Pedaling away on the stationary bike, James Moberg watches over as a group of teenagers and early 20-somethings take to the pitch for training. There is an air of newness and change, it’s a far cry from his rookie days, but it’s still home.
Prior to the start of the season the Real Salt Lake front office made the decision to switch directions with the Real Monarchs, electing to sign young internationals and Real Salt Lake Academy players, as opposed to the previous formula that included veterans from the USL Championship.
Moberg is just one of three holdovers during the transition, and the only to sign a new contract.
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In preparation for the 2021 USL Championships season, Real Monarchs SLC are continuing to build their roster through the signing of young international players. With only James Moberg, Sam Brown and Jimmy Slayton returning from the disappointing 2020 season, the addition of more players, in addition to any RSL Academy players that should see time on the field, has been a major focus of the offseason.
New Zealand forward Max Mata (20), who primarily plays on the left wing despite being right-footed, made a single appearance with the full national team against Lithuania in 2019 while playing with Grasshoppers Club Zurich second team.
HERIMMAN, UTAH (Friday, December 18, 2020) – Real Monarchs have signed New Zealand forward Max Mata from Grasshoppers Club Zurich in Switzerland through the 2021 season. Mata’s signing is pending league and federation approval, as well as the approval of a p-1 visa. The terms of the signing have not been disclosed.
Mata, 20, is the first-ever signing from New Zealand for the Monarchs. The young forward arrives in the States from Switzerland where he spent time with the second tier of Grasshopper, scoring five goals in 10 appearances. During the 2019 season he played on loan with Nõmme Kalju FC in Estonia, racking up 11 goals and six assists in just 20 matches.