Real Salt Lake defenders

Nelson Akwari

Age: 24 Height: 6-0

Last year's club: Real Salt Lake

Note: Bounced around RSL's backline last year, appearing in 23 games. With improved depth at the back, Akwari will likely bounce around at different positions again this year

Nikolas Besagno

Age: 17 Height: 6-1

Last year's club: Real Salt Lake

Note: The No. 1 overall pick in 2005, Besagno played in one game for RSL last year. A natural holding midfielder, Besagno has seen most of his playing time come in the back this preseason

Paul Broome

Age: 29 Height: 5-9

Last year's club: Real Salt Lake

Note: The speedy left fullback finally had offseason ankle surgery last week to clean up scar tissue from a previous injury. He'll be out at least another 11 weeks

Chris Brown

Age: 29 Height: 5-8

Last year's club: Real Salt Lake

Note: A midfielder starter almost all of last year, RSL experimented with Brown at right back late this past year, and now he's penciled in as the No. 1 right back on the team this year

Gustavo Cabrera

Age: 26 Height: 5-11

Last year's club: Real Salt Lake

Note: Joined the team last August, appearing in four games. His versatility, and the fact Guatemala didn't qualify for the World Cup, should enable Cabrera to see plenty of playing time in different spots this year

Willis Forko

Age: 22 Height: 5-10

Last year's club: Connecticut (NCAA)

Note: RSL selected Forko in the Supplemental Draft this year to prove more depth at left back, as well as increase the overall team speed on the defense

Cameron Knowles

Age: 23 Height: 6-3

Last year's club: Real Salt Lake