On Tuesday afternoon, Concacaf announced its Best XI for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, a group which Real Salt Lake defender Justen Glad was named to.
Glad featured in three matches for the United States, starting each one, including the team’s first two matches as well as Sunday’s semifinal against Honduras. In the United States' first two contests, Glad contributed to back-to-back shutout performances.
The 24-year-old solidified himself as the first choice centerback for U.S. U-23 Head Coach Jason Kreis during the tournament and despite the team’s qualification shortcoming, Glad patrolled the backline to limit opposing chances on goal.
In addition to Glad’s performance during Olympic qualifying, RSL members Aaron Herrera and David Ochoa played significant minutes in helping the States to the semifinal against Honduras, each starting three of the team’s four matches.
Also adding to the list of players that featured in Olympic qualifying with RSL ties, former Real Monarchs striker Luis Palma of Honduras helped his country to a Summer Olympic berth with a second-place finish during the Mexico tournament. For his efforts, he was placed alongside Glad on the Concacaf Best XI squad. Palma’s countryman and current RSL striker Douglas Martinez also helped Honduras to the Olympic Games, scoring one goal in four matches played for his country.
Glad, Herrera, Ochoa and Martinez are expected to join RSL in Tucson, Arizona for preseason in the coming days. RSL is set to face the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, April 3 in its second preseason match of 2021. Kickoff from Kino North Stadium is set for 6:00 p.m. MT and can be viewed live on the KSL TV app.
