SANDY, Utah - Four minutes into his professional career, Real Salt Lake rookie Emiliano Bonfigli managed to help his team do something they’d only managed to do once before – get a point in Dallas thanks to his equalizer, which set up a 1-1 result.
“You work hard to get as many minutes as you can, and luckily today I was able to get a lot of minutes,” said Bonfigli through a translator. “I’m proud to be able to come in and score a goal and help the team out and get a point.”
The Argentine entered the match in the 69th minute, and punched in the equalizer just three minutes later. Bonfigli showed great touch in controlling the chip pass from Will Johnson, and real composure in putting the shot low, and past Dallas keeper Chris Seitz.
The 24-year-old was also happy just to see 21 minutes in this match, after having one previous appearance of just a single minute on the season.
“I’m just working as hard as I can to get as many minutes as I can,” said Bonfigli. “It’s tough to watch the game at times, but when I go in I have to work as hard as I can, and luckily I was able to get a goal today.”
The influential goal also made quite an impression on at least one teammate, as midfielder Kyle Beckerman praised the newcomer.
“He’s been sharp in front of goal, and so when I saw him get in position, the only thing that crossed my mind was that I thought he was going to score for sure,” Beckerman told MLSsoccer.com via phone after the match.
In fact, Beckerman thinks that this may give the RSL striker the confidence that he needs to find the back of the net if future chances present themselves.
“I’m really excited for him,” said the RSL captain. “I think that one goal might snowball him into getting a couple more. He’s been really good for us. I think he’ll just continue to get better.”
He could get a chance to repeat his feat as early as this weekend as the Claret-and-Cobalt take on the pointless Toronto FC at home on Saturday.
GOAL: Bonfigli ties it up with his first
