We have reached the final day of the countdown of our Top 10 Stories of 2015 and at No. 2 we find the one of the biggest signings in Real Salt Lake’s history.
In the summer, then-Technical Director Craig Waibel sought to sign a midseason addition to bolster the squad to lead a charge toward the postseason. Juan Manuel Martinez fit the bill.
The former Velez Sarsfield, Corinthians and Boca Juniors forward had the greatest pedigree of any RSL signing since the club’s inaugural season in 2005. The Argentina-native quickly gelled with his teammates and drew a penalty in his first appearance. Raising the level of play from his first training session, “El Burrito” finished with one goal and one assist in eight appearances in league play and added a goal in one of his two appearances in CONCACAF Champions League, helping RSL reach the quarterfinals for the second time in club history.
His quality on the field endeared him quickly to his teammates, as did his professional locker room demeanor. The fans at Rio Tinto Stadium could see that talent and the efforts he made to make Utah home and greeted him in kind with each opportunity.
Now with a few months under his belt, things are looking up for the 30-year-old forward. With the prospect of a full training camp coming his way in January, fans can anticipate more to come from him in 2016.
Top 10 RSL Stories of 2015
10. Maund Emerges on Defense
9. The Launch of the Monarchs
8. Waibel Climbs the Ladder
7. Youth is Served at RSL
6. Records at The Riot
5. The Captain Reaches New Heights
4. Rimando Stands Out
3. Champions League Glory
2. Fully-Loaded Burrito
1. 11/6
