D057339010.JPG

Garth just confirmed that RSL has claimed former San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Ned Grabavoy in today’s Waiver Draft. A five-year MLS veteran, the 25-year-old Grabavoy brings plenty of experience, both in MLS and on the international level, to the Salt Lake roster.

“At this point in the preseason, we feel fortunate to be able to add a veteran piece like Ned Grabavoy to our midfield, especially without having to give up anything on our end,” said Lagerwey. “His winning pedigree and versatility will certainly be welcome additions to our group both on and off the field.”

After a successful collegiate career at Indiana University - including co-captaining the Hoosiers to the 2003 National Championship - Grabavoy joined the League as a Nike Project-40 player (the predecessor to the current Generation adidas program) with the Los Angeles Galaxy. The Illinois native appeared in 38 games (26 starts) for the Galaxy, including all four MLS Cup Playoff games in the team’s run to the 2005 MLS Cup Championship, before being traded to Columbus midway through his third season. Following a year and a half with the Crew, he was then acquired by San Jose following the 2007 campaign.

Capable of playing in the middle of the park as well as on either flank, we look forward to seeing what Grabavoy can bring to Rio Tinto this year.

On top of picking up Grabavoy, RSL also announced the signing of rookie midfielder Raphael Cox to a contract and the waiving of three players - Nik Besagno, Kevin Reiman, and Brennan Tennelle. Neither Reiman nor Tennelle made a League appearance for RSL in their lone season with the club in 2008, while Besagno started four of his eight career appearances with the Utah side across his first three seasons after becoming RSL’s first-ever draft pick in 2005.