated Real Salt Lake roster reflecting all official offseason personnel moves has been attached.
TRANSACTION: REAL SALT LAKE TRADES M/F ATIBA HARRIS TO CHIVAS USA IN EXCHANGE FOR CHIVAS USA'S NATURAL THIRD ROUND SELECTION (37TH OVERALL) IN THE 2008 MLS SUPERDRAFT.
