Real Salt Lake announced Friday that they have acquired forward Yura Movsisyan via loan from Spartak Moscow for the 2016 season. While Movsisyan joins the Claret-and-Cobalt on loan, he has indicated a desire to return to MLS long-term. According to Spartak Moscow, Real Salt Lake will have the option to purchase Movsisyan at the end of the 2016 season. RSL has retained Movsisyan’s MLS rights since his departure at the end of 2009.
The return of Movsisyan should provide an immediate spark for the RSL attack. Real Salt Lake’s 38 goals were the second fewest in MLS last season. In Movsisyan’s three seasons with Real, he scored 15 regular season goals. He stands at sixth on the club’s scoring list.
Since leaving RSL he has established himself on the international stage as a dangerous scorer. Movsisyan scored 12 goals for Randers in Denmark, and 23 goals during his time in the Russian Premier League with FC Krasnodar and Spartak Moscow.
Movsisyan is a great fit for RSL’s team first philosophy. He is a well-respected and well-known player on the international stage, but he understands how to put the team first. He scored in critical moments for RSL, including the club’s first playoff goal. He was a big part of Real Salt Lake’s MLS Cup-winning squad. Having his championship experience will be a boost to the club as they look to return to prominence after a rough season.
He was a fan favorite during his first stint with Real, and should provide a renewed sense of optimism to the Salt Lake fans. Real missed the playoffs last year for the first time in seven seasons. This move is a good indication that the club isn’t looking to enter a long rebuilding period any time soon.
