Real Salt Lake, M Morales agree to extension

Sep 23, 2008 - 11:14 PM SALT LAKE CITY (Ticker) -- Real Salt Lake on Tuesday agree to terms with midfielder Javier Morales on a contract extension, which runs through the 2012 season.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Javier has been an important player for us this season, and we think he is the perfect prototype for our system in that he is a gifted technical player who is mobile and willing to work hard," Real Salt Lake general manager Garth Lagerwey said. "We expect him to key our postseason push and are ecstatic that we now have him under contract for the next four seasons."

Since signing with Real Salt Lake on August 17, 2007, Morales has been an integral member of the team's offense, registering five goals and 12 assists in 31 regular-season matches. After having his 2007 season prematurely ended by a shoulder injury, the 28-year-old has excelled this campaign as he is tied for second in the league with 10 assists and ranks third on RSL with four goals.

Morales is one assist shy of tying the club mark set in 2006 by Jeff Cunningham. With 12 career assists, he trails only Andy Williams (14) on the franchise list.

"I am very pleased to stay here with Real Salt Lake for the next four years," Morales said. "The club offered me the extension and I accepted it because I feel comfortable here, comfortable with not just the team and the coaching staff, but with living in Salt Lake City as well."