RSL signs Espindola, Grabavoy, Alvarez, Paulo Jr.

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Sandy — Real Salt Lake announced Thursday that midfielder Yordany Alvarez, forward Fabian Espindola, midfielder Ned Grabavoy and forward Paulo Jr. have been signed by the Major League Soccer club. RSL accomplished one of its major offseason objectives when Espindola agreed to a new four-year contract. Last season, he notched MLS career-highs in goals (10), assists (three), games played (27), games started (25), shots (62) and shots on goal (31). "It feels great to be able to continue my career with Real Salt Lake," Espindola said. "The negotiations were difficult at times, but I'm glad we could come to an agreement that worked out for myself and the club. "It means a lot to me to return to RSL — to Utah. I know the guys well and we've got a great group here, one that can fight for every trophy that is put in front of us. That's very, very important to me." Grabavoy's new contract is a three-year deal that will keep the influential midfielder in Utah through the 2014 season. Since joining Real Salt Lake prior to its 2009 campaign, the 28-year-old Grabavoy has started 47 of his 68 regular-season games. He has scored three goals and added three assists. "I couldn't be happier to have the opportunity to continue my career with Real Salt Lake and I'm excited to find myself in a great situation for continued success," said Grabavoy. "I want to thank the RSL ownership, management and the coaching staff for not just showing a commitment to me, but for doing everything possible to display a complete and successful product every season. I believe we have the right pieces in place to do some special things." Alvarez's new three-year contract comes after Real Salt Lake exercised a purchase option following the expiration of his loan agreement from Orlando City of the USL PRO League. Alvarez joined RSL at the signing deadline last Sept. 15 and started four of five games down the stretch, when captain Kyle Beckerman was unavailable due to national team call-ups and suspension. Real Salt Lake will also retain the services of Paulo Jr. for the next three seasons after purchasing his rights from USL PRO side Miami FC. After bursting onto the scene during CONCACAF Champions League play shortly after his arrival in 2010, Paulo Jr. suffered from persistent hamstring and hip flexor injuries that limited him to a pair of goals and four assists in 11 MLS appearances. "I'm very happy to be back with Real Salt Lake and to get a fresh start to a new season," Paulo Jr. said. "I plan on continuing to work hard and stay healthy. When I accomplish those goals, I know I will be able to contribute great things to the club."