HERRIMAN, Utah – (Wednesday, February 5) – Real Monarchs have signed defender Michael Wetungu the club announced today. Wetungu’s signing is pending league and federation approval while the terms of his signing have not been disclosed.

“Michael is a young centerback that we have a lot of confidence in,” Real Monarchs Assistant General Manager Tim Weaver said. “He comes from a great soccer background having played at the Vardar Academy and then at Michigan State under Damon Rensing. He has a great presence on the field and in the locker room and his physical attributes, combined with his soccer ability make him a great addition to the Monarchs in 2020.”

Wetungu, 21, was selected as the 46th overall pick by RSL during the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. He played four seasons at Michigan State University, scoring three goals in 72 appearances. During his senior season, he had one goal in 14 matches, all as a starter. The Rochester Hills, Michigan native stands at an imposing 6-foot-3 and weighs 198 pounds.

Real Monarchs finished the 2019 season having won its first USL Championship Title after finishing 4th in the Western Conference at 16-10-8 (56 points). The Monarchs begins their title defense on the road against San Antonio FC on March 7 before returning to Zions Bank Stadium to begin its Four-Corners Cup defense against Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, March 14, at 3:00 p.m. MT.

Player Information

Name: Michael Wetungu

Position: Defender

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 198 lbs

Born: 4/25/1998 (21 yo)

Hometown: Rochester Hills, Michigan

Last Club: Michigan State University

Real Monarchs SLC’s roster headed in 2020, listed alphabetically by position, is below:

Goalkeepers (1): Jimmy Slayton

Defenders (6): Nicolas Gimenez, Steve Jasso, James Moberg, Taylor Peay, Noah Powder, Michael Wetengu

Midfielders (6): Ricardo Avila, Christopher Bermudez, Jack Blake, Sam Brown, Jordan Pena, Devin Vega

Forwards (3): Kyle Coffee, Joe Gallardo, Damian German

Transaction: Real Monarchs SLC signs DF Michael Wetungu.