SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake acquired FW Joao Plata from Toronto FC on Wednesday, sending a second round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft to the Reds in exchange for the Ecuadorian attacker. Plata will be added to RSL’s roster pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 visa.
The 20-year-old Plata last played at LDU Quito, going on a six-month loan to the Ecuadorian side from Toronto FC on July 11, 2012. Ironically, Plata initially joined Toronto FC on loan from LDU Quito, joining the Canadian side after participating in the 2011 MLS Player Combine and getting selected 49th overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. Toronto bought Plata outright in January 2012.
Plata scored 10 goals and added nine assists in 52 appearances across all competitions for Toronto FC.
"We are happy to add a fast, young forward with MLS experience," said RSL GM Garth Lagerwey, who recently brought back former RSL striker Robbie Findley from two years in England, and drafted New Mexico rookie FW Devon Sandoval. "We believe that Joao can become an impactful member of our team as we continue to work to restock our forward group."
Capped once by Ecuador, Plata will travel with RSL from Salt Lake City to Irvine, Calif. for the team’s second preseason camp on Thursday. He’ll work out with the Claret-and-Cobalt for the first time in Irvine, where RSL will train from Jan. 31-Feb. 8.
RSL – which wrapped a week-long camp in Casa Grande, Ariz. on Monday – will return to Arizona for its final preseason leg, playing in the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup from Feb. 11-24.
Player: Joao Plata
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-2
Weight: 135 lbs.
Date of Birth: March 1, 1992
Birthplace: Guayaquil, Ecuador
Citizenship: Ecuador
How acquired: Acquired via trade from Toronto FC in exchange for a second round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 30, 2013
