Real Salt Lake has officially acquired 19-year-old midfielder Colin Guske from Orlando City via loan for the remainder of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, sending $50,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM) to the Eastern Conference club, according to Real Salt Lake’s official announcement.
A Strategic Addition for the Claret-and-Cobalt
The transaction gives Real Salt Lake immediate depth in the midfield alongside a permanent trade option should the club choose to retain the U.S. Youth National Team U-20 player before Dec. 31, 2026, as reported by RSL.com. Born on Jan. 29, 2007, the teenager arrives in Utah with 16 first-team appearances and four starts for Orlando City, including a full 90-minute shift in a 2-2 Leagues Cup draw against Liga MX side Atlético San Luis.
“I’m really excited for this opportunity with RSL,” Colin Guske said, according to the club’s official report. “I’ve always seen this club with passionate supporters, a team with a strong identity, clearly focused on growth and development, while finding ways to win.”
Proven Pedigree in MLS NEXT Pro and International Ranks
Before breaking into MLS fixture sheets, Guske built a reputation as a durable workhorse in the developmental ranks. According to Real Salt Lake, the Orlando City Homegrown logged 45 matches and 3,648 minutes in MLS NEXT Pro action, scoring one goal and providing four assists.
On the international stage, Guske has steadily matriculated through the United States youth setup. U-19 squad during the CONCACAF U-20 Championship. In the opening match against Haiti, he notched an assist on a goal by Dino Klapija, helping the Americans secure a 3-0 victory.
The Road Ahead in Utah and Beyond
The U.S. team eventually claimed the top spot in Group A with nine points to reach the knockout rounds, ultimately falling 2-0 to Mexico in the tournament final. Despite that final defeat, the run secured a berth for the squad at the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, slated for Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
Guske now steps into a demanding stretch of fixtures for his new side. According to RSL’s schedule notes, the team travels to face Orlando City on Saturday, August 22, before heading to Denver for a Leagues Cup quarterfinal matchup against Liga MX side Club León on Tuesday, August 25.
“I’m looking forward to learning under Coach Pablo, who played at a high level, bringing a lot of experience and knowledge to the game,” Guske added, as noted by Real Salt Lake. “I’m grateful to be here and ready to get to work.”
