They were small and measured, but Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata took steps toward his return to the field on Wednesday when he jogged around the RSL training field at America First Field.
Plata suffered a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot in the first day of preseason training camp this year and has eased along on the path to recovery since. He is still over a month away from game action, but having him at the training ground gave an obvious boost to his teammates on Wednesday.
“He’s always got a smile on his face. I think that he’s starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel for this long rehab that he’s been doing. So I’m happy for him. I’m happy for the guys. And when he gets back it’s going to make us stronger, for sure.”
Plata led RSL with a career-best 13 goals in 2014, adding six assists in 29 appearances in his second season with the Claret-and-Cobalt. In two seasons with RSL, he has 17 goals and 14 assists in 55 matches after coming over from Toronto FC in a trade prior to the 2013 season.
He has been a consistent presence in the locker room with RSL despite his injury, but now having him out on the field, even in the limited capacity that he is in thus far, means good things for the team.
“It was good. He’s an excellent player and an excellent person. I’m happy that he’s feeling better,” said Javier Morales, unable to contain the grin on his face. “Having him on the field always is fun.”
