Benji Lopez

Lopez became the fifth player to graduate from the RSL-Arizona Academy to the first-team when he signed with the Claret-and-Cobalt in the summer of 2013. Lopez didn’t see any action with the big club last year, but did make four appearances for the RSL Reserves, scoring his lone tally in the Reserves’ 3-2 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC Reserves on July 16, 2013.

The U.S. U-20 international will look to continue his growth as a young professional in Salt Lake City, where he will continue to compete for playing time with the RSL Reserves.

Professional Career

2013: Made no first-team appearances for the Claret-and-Cobalt … Featured in four Real Salt Lake Reserves games, scoring one goal in the Reserves’ 3-2 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC Reserves on July 16

International Career

U.S. Youth National Teams: U.S. Under 20's: Received two call-ups to the U.S. Under-20 national team late in 2013, as U-20 Head Coach Tab Ramos began early preparations for CONCACAF qualification for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup …

U.S. Under 18's: Was a consistent call-up to the U.S. U-18’s from January 2012-July 2013, when he began to receive

High School/Club

Starred for the Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy from November 2011-June 2013 … The San Diego-native spent his early years playing for notable club team San Diego Surf before moving with his sister to Casa Grande, Ariz. And joining the RSL-AZ Academy in November 2011 …

Personal

Originally from San Diego, Lopez moved with his older sister to Casa Grande, Ariz. and joined the RSL-AZ Academy in November 2011, after his sister got married to a man from the area