Devon Sandoval didn’t hesitate when asked if he remembered scoring a goal as nice as the 47th minute strike he unfurled on Saturday against the Montreal Impact.
“I scored a nice one in training a few weeks ago,” he smiled at reporters gathered outside Real Salt Lake’s locker room. “But that doesn’t count.”
Sandoval, Luke Mulholland and Luis Gil had some interplay on the right sideline and eventually, Gil was taken down as he touched the ball into the box for Sandoval. The third-year forward didn’t even break stride, cutting a left-footed rainbow that curled inside the far post for his first goal of the season.
It didn’t end up figuring into the final result, as RSL was unable to battle back from an eventual 4-1 deficit, but it was a big moment for Sandoval nonetheless. He hadn’t scored a league goal since September 28, 2013, when he netted his third goal in his rookie season. Late-season injuries limited his effectiveness heading into the 2014 season, but he felt better than ever heading into training camp this past January. Rejuvenated and invigorated, he had a stellar preseason, scoring four goals and leading RSL to the Desert Diamond Cup title.
However, it was his recent pairing with Alvaro Saborio in a two-forward set that brought about even more success for Sandoval.
With the duo starting each of the last three matches together, Sandoval has tallied one goal and one assist, but his contributions have gone far beyond the stat sheet.
“He’s doing a great job for us. He’s doing a lot of good things. Holding up the ball, energy, defense, scoring,” RSL Head Coach Jeff Cassar said. “He’s doing a good job and I’m very pleased with him.”
While their pairing may be a bit unconventional, it has proven effective because both players are working hard to make life difficult for opposing defenders.
“I’m just going in there trying to play good soccer and move the ball. That’s what we try to do in Salt Lake,” Sandoval said. “It’s been good the past three games. We’re starting to make a good partnership. If I was a defender I wouldn’t want to play against both of us.”
Now with the prospect of Cassar’s forward corps returning to full strength as Sebastian Jaime and Joao Plata near returns to the field, Sandoval has given his coach even more options in the attack.
Getting the goal on Saturday was just the next step as his confidence continues to grow this season.
“Devon has a knack of knowing what’s going on and having a feel,” Cassar said. “It was a special play. But I love the work that he put in before that goal to put himself in that position.”
In a match that left RSL searching for silver linings, Sandoval’s play and his goal stood out among the rest.
To vote for Sandoval for Goal of the Week, click here.
