Real Salt Lake picks homegrown player in re-entry draft

Real Salt Lake selected Donny Toia in the MLS re-entry draft Friday.

Toia, a left back who was signed in 2011 by RSL on its first-ever homegrown contact, spent last season with Orlando City. He played four games and started three.

“Donny is a player we have been following throughout his career and it’s great to bring back a product of our academy who has been able to gain valuable experience around the league,” general manager Craig Waibel said in a news release. “He is an experienced player who brings a good locker room presence and will add depth to our back line.”

Toia has played 109 games in MLS, starting 100.

“Donny Toia is a young player, but he’s also experienced,” head coach Mike Petke said in the release. “He has been in the league for a while and can contribute to our club and still has the potential for growth.”