HERRIMAN, Utah (Thursday, February 14, 2019) – Real Monarchs SLC announced today the signings of RSL Academy products Jordan Pena and Steve Jasso ahead of the 2019 USL Championship season, General Manager Dan Egner said. Both signings are pending league and federation approval.
“We look forward to adding Steve and Jordan ahead of the 2019 season,” Egner said. “We feel that both players should compete right away for minutes and we believe they’ll be a big part of what we’re trying to achieve on the field this season.”
RSL Assistant General Manager Elliot Fall added to the signings by saying: “This is another step in establishing a professional pathway for our Academy players. Steve and Jordan are two players that have proven their ability at the Academy and have earned the opportunity to take the next step at a professional level.”
Pena, a Payson, Utah native has featured in 15 matches this season for the RSL Academy U-19 side where he has made 13 starts. In 2018, Pena played in seven matches for the U-19s where he scored three goals. Pena joined the RSL Academy in 2015 and featured for the U-17s for two seasons before joining the U-19 contingent.
“I couldn’t be more excited to sign my first professional contract with Real Monarchs,” Pena said. “This is a crucial step in fulfilling my dream of playing for RSL one day. I can’t wait to get out onto the field with the Monarchs this season.”
Jasso has been a mainstay on the backline for the U-19s this season where he has started and played in 14 matches for the RSL Academy. Last season, the Sandy, Utah native played in 30 matches while scoring a single goal in each of his last two seasons. Jasso joined the RSL Academy in 2016 and featured for the U-17s on 35 occasions, totaling two goals.
“This means a lot to me largely because I’m coming out of the RSL Academy,” Jasso said. “I’m used to being here in Utah and I love the facilities, players and staff here. I’m excited to be able to sign my first contract here with the Monarchs and can’t wait to get started.”
Player Information
Name: Jordan Pena
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 149 lbs
Born: 05/21/2000 (19 yo)
Hometown: Payson, Utah
Last Club: RSL Academy
Player Information
Name: Steve Jasso
Position: Defender
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 160 lbs
Born: 10/22/2000 (19 yo)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Last Club: RSL Academy
Real Monarchs SLC will face Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, March 9 to open its fifth campaign in the USL Championship. The Monarchs will then return home the following weekend to host league newcomer El Paso Locomotive FC at Zions Bank Stadium on March 16, a venue in which the Monarchs earned a league-best home record of 13-2-2 in 2018.
Real Monarchs SLC season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by going to RealMonarchs.com or by calling 844.REAL.TIX.
