Real Salt Lake just had its best regular season ever.
And the club is spending more to achieve that success.
RSL has $16 million committed to player salaries, according to new numbers released Thursday by the Major League Soccer Players Association. A year ago, RSL’s payroll sat at $12.14 million.
Salt Lake striker Chicho Arango, who led the team with 17 goals this season, remains the highest-paid player on the roster with a guaranteed annual compensation of $2.08 million.
RSL defender Justen Glad ($1.3 million) and midfielder Matt Crooks ($1 million) also earn seven-figure sums.
So does new designated player Diogo Gonçalves, according to the players’ union. After selling star winger Andres Gomez for a reported $11 million over the summer, RSL added Gonçalves and four other signings in the transfer window. The new MLSP data provided a first look at their salaries.
Top RSL salaries
Chicho Arango — $2.08 million
Diogo Gonçalves — $1.79 million
Justen Glad — $1.3 million
Matt Crooks — $1 million
RSL newcomers
Diogo Gonçalves — $1.79 million
Dominik Marczuk — $675,000
Lachlan Brook — $274,883
Javain Brown — $218,688
Benji Michel — $209,667
MLS salary information
Up next
Real Salt Lake opens its first-round playoff series at home against Minnesota United on Tuesday. Kickoff at America First Field is set for 7 p.m.
