From Deseret News archives:
Young stars Rookie duo provides immediate impact for Real Salt Lake
RSL took Ballouchy with the second pick of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, and fairly lofty expectations followed the midfielder here, which he has largely lived up to.
But nobody had any idea RSL would have a second rookie making a big splash during the 2006 campaign.
Yet that's exactly what has happened.
Left back Willis Forko unselected in the SuperDraft and taken by Real in the second round of the Supplemental Draft has seemingly come out of nowhere to become a mainstay along Salt Lake's backline. Since filling in against Columbus way back in early May, Forko has consistently been part of a vastly-improved RSL defense.
"We didn't know Willis was going to be forced into it," said coach John Ellinger, "but I give him all the credit in the world because he took the opportunity and just jumped on it and he's been solid for us."
"Those are probably the top four," said Ellinger.
And a year after Salt Lake used the No. 1 overall pick in the SuperDraft on youngster Nik Besagno a player the team deemed as a pick for the future RSL's front office has taken particular satisfaction from the fact that it gleaned two starters via draft picks.
Following a decent preseason, Forko got his chance back on May 5 against Columbus. Defender Danny Torres was questionable due to injury, and Real's coaching staff informed Forko that he might play. Forko started that game and hasn't looked back.
As expected, he's made plenty of rookie mistakes. But on the whole he's successfully nailed down a spot at left back, which is one of the toughest spots in MLS.
"I was expecting to fill in a position, and I think I've been doing a good job ever since then," he said. "I think I'm just learning from the older guys and just getting better game by game."
Forko was thrust into action while star defender Eddie Pope was away at the World Cup. He thought he might lose his spot when Pope returned. Instead, other players made way while Forko remained a starter.
"I figured maybe I earned my spot," he said.
Comments
- 3A: Hurricane 24, Park City 19 2:29 a.m.
- GameDay back in the MWC 2:19 a.m.
- Westminster campus briefs 1:49 a.m.
- SUU campus briefs 1:48 a.m.
- Dixie campus briefs 1:47 a.m.
- Real Salt Lake gameday 1:33 a.m.
- 5A: Bingham rolls to title game 12:59 a.m.
- Aggies hope for Spartan cure 12:57 a.m.
- 5A: Miners pull tricks to win 12:56 a.m.
- 5A: Davis runs over Hunter 12:54 a.m.
- Williams leaves, won't play tonight
- Unga family is making its mark
- Selfishness to blame for Jazz woes?
- Study: Divorce likely when wife ill
- ESPN suddenly loves MWC
- Trial begins in toddler death
- Historically, Utes have owned TCU
- Two killed in Iron County crash
- 4A: Thunderbirds dynasty lives on
- Man killed during 3rd I-15 crash
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
348 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
199 - Senators want food tax restored
162 - Will state consider gay rights law?
145 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
129 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
113 - Celtics crush Jazz
103 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
102 - Hatch empathizes with Muslims
88
Utah's game with TCU will be the telling card of how good the Utes...
True. It's not terribly funny and if it has any effect on society, it won't...
What else would you expect to find in a book called "The Founders on Religion"?
Ok not to be rude here, but check the stats, Hinds isnt first in yards and...
t-hinds = best player in utah
Anonymous: Was that English? I though conservatives believed if you are in...
Wow! Glad the Lord kept you safe. Separate comment: That was a horrible...
I have never been to a Utah high school game before as I am not from the...
It would behoove the above commenters to recall that religion, including our...
Only 8000 attendance? BYU had 16,000+ tonight. What is wrong with Ute fans?...
ian you are the 3A MVP If you win next week so just do it that would be nice....

You can be the first to comment on this story.