HERIMMAN, UTAH (Thursday, January 7, 2021) – Real Salt Lake announced the club has signed forward Rubio Rubin ahead of the 2021 Major League Soccer season. The former U.S. Men’s National Team member’s resume spans five countries, providing the club with extensive offensive prowess improving the club’s depth among the front line.
“We’ve kept tabs on him from a young age and we are excited to bring him in,” Head Coach Freddy Juarez said. “He is young but has experience playing in Europe and Mexico. We hope to be able to help in his continued development and with his quality he can add a lot to our roster.”
Rubin, 24, arrives in MLS after most recently making headlines in the United Soccer League with the San Diego Loyal where he scored seven goals in just five matches. His short stint in California came at the completion of his contract with Club Tijuana in Mexico’s Liga MX. During his three-year run with Xolos, Rubin appeared in 21 matches and scored one goal. This past year Rubin was loaned to club-affiliate, Dorados, in the second-tier of Mexican soccer where he scored seven goals in 42 matches.
“I’m excited for the opportunity and challenge to play for Real Salt Lake,” Rubin said. “I’m looking forward to helping the team win games and work towards winning a championship.”
Rubin began his professional career in 2014 when he signed with FC Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie, scoring four goals in 43 matches with the first team. The Oregon-native then signed with Danish side Silkeborg IF in 2017 before joining Stabæk in Norway for the remainder of the season.
The 2012 U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year joins RSL with a national team pedigree, logging seven matches with the United States Men’s National Team. While with the national team Rubin has faced Bolivia, Colombia, Denmark, Ireland and Paraguay. As part of the youth national team ranks, Rubin appeared at nearly every level and was named to the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup squad, where he teamed with former RSL forward Jordan Allen.
Player Information
Name: Rubio Rubin
Pronunciation: ROO-bin
Position: Forward
DOB: 03/01/1996
Height: 5’11’
Real Salt Lake current roster as of 01/7/21
Goalkeepers (2): Zac MacMath, David Ochoa
Defenders (8): Andrew Brody, Justen Glad, Aaron Herrera, Erik Holt, Ashtone Morgan, Noah Powder, Marcelo Silva, Donny Toia
Midfielders (7): Nick Besler, Bode Davis, Damir Kreilach, Everton Luiz, Justin Portillo, Pablo Ruiz, Albert Rusnák
Forwards (9): Corey Baird, Maikel Chang, Chris Garcia, Milan Iloski, Douglas Martinez, Justin Meram, Jeizon Ramirez, Rubio Rubin, Tate Schmitt
Transaction: Real Salt Lake signs Rubio Rubin.
