SANDY, Utah (January 12, 2022) – Real Salt Lake today announced the signing of veteran midfielder Scott Caldwell as a free agent ahead of the 2022 Major League Soccer regular season. He will join the team on a two-year contract.
“We have long admired Scott for his quality on the field and professional approach to the game,” RSL General Manager Elliot Fall said. When he became a free agent this year, he was a natural target for our club. He brings another excellent option to our midfield, as well as long-term experience in a proven, winning environment.”
Caldwell, 30, joins RSL after spending his previous nine seasons in MLS with New England as its second-ever Homegrown signing. Signing with New England ahead of the 2013 season, he featured in 229 regular season matches for the club, making 175 starts and contributing five goals and 18 assists. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, Caldwell has featured in 13 matches – 10 of which were starts – registering two assists.
A native of Braintree, Massachusetts, the defensive midfielder featured in 13 matches for the Revolution in 2021, playing 198 minutes to help the Revs to its first Supporters Shield title. Prior to the 2021 season, Caldwell was the second-ever Homegrown signing to reach the 10,000-minute milestone, a feat he reached in 2017. He was voted New England’s 2015 Team MVP by fans and the 2015 Players’ Player of the Year by his teammates. Named the Most Outstanding Player at the 2010 College Cup, Caldwell helped lead Akron to the NCAA Division National Title.
“I’m excited to start this new chapter in my career with RSL this season,” Caldwell said. “I can’t wait to start training with my teammates and working with Pablo, Matt and the entire coaching staff. I’m fired up to win games for this city and for our fans.”
SCOTT CALDWELL
Pronunciation: CALLED-well
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Weight: 150
Hometown: Braintree, Mass.
Date of Birth: 03/15/1991 (Braintree, Mass.)
Nationality: United States
College: Akron
As of January 12, Real Salt Lake’s current roster headed into 2022 listed alphabetically by position is as follows:
Goalkeepers (3): Jeff Dewsnup, Zac MacMath, David Ochoa
Defenders (8): Andrew Brody, Toni Datkovic, Zack Farnsworth, Justen Glad, Bret Halsey, Aaron Herrera, Erik Holt, Marcelo Silva
Midfielders (7): Julio Benitez, Nick Besler, Scott Caldwell, Maikel Chang, Damir Kreilach, Pablo Ruiz, Jude Wellings
Forwards (6): Bode Davis, Chris Garcia, Jonathan Menendez, Justin Meram, Rubio Rubin, Bobby Wood
Real Salt Lake finished the 2021 season in dramatic fashion, booking its place in the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs on Decision Day before making a run to the Western Conference Final following a 14-14-6 regular season record. RSL will open the 2022 season on the road against Houston Dynamo FC on February 27 before returning to Rio Tinto Stadium for the home opener against Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, March 7.
TRANSACTION: Real Salt Lake signs free agent Scott Caldwell on January 12, 2022.
