With dust still settling out the gate, 15-year-old Luis Rivera’s career has already cleared hurdles those years older have just approached.
While it seems Real Salt Lake’s 35th all-time Homegrown Player has no time to catch his breath, it’s only because he’s moving on to the next objective.
“It all came a bit earlier than I thought it would, but I’m very happy and excited to see what’s next,” said Rivera.
Rivera left his home of El Paso, Texas for Utah at the tender age of 13 after spending a year in El Paso Locomotive’s Academy.
The father of fellow Homegrown Jaziel Orozco played a big part in getting Rivera to Utah, telling those at the RSL Academy that they needed to take a look at the young defender. After going on trial, he quickly earned his place in the Academy.
“I think what separates him is his mentality,” said RSL Academy Coach Andrew May. “He's a very driven, motivated player that comes to training, works hard every day, um, is determined.
That same mentality is what helped Rivera become the U-15 captain and sign his first professional contract with the Real Monarchs all within last year.
Now under contract with the first team and preparing for his first preseason with RSL, Rivera as always, is ready to go.
“It’s kind of like the next test,” said Rivera.
RSL fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming years with Rivera as the young dynamic defender continues to climb the organizational ladder and exceed expectations.
“Next I want to cement a spot in the first team in these next couple years,” said Rivera.
While Rivera is only at the starting blocks of his RSL career, his big dreams are within sight.
