SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake drafted Bret Halsey from University of Virginia with the 7th overall pick in the 2021 MLS Superdraft.

Halsey joins RSL following three seasons with University of Virginia where he was named to the 2019 and 2020 ACC All-Tournament Team. While playing for the Cavaliers, he played and started in 31 games scoring 1 goal and assisting on 2 occasions as a midfielder.

“It is an incredible feeling. It is something I have been waiting for and dreaming about since I was a little kid,” Halsey said via a press conference shortly after being drafted.

Right-Back Depth

“At right back they only have Aaron Herrera, I would assume that he is going to RSL to earn minutes as Herrera’s backup primarily in year number one,” MLS reporter Matt Doyle said shortly following the announcement.

“Without question we believe that he (Halsey) can contribute at right-back for us,” General Manager Elliot Fall said. “I am currently sitting next to a former collegiate central midfielder who made the transition to right-back, that player being Tony Beltran,” he added.

At #7 overall, @realsaltlake select defender Bret Halsey out of @UVAMenSoccer. #SuperDraft pic.twitter.com/xQtRklB1I6

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 21, 2021

Halsey signed a Generation Adidas contract two days prior to the MLS Superdraft. Generation Adidas is a joint program between MLS and adidas which sees a handful of top collegiate underclassmen and youth national team players signed by MLS to Generation adidas contracts and made available in the SuperDraft.

Fall told KSL Sports that he intends on signing the best player available, not necessarily a player that fits the needs of the team and roster currently.

“We are very excited to bring Halsey into the club and to work alongside him to hopefully develop him into a long-term player for us,” Fall said on the Halsey selection.

Fellow RSL player Jordan Allen is currently a member of the UVA coaching staff in which Fall and the RSL front office were able to further develop a better understanding of Halsey through Allen.

“He is very strong on the ball and has great defensive instincts,” Fall said regarding the specific attributes that Halsey possesses.

RSL Draft History

The MLS Superdraft has proven beneficial for RSL over the years, specifically, with the signings of Tony Beltran, Jeff Attinella, and Chris Schuler.

Last year, RSL selected Dayonn Harris with the 20th overall selection before later selecting center-back Michael Wetungu with the 46th overall pick. The two spend their 2020 seasons developing with the Real Monarchs at the USL level.