As rollercoaster years go, Real Salt Lake’s multipurpose threat Jordan Allen has some tales to tell in his young career.
In his first year with RSL in 2014, ankle and knee injuries wiped his season out before it could gain any traction. He followed that up with steady progress and hints of a breakout in his second season, but any of his excitement was tempered by RSL missing the postseason for the first time since 2007.
Now a veteran of three years, he can look back on his 2016 season with a critical eye knowing that he started with some adversity right out of the gates when he underwent heart surgery to combat the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome that had caused an irregular heartbeat.
After improving to three goals and two assists, he can see where he made improvements and also where he stands to do more in 2017.
“I can’t say that I’m thrilled with my season, but I’m not disappointed. I’m always wanting more,” Allen said. “I was able to contribute to the team a little bit more this year. My consistency on the field was a lot better this year and I had some good moments. But I still want more and I’m going to be working in the offseason to make sure I am where I want to be next year.”
If Allen’s personal expectations seem unreasonable, it’s not without reason. The prideful 21-year-old watched from Real Salt Lake’s academy in Casa Grande, Arizona, and then in his one college season as RSL rattled off playoff runs and 50-point seasons like clockwork. After missing the 2014 season to injury, he was frustrated with RSL’s finish in 2015 – missing the playoffs with a record of 11-15-8 – despite his own personal achievements in his first full pro season.
That drove him to higher levels in 2016.
“It really rubbed me the wrong way,” Allen said of missing the playoffs in 2015. “I wanted to make sure that this year we made that step forward. So it meant a lot to me personally and I know it means a lot to the guys in the locker room. Everyone is competitive and everyone wants the club to do better.”
After a five-point improvement that saw RSL back in the postseason this year, Allen is encouraged. He also sees where he can contribute more in 2017 and has already started working toward making those personal gains to help the team deliver on the potential that was so eminent early in the 2016 season.
Armed with a new contract and with the heart issues that served as a mild distraction in prior years now behind him, Allen’s sole focus is on getting ready for his next season at Rio Tinto Stadium.
“I just need to score goals. When you score goals they can’t look you in the face and put you on the bench. That’s what I’ve been telling myself,” Allen said. “I’m going to be doing a lot to work on that in the offseason - working on my composure in front of goal, my finishing, watching movements I need to be making. It’s going to be a process, but I’m really looking forward to putting the work in.”
Last year, Allen went back to visit his family in Rochester, New York, working with a former club coach to take steps to improve. This year, he will spend more time in Utah and has already started his off-season training to get on the right track for the start of preseason on January 23.
While the work can be tedious without the measurable benchmarks that come from matches during the regular season, Allen is undeterred, motivated instead by his own lofty expectations and work ethic.
“It’s just an everyday grind and I enjoy it,” he said. “The only thing I do in the offseason is play more soccer. I always feel like I’m improving.”
