Real Salt Lake: Warner excited for new opportunity

Real Salt Lake lost two players Wednesday.RSL lost midfielder Collen Warner in the MLS Expansion Draft, one of 10 players selected by the Montreal Impact during the draft. Also, goal keeper Tim Melia was placed on waivers. Melia, who didn't play in a regular-season MLS game, was 1-4-0 in the 2011 MLS Reserve League with a 1.32 goals against average.Warner's loss might be keenly felt."There are a lot of veteran guys on RSL that I looked up to and that taught me how to be a professional, and I want to thank all of my teammates for their help over the last two seasons," Warner said. "I also want to thank the coaching and training staffs for their time and effort and recognize the great Real Salt Lake fans for their support as I began my professional career in front of them." Warner's lone goal for RSL came in a 3-1 CONCACAF Champions League victory against Cruz Azul on Oct. 19, 2010. The 23-year-old midfielder also had an assist. Warner also made two starts and saw play during RSL's final three pool competitions. Although Warner made 15 starts during the 2011 season, he didn't play during the MLS playoffs. He is excited for the opportunity."I learned a lot in my two seasons here in Utah and really enjoyed my time with Real Salt Lake," Warner said. "It's a little sad having to go, but I'm definitely excited to play for a new team in the league in Montreal."The play of 17-year-old Luis Gil made RSL breath a little easier about leaving Warner unprotected. Yet, Warner may not play for Montreal. RSL general manager Garth Lagerwey said to expect league-wide trades with Montreal, which would try to use its draft picks to build its roster.martyr@sltrib.comTwitter:@Rsltribune