Meanwhile, Ballouchy launched himself almost immediately into the starting lineup. Ellinger figured the Moroccan-native could start at some point in 2006, but he didn't necessarily count on him starting on opening day. But Ballouchy won a starting job in the preseason, and he's been on the field ever since. He has started in 26 of RSL's 29 league games, and he's made an appearance in all 29 matches.

"He's someone we thought could start. We didn't know he'd start as early in the season as he did, obviously," said Ellinger. "He's been everything that we thought he'd be."

Ballouchy has successfully bridged the gap between college soccer and MLS. He garnered All-American honors during his final season at Santa Clara, though his numbers were relatively modest — one goal and seven assists.

"I always felt that Mehdi, at the college level, it was too easy for him," said Ellinger. "So he's adjusted quite well this year, as far as picking up the speed of play."

Asked about the difference between playing in MLS and college, Ballouchy responded: "It's more technical and it favors players who are better on the ball. If you look at the whole (college) team, it isn't as technical as any MLS team. It's two, three, four passes and now the ball's going long all the time.

"It wasn't my kind of game at all. I wasn't successful at it, and I got kicked a lot. In MLS, I don't get kicked as much."

As far as Rookie of the Year goes, both players would be honored to collect the trophy. However, they say their focus remains on helping RSL get to the postseason. With three games remaining, Salt Lake finds itself in a virtual must-win situation at Kansas City this Saturday.

Numbers will probably prevent either player from winning the coveted award. Ballouchy only has a goal and two assists — though he's played extremely well in the middle — and Forko will likely get overlooked because there aren't any statistical numbers for defenders.

"I looked it up and checked it out," said Forko. "I probably don't expect to win it. It's something I'd love to have, but, for me, it's not the most important thing. I honestly just always want to win. I've always played on a team whose always been one of the best teams in the league and always winning."

Rookie of the Year candidates

                                                                                                                    				Starts	Goals	Assists
                                                                                                                    Jonathan Bornstein, Chivas USA	29	6	4
                                                                                                                    Sacha Kljestan, Chivas USA	28	0	7
                                                                                                                    Mehdi Ballouchy, RSL		26	1	2
                                                                                                                    Willis Forko, RSL		23	0	1
                                                                                                                    

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E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com