Raphael Cox

Acquired

RSL: Selected in the fourth round (54th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft on 1/15/09

One of Real Salt Lake's acknowledged needs this past offseason was for a traditional left-footed midfielder, and the squad managed to fill at least its void in depth at that position when selecting talented winger Raphael Cox. The two-time All-Pac-10 selection out of the University of Washington has speed to burn and skill to match, and will be expected to challenge defenses with his pace and crossing ability.

After beginning his collegiate days with a season at Highline Community College, Raphael Cox moved to the Division I ranks at the University of Washington, where he tallied 14 goals and 17 assists in 59 games from 2006-08. Cox twice earned All-Pac-10 honors, including following his senior season last fall, when his seven-goal, six-assist campaign earned the Tacoma native a nod to the conference's First-Team.

College

Was a three-year starter for the University of Washington after transferring from Highline Community College following his freshman season … A two-time All-Pac-10 honoree, helped the huskies to back-to-back second round appearances in the NCAA Men's College Cup … Finished UW career with 14 goals and 17 assists … 2008: Started all 17 matches played, his career-high seven goals and team-best six assists and 20 points helping him garner First-Team All-Pac-10 honors … Scored a pair of game-winning tallies, with both coming in overtime … Finished 2nd in Pac-10 in points per game (1.18) and T-4th in total points … After UW fell behind 2-0 on 9/21 v. New Mexico, he scored the equalizing goal in the 79' and the OT game-winner in the 98', giving Head Coach Dean Wurzberger his 200th career victory with the Huskies ... The multi-goal performance also earned him Pac-10 Player of the Week honors … Also scored the overtime GWG in a 2-1 triumph at San Diego State on 10/19 … Tallied a goal and an assist in matches with Gonzaga (9/28), California (10/5) and San Diego State (10/19) … 2007: Contributions were greater than his numbers showed as a junior, when he was named Second-Team All-Pac-10 after starting 19 of 21 contests while notching three goals and two assists … 2006: Emerged as team's top playmaker in first season at Washington, registering a team-high nine assists while adding four goals in his first season in Seattle … One of two Huskies to play and start all 21 matches … His nine assists are tied for 5th on UW's all-time single-season list, while his 0.43 assists per game led the Pac-10 that season … Ended the season tied for 7th in the Pac-10 with 20 points … Scored first UW goal in debut versus UC Davis on 8/25 … 2004: Attended Highline Community College in Des Moines, WA, during his freshman campaign … Helped lead team to Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges title in 2004 and was named to league's 2004 All-Star Team.

Club / High School

A 2004 graduate of Stadium High School in Tacoma … As a senior, was selected to All-State Second-Team and named Narrows League MVP … Was a First-Team All-League honoree as a junior and a Second-Team pick as a sophomore … Member of Narrows League championship team as a freshman … Played club soccer for both FC United and Sumner Scorpions … Helped lead FC United to first place finish at U-19 state championship, while his U-18 Sumner Scorpions squad finished second in the state championship in 2004 … Also played with the Men's Amateur National Championship Hibernian Saints team.

Personal

In addition to his skill on the soccer field, was also a standout cross-country athlete, lettering all four years in high school … Was a second-team All-League selection in cross country and was the only runner in the Tacoma area to advance to the State Championships his senior year … Family includes parents Aaron and Shelly Cox and brother Jamael … Hobbies include coaching youth soccer.