USL Championship club signs 15-year-old USYNT midfielder Julio Benitez

HERRIMAN, Utah – The Real Monarchs have signed midfielder Julio Benitez from the RSL Academy ahead of the 2021 United Soccer League Championship season, pending league approval.

“Julio has been fantastic in every aspect during his time with the academy. His footballing talents, natural leadership and appetite for hard work at such a young age have brought the admiration of all staff who work with him,” Real Salt Lake Assistant General Manager Tony Beltran said. “We look forward to seeing his continued growth as he transitions into the professional game.”

Benitez, 15, joins the Monarchs after spending the past two seasons in the RSL Academy. From Mesa, Arizona, the midfielder played in matches for the U14s, U15s and U16/17s, scoring four goals in 17 appearances.

Internationally, Benitez has two appearances for the United States U-15 National Team. He was part of the squad that journeyed to Poland for the U-15 UEFA Development Tournament, facing the Poland, Russia and Iceland.

Real Monarchs will begin preseason training later this month and are expected to start league play the weekend of May 1, however a schedule has yet to be released.

Julio Benitez
Position: Midfielder
DOB: 7/30/2005
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 135 lbs