Orlando City left back Donny Toia is headed back to Real Salt Lake.
Toia, 26, was taken in Stage 1 of the MLS Re-Entry draft on Friday. He was one of three players selected, the other two being D.C. United defender Nick DeLeon (Toronto FC) and NYCFC goalkeeper Andre Rawls (Colorado Rapids).
It’s a return to Utah for Toia, was who Real Salt Lake’s first Homegrown signing. He never appeared in any league games for Real Salt Lake and was released after the 2011 season.
Real Salt Lake had the 16th pick on Friday.
Toia’s contract option was declined by Orlando City after the 2018 season. Since he was taken in Stage 1 of the Re-Entry draft, Real Salt Lake is required to pick up that option. Toia, who made three appearances (four starts) for Orlando City last season, made $125,004.00 in total compensation last season, according to the MLS Players Association.
He started in 29 games in 2017 for Orlando City.
Stage 2 of the Re-Entry draft is at 2 p.m. Eastern on Dec. 20. Teams can negotiate new deals with players selected in Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft.