VANCOUVER, B.C. - Just like fine wine, Kyle Beckerman only gets better with age. Mr. Utah is in his 12th season with Real Salt Lake and he's showing no signs of slowing down.
In fact, Beckerman might be quicker now that he's no longer sporting his famous dreadlocks. Beckerman has been sans dreadlocks since November, and it doesn't sound like he will be bringing them back.
"I don't think so." Beckerman told RedNation Online. "They're long gone."
The 36 year-old midfielder is a leader on and off the pitch for a youthful, and developing Real Salt Lake team. They might not have the budget, and blank cheque that some MLS teams have, but Real Salt Lake are determined to be just as competitive this season.
"Yeah, I think it's kind of our nature." Beckerman admitted. "We're a small market team. In the past we've created a really good team, a team, that's a teams, team, and not so much a big name. It's kind of our M.O. and we enjoy that. We don't mind being under the radar."
Coach Mike Petke has his side off to a 3-4-1 start as they look to find balance among a competitive western conference. Albert Rusnák, Jefferson Savarino, Corey Baird, Jordan Allen, Brooks Lennon, Justen Glad, Sebastian Saucedo, and Pablo Ruiz are all under the age of twenty-four. They're still learning what it means to be a professional footballer.
Who better than a U.S. international with 440 MLS appearances to learn from?
"A lot of these young guys, they've been around for a while now." Beckerman said. "They've all got a good head on their shoulders. They know the importance of each game, and practice. The main thing is just leading by example, and make sure you're one of the hardest workers in practice, and everyday bring it. These guys get it. They're working extremely hard and trying to take full advantage of their opportunity."
Real Salt Lake will be looking to earn a result on Sunday afternoon as they head across the country to take on Orlando City SC and former Real Salt Lake Coach, Jason Kreis. It's a chance to see a familiar face, but also an opportunity to use intel that could get a win.
While Real Salt Lake have been hot and cold this season, Orlando City SC are in peak form having reeled off five wins in a row, while out scoring opponents 14 - 7. Kries knows Real Salt Lake, and in turn, they know what he's about. Who has the advantage?
"I think a little bit of both." Laughed Beckerman. "We're still trying to figure out some things. Not so many guys know him anymore, but there's a couple of us that played with Jason. We know his style, we know they're going to be a hard-working team. He'll have the boys ready. Whenever he plays his old teams, he gets up for it a little more."
The Crofton, Maryland native, is no stranger to playing in Florida. Beckerman started his MLS career by playing for the Miami Fusion in 2000. The Fusion aren't around anymore, but the league has since thrived, and the prospects of MLS returning to South Florida are promising. Beckerman has no doubt that Miami is ready, and willing to support MLS.
"Oh absolutely." Beckerman beamed. "It was pretty solid when we were down there. I think with David Beckham as part of the ownership, it's going to succeed. They have a lot of soccer fans down there. A lot of them have been waiting since the Fusion left. It'll be an exciting time for Miami to get a team, and one that I think can succeed."
Kyle Beckerman isn't sure how long he is going to continue playing football. He signed a contract extension in January, and he's still very much an integral player for RSL. He loves the game immensely, he eats right, hydrates, and takes top care of his body.
"I enjoy coming to practice everyday." Beckerman said. "I enjoy the games, and I really, really enjoy winning. I haven't lost the love for every part of soccer. As long as they keep asking me to come back, I'll come back."
His future internationally is not clear. Beckerman has 59 caps for U.S. Soccer, but he's likely not in any plans going forward. He's not closing the door on U.S. Soccer just yet.
"If I ever got invited, I'd definitely go play," Beckerman revealed. "But, I'm not sure. I think they're kind of going in a different way with the World Cup in four years. But, yeah of course, I think any player at any age, if they got called in they'd go in."
As MLS evolves and continues to grow and develop, so does Kyle Beckerman. He loves the beautiful game Utah has become a home and Real Salt Lake are lucky to have him.
|