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Real Salt Lake’s captain and a key attacker are now out of contract

RSL declined the option for 34-year-old Damir Kreilach. Meanwhile, striker Danny Musovski becomes a free agent.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Real Salt Lake midfielder Damir Kreilach (8) heads the ball, in MLS action between Real Salt Lake and Austin FC, in Sandy, on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

Real Salt Lake captain Damir Kreilach is out of contract after the club declined to pick up his option this week.

The Croatian has been one of RSL’s biggest stars since joining the club in 2018. In six seasons, Kreilach has accounted for 47 goals and 24 assists. Kreilach, 34, scored four goals this season as he saw his role with the team greatly reduced.

But RSL still hopes to keep the veteran player around. The club is “actively engaged in discussions with Kreilach regarding his future status,” RSL said Friday after announcing its 2024 roster decisions.

Midfielder Julio Benitez also had his option declined. Veteran midfielder Scott Caldwell and forward Danny Musovski will become free agents.

Musovski was a key contributor for RSL this season, scoring five goals and recording four assists. But the 27-year-old made his frustration with his contract situation known, sitting out games and trainings for a stretch during the regular season.

It now appears Musosvski’s time with RSL could end with the missed penalty kick that sealed the team’s first-round playoff exit, losing a three-game series with Houston 2-1.

Despite the early exit, RSL officials said they did not expect much turnover entering the offseason. Friday’s decisions hold true to that claim.

The team picked up options of rookie Emeka Eneli, midfielder Maikel Chang, goalie Tomas Gomez, defender Bode Hidalgo, midfielder Jasper Loffelsend, defender Bryan Oviedo and midfielder Pablo Ruiz.

Standout attackers Chicho Arango, Diego Luna, Jefferson Savarino and goalie Zach MacMath remain under contract.