Real Salt Lake shaped by 14 key player transactions

SANDY ― In the build-up to the CONCACAF Champions League finale between Real Salt Lake and Monterrey, the Deseret News asked RSL fans via Twitter to name the most critical team transactions through the years.

Listed in chronological order, here's a recap of 14 noteworthy transactions in RSL history that were listed submitted.

1. (2/22/07) Scott Garlick's sudden retirement in the preseason forced RSL to trade for Nick Rimando instead of handing GK spot to rookie Chris Seitz.

2. (5/13/07) The importance of Jason Kreis' abrupt retirement and then being named head coach was a pivotal moment in franchise history.

3. (6/21/07) Acquiring Robbie Findley in a trade with Galaxy was huge. Though no longer with RSL, he was great in 2009 to help RSL qualify for CCL.

4. (7/13/07) For some reason Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo didn't want Chris Wingert anymore, so RSL traded for him for two worthless supplemental picks.

5. (7/16/07) In what is still a head-scratcher, RSL acquired Kyle Beckerman from the Rapids for Mehdi Ballouchy. Highway robbery.

6. (8/17/07) Kreis hopped on plane for Argentina empty-handed, he returned with Javier Morales, Fabian Espindola and Mantias Mantilla. Two of three worked out great.

7. (9/14/07) RSL acquired Yura Movsisyan for next to nothing from Kansas City. Though inconsistent, he scored eight goals in 2009 as RSL earned CCL berth.

8. (1/18/08) Drafting Tony Beltran with the No. 4 pick has paid big dividends for RSL as he's provided depth at outside back for four years.

9. (2/14/08) Acquiring Nat Borchers in MLS player allocation lottery was a major get for RSL with the defender returning to MLS from Norway.

10. (2/20/08) A week after signing Nat Borchers, RSL scored big again reaching loan agreement with Deportivo Cali (Colombia) for Jamison Olave.

11. (7/25/08) RSL added to its depth in summer transfer window by acquiring Robbie Russell, who played 123 games in Norway and Denmark.

12. (8/26/08) When Will Johnson returned to MLS from Europe, Chicago owned his rights. #RSL jumped at the chance to trade for two-way MF.

13. (3/3/09) Placed on waivers by SJ in the '09 preseason, Ned Grabavoy was quickly snatch up by #RSL and he's been a key piece to RSL mid.

14. (3/15/10) Securing Saborio on a loan deal was a major acquisition, and quickly made RSL fans forget about Movsisyan.

Deseret News Real Salt Lake beat writer.