Like a marathon runner crossing the finish line, John Stertzer had a look of relief on his face after scoring his first career MLS goal on Saturday night in a 2-0 win over New York City FC rather than elation. To know his story over the last three seasons, that look becomes clearer and easier to understand.
Stertzer, now in his third season with Real Salt Lake, has battled back from injuries in each of his first two seasons, then had a fractured toe sideline him during training camp this year. With one setback after another putting hurdles in front of his progress as a pro soccer player, scoring on Saturday in the 25th minute wasn’t just a moment to celebrate RSL taking the lead early in a crucial match in the narrative of the season, but a moment of sheer emotion for a young man who has wanted nothing more than to be a contributing factor for his team.
“It feels good to be healthy and getting some good minutes and helping this team improve throughout the whole season,” Stertzer said on The Bill & OC Show on Monday. “It was an unbelievable feeling. I think just being a part of the whole game and getting three points at home was the biggest part about this. I’m really happy about that.”
The play looked like a scripted set of directives from Head Coach Jeff Cassar and left Stertzer 1v1 with NYCFC goalkeeper Josh Saunders. Kyle Beckerman intercepted a would-be counter-attacking effort from the visitors and found Devon Sandoval for a flick-on header that led Stertzer into the box.
With nothing left to do but put the ball past the keeper, Stertzer was quick to credit his teammates on the play.
“I think Kyle was in a really good spot to break up an attack and Devon flicked on a beautiful ball. I was able to make a decent run into the box. My first touch was good and I was able to finish it,” he said. “It was all Devon flicking it into a nice little area for me.”
In what Cassar called one of the team’s most complete performances of the season, RSL was encouraged by the progress and understanding created on both sides of the ball in a comprehensive victory that grows even more significant as Javier Morales and Joao Plata returned from injury and Chris Schuler and Sebastian Jaime near their own comebacks.
“I think it’s definitely a start. One game at a time, but anytime you can get three points in front of your home crowd – and they were unbelievable Saturday night – is always a huge thing,” Stertzer said.
RSL will look to continue that string on Wednesday in a road match against the LA Galaxy.
To hear the full interview, click here.
