RSL rookie impressive early

"This is all about the team. Real Salt Lake is now all about the team. We're going to develop all-stars, we're going to try and develop very good players in this league by having a successful team, not doing it the other way around," said Kreis. "The other way around is to bring in a bunch of all-stars, and bring in a bunch of personalities and try and make a team out of them."

Beltran, a Southern California native, appears to fit that mentality perfectly. He's a humble 20-year old who addresses people as sir and ma'am. He's a player who didn't want to be drafted by the L.A. Galaxy or Chivas USA, "because I wanted to get away from the comforts of home and truly make the step to become a professional."

He says he's looking forward to establishing his life in Salt Lake City, snow and all.

"I've never really lived in a snow storm like (Monday), but it was great," said Beltran.

Above all, he's prepared to do whatever it takes to succeed at this level, and the next. Beltran knows he can't just rely on his fitness, that's why he's excited about working on his technical ability during the next eight weeks of training camp leading up to opening day on March 29.

"Yeah Real Salt Lake did struggle last year, but this is a good opportunity to come in and work hard and help the players who were here last year get better, and maybe challenge for a starting spot," said Beltran.

Ironically enough, the player he'll be challenging for that starting nod at right back is Wingert, the player he edged in the initial beep test.

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E-mail: jedward@desnews.com