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SANDY — Real Salt Lake didn’t stop at signing former RSL striker Robbie Findley or re-signing playmaker Javier Morales this week. On Thursday in the 2013 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, the club picked up two more players.
With the 12th pick in the first round, the Salt Lake club selected John Stertzer, a midfielder from the University of Maryland. RSL then used the 29th pick in the second round to select Devon Sandoval, a forward from the University of New Mexico.
Stertzer, from Oakton, Va., shined on the pitch for the Maryland Terps and was a first-team All-ACC selection in both 2011 and 2012. He was also a NSCAA third-team All-American and was named to the ACC Championship All-Tournament Team last year. Stertzer put 23 goals in the back of the net for the Terps during his time there and tallied 13 assists in 63 matches.
During high school career at Flint Hill (Va.) High, Stertzer made The Washington Post All-Met first team twice and finished his career with a total of 105 goals.
Sandoval, from Albuquerque, N.M., played his freshman year at San Diego State University before transferring to the University of New Mexico. Sandoval completed his college career with 28 goals and 17 assists for the Lobos. Last season he earned second-team All-America honors.
At El Dorado High School (N.M.), Sandoval was a three-time all-state selection and was awarded Male Athlete of the Year in 2008 and 2009. The New Mexico native also took part in helping El Dorado win two state championships.
RSL says both Stertzer and Sandoval will report to Rio Tinto Stadium — along with the rest of the roster — Saturday for the start of the club's first preseason camp.
During the SuperDraft, the Salt Lake club received accolades for its work. RSL President Bill Manning was given the Doug Hamilton Award for MLS executive of the year, and the RSL ticketing staff also received awards for sales in tickets — both group and season.
Kira Terry is a sports writer covering Real Salt Lake for KSL.com. Follow her on Twitter, @kiraterry.
