Five months later, Schuler's arduous road back to the first team is officially complete. Ironically, in the same stadium. The 29-year-old center back earned his first start since last summer against the reigning champion Portland Timbers to aid a suddenly thin RSL back line.
With starter Aaron Maund (toe fracture) sidelined indefinitely, Jamison Olave serving a one-game suspension and 19-year-old Justen Glad returning to the starting lineup after dealing with a hamstring tweak, Schuler's inclusion is a positive development for RSL now in the stretch run of the year.
Re-signed by the club on Aug. 11 after spending the prior six months with the Monarchs, he missed RSL's match Wednesday due to soreness after starting for the Monarchs last weekend.