Since June 22, something has been missing from Real Salt Lake gamedays. It was on that day against the New York Red Bulls that Sunday Stephen suffered an injury that forced the club to recalibrate its path a bit. Now nearing a return from multiple facial fractures, “Sunny” will be taking the field with Real Monarchs on Saturday against Arizona United in his first appearance since a collision with New York goalkeeper Luis Robles knocked him out of action.
“He’s getting really close. He’s starting to get his competitive juices back,” RSL Head Coach Jeff Cassar said this week. “I think after this game, he’ll have a clearer path to rejoining the group again. And also feeling confident. I’m excited for him.”
His impact may be understated in the holding midfield role alongside Kyle Beckerman, but the results are inarguable. Sunny had 12 starts for RSL before his injury, with the Claret-and-Cobalt going 7-2-3 in those matches. In the immediate aftermath, RSL went winless in five matches at 0-2-3 before righting the ship and posting a 3-0-2 record in the last five matches.
All the while, the 27-year-old Nigerian has watched from the stands and worked his way back to fitness while the bones in his face healed.
“Everything has been good. There are ups and downs, but I just have to understand my situation,” said Sunny, noting that the toughest part of his injury was being away from his teammates. “First thing’s first. I have to recover fully, which I’ve gone through the process. And there’s a time for me to come back to the team and contribute to the team. Of course I’m ready, if the opportunity is given. I should be able to help my team and fight to get into the team.”
While RSL hosts the Colorado Rapids Friday night in the third and final installment in competition for the Rocky Mountain Cup this season, Sunny will travel to Arizona with the Monarchs to face Arizona United. Saturday’s match kicks off at 8:30 p.m. MT with live coverage on RSL.com.
