Joseph Stanley Okumu, 2018 TopDrawerSoccer.com Player of the Year, has signed with the Real Monarchs of the United Soccer League (USL). The Monarchs are the affiliate club of MLS side, Real Salt Lake, and currently sit in first place of their respective conference and have the most wins in the entire league through twenty-three matches.

The Kenyan center back joined Association Football Club Ann Arbor in April, and made his presence felt right away. The Mighty Oak began the season by holding opponents scoreless for more five plus consecutive matches (488 minutes total). Okumu and team were best in the country in goals allowed per game.

“It's thrilling to see Stanley take the next step in his career. We have been on edge waiting to see where he would land and we couldn't be happier to see him sign with Real Salt Lake's USL affiliate, Real Monarchs. RSL's reputation at pushing players form their USL affiliate to the first team speaks for itself. Their technical staff and facilities are first class and will provide Stanley a great framework to develop at the next level,” said Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland.

The next chapter in Okumu’s story takes him to Utah, competing with one of the top clubs in the second division professional league, with a direct line to the MLS with their affiliate club, Real Salt Lake. The RSL organization have some Michigan ties that may help Okumu in his transition with former University of Michigan Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach Craig Waibel now serving as the RSL GM, along with former program assistant Tim Weaver now serving as RSL Team Admin.

For more information on Okumu’s signing, click here.