Young stars — Rookie duo provides immediate impact for Real Salt Lake

Many thought Mehdi Ballouchy could contribute for Real Salt Lake right away.

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."

Taken together, the duo has become a crucial component of Real's postseason push. For their contributions, Ballouchy and Forko are expected to finish high in the race for MLS Rookie of the Year. Jonathan Bornstein of Chivas USA remains the firm front-runner, but RSL's two rookies are expected to finish in the top four, alongside Chivas' Sacha Kljestan.

"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.