Real Salt Lake cuts ties with eight in major roster shake-up

Regardless of where Morales ends up, Monday brought the end of an era for RSL. Olave appeared in 120 matches the past five seasons, was named the 2010 MLS Defender of the Year and an MLS Best XI selection in both 2010 and 2011. Injuries hampered him throughout the season, and RSL obviously feels comfortable passing the center torch back to Chris Schuler and Kwame Watson-Siriboe.

Espindola made 125 appearances in five years with Real Salt lake, scoring 35 goals and recording 17 assists.

Johnson appeared in 114 matches in four-and-a-half seasons in Utah, notching 10 goals and eight assists. He was often referred to as the hardest-working player on the field.

“What we’re doing right now is tweaking our core. We’re trying to get a little bit younger, but to be honest with you, it’s all about the right mix of experience and youth,” said Lagerwey. “We want to keep the mentors in place to take along and educate our younger players so we can hopefully have a good transition without a big dip in form.”