Transfer Tracker

Real Salt Lake sign globetrotting American defender Shawn Barry

Shawn Barry in action with LASK Linz

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing


Another American abroad officially came home on Wednesday, as Real Salt Lake announced the signing of defender Shawn Barry for the 2018 MLS season.


An NCAA standout at the University of Virginia in 2008-09, Barry helped the Cavaliers win the 2009 College Cup championship before leaving school early to sign a professional contract with Austrian club LASK Linz in 2010.


The South Florida native moved on to Germanyā€™s 2.Bundesliga in 2015, joining FSV Frankfurt, where he made 56 appearances over two years before moving to Polandā€™s Korona Kielce last summer.


ā€œHe's got some great professional experience and can play multiple positions along the back line. He's a guy that can challenge guys on the roster on a weekly basis for playing time," said RSL general manager Craig Waibel in a club release.


ā€œHe's a strong, athletic guy who can pass well out of the back. His mid-range passing is phenomenal. He trends more to the way the [coaching] staff wants to play.ā€


Barry, 27, typically plays right back or center back, and will join RSL for preseason, pending receipt of his ITC.