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Original publish date: December 12, 2018

LAFC pick RSL forward Ricky Lopez-Espin in MLS Waiver Draft

The forward’s option was declined following the end of the season.

Matt Montgomery

In what’s one of the most surprising things I’ve seen all day, the MLS Waiver Draft has seen some actual activity, and it involved a Real Salt Lake player.

Los Angeles Football Club — yes, that one — selected Real Salt Lake forward Ricky Lopez-Espin in the MLS Waiver Draft.

So, there’s that.

In thinking about it, it’s probably a pretty nifty deal for the Southern California club. It’s hard to imagine Lopez-Espin’s contract would have seen much increase in what would likely be an option year for him, negating basically any risk for LA.

It is particularly interesting, given Lopez-Espin didn’t play many minutes, in part because of a knee surgery that cost him significant opportunities in the summer, if just for Real Monarchs.

It’ll be interesting to see if Lopez-Espin has what it takes to make it in MLS. He certainly didn’t have opportunities at the MLS level here, playing only 22 minutes in one appearance.