REAL MONARCHS SLC SIGN GOALKEEPER JAKE LEEKER
Leeker Lands with Monarchs after Successful College Career at University of Memphis;
Provides Depth at Goalkeeper for Reigning USL Regular-Season Champions
HERRIMAN, Utah (Monday, January 29, 2018) – Real Monarchs SLC today announced the signing of GK Jake Leeker after a successful trial period during the first week of preseason with Real Salt Lake’s first team. Leeker’s signing is pending league and federation approval.
“Signing with the Monarchs feels amazing honestly,” Leeker said. “To come into a team that won the regular-season title last year makes me feel like I have big shoes to fill. I’m excited for the opportunity and I’m excited to get started.”
Leeker, 22, stands at 6-5, imposing a dominating frame inside the penalty area. A three-time American Athletic Conference Goalkeeper of the Week, Leeker brings an impressive college resume to the Monarchs ahead of his rookie season. For the University of Memphis Tigers he featured in 47 matches while playing over 4,200 minutes. Leeker totaled 10 shutouts to earn a save percentage of .749 in four years as a starter.
“We’re excited about Jake joining the Monarchs,” Monarchs Assistant General Manager Dan Egner said. “We’ve had him in on trial the past few days, and he’s shown well for himself. He’s a tremendous guy, who will fit in well with the group we have. He came to us highly recommended, and we expect him to come in and compete with the other keepers we have in the club.”
With the addition of Leeker, the Real Monarchs roster stands as follows by position ahead of the 2018 season:
Goalkeepers: (2) Andrew Putna, Jake Leeker
Defenders: (4) David Diosa, James Moberg, Michael Gallagher, Konrad Plewa
Midfielders: (6) Sebastian Velasquez, Karsten Hanlin, Charlie Adams, Andrew Brody, Justin Portillo, Maikel Chang
Forwards: (3) Chandler Hoffman, Danny Cruz, Juan Ignacio Mare
