After Arango and Julio's Departure, Ariath Piol Might Be RSL’s New Secret Weapon | OneFootball

Real Salt Lake (RSL) just made a bold, and dare I say, smart, move by signing forward Ariath Piol from MacArthur FC in Australia. Sure, it might seem like just another routine transfer, but there’s something intriguing about this one. At just 20 years old, with four goals in 14 appearances in the A-League, Piol looks like that secret ingredient that might spice up the team's attack.

Bringing in young talent from the A-League to Major League Soccer is a calculated risk, but hey, it's not without its questions. The MLS isn’t just a "retirement league" anymore. It’s getting more competitive, with younger players earning their stripes and even catching the eyes of bigger leagues around the world. Piol’s big challenge? Adapting fast to the league’s physical and tactical demands.

He's arriving at just the right time, too. With Chicho Arango and Anderson Julio both out, RSL’s attack is looking a little thin. Translation? Piol’s got a real shot at proving his worth. And that’s a win-win for both him and the team.

Here’s something worth pointing out: this isn’t the first time RSL has tapped into the Australian market for reinforcements. Not long ago, they brought in Lachlan Brook from Western Sydney Wanderers. Looks like they’ve got their eyes on the A-League as an untapped goldmine, and honestly, they might be onto something.

If I had to bet, I’d say Piol's the kind of player who brings relentless energy, hunts down goals, and knows how to play for the team. With three goals and an assist in the current A-League season, he’s already proven he's got that nose for the net and solid game vision.

With the 2025 season right around the corner, RSL’s got a showdown lined up against Herediano in the Concacaf Champions Cup. That’ll be a golden chance for Piol to make an impression from the get-go. Their first MLS match? A clash with the San Jose Earthquakes, a team that’s notorious for giving opponents a hard time. But who knows? Maybe Piol pulls off a debut performance that'll knock our socks off. Wouldn’t that be something?