Real get a defender

In a move to help bolster its injury-riddled defense, Real Salt Lake acquired defender Jack Stewart from the Chicago Fire in exchange for forward Ryan Johnson on Tuesday.

The slew of injuries to Real's central defenders includes: Danny Torres (right foot sprain) is out a minimum of six weeks, Cameron Knowles (right hamstring pull) is out two weeks, Nelson Akwari (right hip contusion, mild concussion) is out one week and Eddie Pope (right foot strain) is day-to-day.

Nikolas Besagno, 17, is the only healthy central defender on the roster.

Stewart joins RSL after having started four games with Chicago this year. During his rookie year last year, he made five appearances, including one start.

"We think very highly of Ryan Johnson, and I believe that he will still be a good player in this league, but this is a move that we had to make," said Real coach John Ellinger. "Sometimes injuries force you to look around for some help, and we feel very fortunate that Jack Stewart became available to us.."

Johnson appeared in seven games with RSL this year, including one start.