The latest MLS Insider piece chronicles Real Salt Lake star Joao Plata, telling a bit about his early life, rise through Major League Soccer and his excellent performances despite his diminutive stature (height of 5-foot-2).
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Plata detailed his struggles learning a new language and getting acclimated to a new home at his first MLS club, Toronto FC, and after being loaned out to Ecuadorian team LD Quito in 2012, he was traded to Real Salt Lake, where he now leads the team in goals and is tied for seventh in the league with the likes of Clint Dempsey, Lee Nguyen and Chris Wondolowski.
Plata’s teammates, midfielder Kyle Beckerman and goalkeeper Nick Rimando, and Real general manager Garth Lagerway were among those who spoke about the 22-year-old’s acension to his excellent 2014 campaign.
Hoping to bolster their third-place playoff spot in the Western Conference, Real Salt Lake will look to grab three points against low-ranking Chivas USA on Sunday.