Need a good reason to go watch Real Salt Lake open the 2017 season at Rio Tinto Stadium on March 4 against Toronto FC? Well, we’ve got 10 to spark your interest that we will be unveiling in the 10 days that lead up to the match, starting today with the man who wears No. 10 for RSL – Joao Plata.
He’s a dynamite in a five-foot-two-inch frame, bursting up the field with his sights set on the goal. With 30 goals and 30 assists in an RSL uniform since coming over in a trade in 2013, he’s been among the most prolific scorers in club history. The two-time club Golden Boot winner in 2014 and 2016 – with 13 and nine goals, respectively – Plata is poised to take another leap in 2017 with increased responsibilities in Real Salt Lake’s attack.
Can he improve on his nine goals and 12 assists in 2016? Will he contend for the league’s Golden Boot?
Those questions won’t officially be answered until Decision Day in October, but he has a great chance to get out to a fast start when RSL plays at Rio Tinto Stadium in the first match of the season in just 10 days.
One thing is for certain, for as many creative and dynamic ways that he can put the ball in the back of the net, he is equally dazzling with his dance moves. He’s been practicing those, because he knows he will be putting big numbers on the scoresheet this year.
Get your tickets to our 2017 MLS home opener here!
