Feb 9, 2010 

Lamoni, IA- The highly decorated GU keeper Carlos Ortiz (Bogota, Colombia) is headed to Arizona to partake in preseason camp for reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) champion side Real Salt Lake, with a strong chance to earn a spot on the club. 

The Colombian star was centerpiece of a strong Graceland defense and anchored the Jackets' 10-6-2 campaign this year and last year's 13-5-2 showing.

Ortiz will join two-time HAAC All-American Kevin Souter and recently drafted defender Eddie Edward as the third former-Yellowjacket in the MLS.  Souter (Portsoy, Scotland) currently of the Kansas City Wizards, joined the Kansas City club as a developmental player in 2008 and made his debut against the Los Angeles Galaxy on September 13th of that year. Edward was picked up in the supplemental draft this year by FC Dallas and looks to win a place in that squad this spring.

Ortiz will have to fight another invitee for a backup goalkeeper position, but those who saw Carlos over the course of his amazing career as a Jacket like his chances.

"I'm very happy for the opportunity," said Carlos, "since this could be the beginning of my greatest dream.  I want to thank the Graceland community for helping to make my experience and my career here what it was.  I am going to do my best to make this happen."

For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact: Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director (641) 784-5318 mshelton@graceland.edu