SALT LAKE CITY – Now that the 2022 MLS season for Real Salt Lake is over, it is time to take a look back at the season that was and the lessons that were learned.
Ultimately, the year was played without the club captain as Damir Kreilach only managed to play five games before he underwent back surgery in June that ultimately derailed his 2022 campaign.
Kreilach was close to a return to the pitch before RSL was eliminated from the opening round of the playoffs.
Bobby Wood also suffered a significant abductor injury that derailed his season. Prior to the injury, Wood played a key role at the point of the attack alongside Sergio Córdova. When Wood played, Córdova looked like a completely different player.
To think that Real Salt Lake was able to qualify for the postseason and play as well, at times, as they did despite being without key leaders is a testament to the belief amongst the group.
Nevertheless, the roster is not perfect and additions to specific positions this off-season are required. The upcoming January transfer window is arguably the most important transfer window in the club’s history.
The 2022 #RSL season has concluded in a penalty shootout loss to Austin FC at Q2 Stadium. https://t.co/m7udlo45ui
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 16, 2022
Real Salt Lake is not far off from being a serious contender. Historically, the club has remained frugal during transfer windows, but in today’s era of MLS, it would appear that significant money is required to boost the likelihood of silverware returning to Salt Lake City.
The biggest additions of the season came during the summer transfer window. Bryan Oviedo and Braian Ojeda starred for their new club down the stretch and will play a significant role to begin the 2023 campaign.
Ojeda, 22, is on loan from Nottingham Forest until July of next year. However, the club has the odamption to purchase him following the conclusion of his loan spell. It will be interesting to see how the club handles that situation. At 22 years of age, it is likely that Real Salt Lake will need to break a club record to secure Ojeda’s services full-time.
Andrew Brody was also a star throughout the 2022 season. The swiss army knife fullback can operate on the left or right side of the formation and played every minute barring 60 throughout the entire 35-game campaign.
“I think that I have definitely matured as a player,” Brody told KSL Sports immediately following the conclusion of the game against Austin FC. “I am proud of the season that I have had, besides the last kick, but I think that there is a lot to build on going into next year. The off-season begins tomorrow and it is all about 2023 and trying to get better, to become a better player.”
Real Salt Lake is expected to provide media availability in the coming days. KSL Sports will provide coverage accordingly. Furthermore, front-office decisions regarding the future of certain players are also expected over the coming days.