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SANDY — The wait is over. Javier Morales has announced that he has signed a new contract with Real Salt Lake.
For weeks now, the Salt Lake club’s front office has said in radio interviews that contract talks with Morales were still happening, but fans were still awaiting an official word.
Wednesday night they got it.
Morales used his Twitter account to let fans know he had signed a contract with the Salt Lake club. “I couldn’t be happier. Just signed my new contract with RSL. Thanks to the Club, Owner, coaches, teammates and especially to the FANS! #RSL2015.”
Teammates Tony Beltran and Eduardo Fernandez congratulated Morales via Twitter. Beltran, who is currently participating in the U.S. Men's National Team January Camp, tweeted, “Congrats mi amigo! Glad to hear it, see you soon. #RSL.”
Morales has been with the Claret and Cobalt since being acquired in mid-2007, but following the 2012 season, had not had his contract renewed when the Salt Lake club renewed a handful of others.
After being out during most of the 2011 RSL season due to a broken ankle, Morales returned to the pitch in 2012 fully recovered and saw action in 29 of the club's matches. During the 2012 season, Morales put three goals in the back of the net for the Claret and Cobalt while he led the roster in assists with nine.
The news came just in time for the club’s preseason, too. The RSL roster will be reporting to Rio Tinto Stadium this weekend to begin the club’s first preseason camp.
The RSL roster will have two preseason training camps, one at its Arizona complex and one held at the University of California-Irvine before heading back to Arizona to play preseason matches. RSL will kick off its preseason against Major League Soccer opponent the New York Red Bulls and former RSL defender Jamison Olave and forward Fabian Espindola.
RSL will also face MLS opponents the Seattle Sounders and the New England Revolution during the preseason FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup in Arizona.
The Salt Lake club will then open 2013 regular season MLS play on March 3 in Buck Shaw Stadium against the San Jose Earthquakes and then March 9 in RFK Stadium against D.C. United.
RSL will open home play at Rio Tinto Stadium March 16 as it hosts the Colorado Rapids.
Kira Terry is a sports writer covering Real Salt Lake for KSL.com. Follow her on Twitter, @kiraterry.
