Through eight matches this season, Real Salt Lake has used the majority of its roster, utilizing 24 out of 27 players under contract already. Twenty of those players have started matches and while that has caused some inconsistency as players have cycled through the lineup due to injuries, suspensions and international duty, it has also created opportunities for players to shine.
Just as Justen Glad did last year when given the opportunity to start, some young players have taken advantage and run with their chances, heightening the battles for different starting positions all around the field. While General Manager Craig Waibel transitions the team to set up opportunities for the next generation of young talent to shine, those young players are brought to the forefront.
“We’re in the process of redefining and recreating new heroes within the roster itself,” Waibel said on ESPN 700’s On Frame on Monday.
The plan this season, for the most part, was to have young players spend a chunk of the season developing with the USL’s Real Monarchs. However, a rash of injuries created holes in the starting 11 that needed to be filled in short and long term situations. That accelerated the curve for some players and they have rewarded the faith of the coaching staff with some standout performances.
It started with center back Justin Schmidt starting three matches early and showing that he could compete while also learning from his mistakes. Brooks Lennon has at times exceled in his six starts on the wing and his first MLS goal was a game-winner against the Colorado Rapids. Sebastian Saucedo has been a dangerous attacking option off the bench and added a different dynamic to the wing in his four starts. And Danilo Acosta has been steady at right back in his three starts, playing that role for the first time in his soccer career and passing the test against some difficult opposition.
And that doesn’t take into account Ricardo Velazco, Jose Hernandez (who has two goals with the Monarchs) or Omar Holness, who have all picked up solid practice habits while fighting for playing time in recent weeks.
With all of those aforementioned players 23 years old or younger, and with the additional contributions from U-23 talents Glad, Jordan Allen and Albert Rusnák, the pieces are there for RSL to build for the future of the organization. Waibel, for one, notices parallels between the current roster makeup and that of the 2009 MLS Cup championship RSL side that went on to be one of the most consistently difficult matchups in the league for years to come.
“I think the changes we’ve made on this roster suggest a very clear vision of where we’re taking this roster. We’re redefining it. We’re also not just throwing random darts. We’re putting very talented young men on the field just like RSL did in 2007 and 2008 before they made their run at the end of 2009 and 2010,” Waibel said. “We’re giving guys a shot to prove themselves. The guys that do, are going to stay. The guys that don’t, aren’t going to be here.”
That isn’t to say that RSL is ushering out it’s more veteran players. Nothing could be further from the truth. As Kyle Beckerman, Yura Movsisyan, Nick Rimando and others continue to set the standard on gameday and in training, it raises the bar for the next generation of players who are looking to make their marks.
“This roster is developing. With development, it allows pressure to be put on some of the veteran players. Healthy pressure is what every roster needs ultimately to be successful,” Waibel said. “I think we’re starting to see the very beginning of that process and it’s great. It’s nice to see and I’m excited for it to continue to grow and we certainly have the right staff to continue that process. We’re very early in that.”
To hear Waibel’s full interview, listen below.
