Over the course of the last five seasons, few players have been as consistent and reliable as Tony Beltran for Real Salt Lake. The two-time All-Star right back is one of just 11 field players to log at least 2,200 minutes in each MLS season since 2012. So when he was forced to miss the last 10 matches with a calf injury that was preceded by a back injury, he hardly knew what to do with himself.
Now, after reading through several novels in addition to the often-grueling rehab process, Beltran is eager to get back on the field with the first team.
“This has cemented the fact and I know it now - being injured is the hardest thing we do in this game. There’s so much mental torture that goes into it. It’s just very tough being on the sidelines, especially when you want to be out here fighting with your teammates,” he said. “I’m just glad to be back. I’m feeling very good, very positive. And I’m ready to contribute again.”
To prepare for his return to MLS action, Beltran played 45 minutes with Real Monarchs on Saturday in a 2-0 win over the Sacramento Republic. It capped a long recovery process that he readily admitted was a bit of a longer recuperation than his younger days.
“You don’t recover the way you once did, and also your thought process is different. When you’re young, you think you’re invincible and you’ll be back no matter what,” he said. “As you get older you have … more perspective.”
In his absence, RSL has seen a revolving door of right back options. Chris Wingert has seen regular time there. Danny Acosta made the move from left back, too. First round SuperDraft pick Reagan Dunk started two matches last week. Even Luke Mulholland, Brooks Lennon and Omar Holness saw time in that role in a pinch.
Now, having the dependable Beltran back in the mix for playing time, Head Coach Mike Petke is easing closer to a full squad available as RSL enters a gauntlet of matches this week against the Philadelphia Union at home, then on the road against the Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas in an eight-day stretch.
“Tony is always a boost when he’s on our team. He makes us a better team,” said midfielder and captain Kyle Beckerman, who also is among the 11 players with over 2,200 minutes in each season from 2012-2016.
For his part, Petke curbed any outward enthusiasm at Beltran’s return, but he clearly had some relief at getting a solid contributor back into the team.
“Leadership-wise and energy and a new guy coming in with his experience … it can definitely calm some nerves and look to bolster it a little bit.”
