SANDY (ABC 4 Sports) - Two nights ago Real Salt Lake newcomer Jonny Steele sparked one of the greatest comebacks in team history. It's a major highlight in a career that's taken him through almost every level of American soccer.
Now after playing for 12 teams over a span of 8 years, Steele hopes to have finally found a home with RSL. He's tired of being a journeyman. But all the traveling was well worth it because he was chasing a dream of earning his first Major League Soccer contract.
"I'm just living the dream of playing soccer," said Steele. "I've been doing it all my life and that's my dream."
The interesting thing here is ReAL invited Steele to camp before the 2009 season. The team offered him a contract but Steele turned it down, opting to go with a higher salary from a minor league Vancouver team.
"I decided to make a different move and I think people are dwelling on that a little bit," said Steele. "I'm here now and I'm happy to be here. You learn from your mistakes."
In February Real Salt Lake came calling again. This time Steele wasn't going to let the opportunity slip away.
"I'm here to work hard and get as many minutes as possible," said Steele. "I'm loving it."
RSL has become a 2nd family to Jonny. Some of the guys love giving him a hard time for his heavy Irish accent. Let's give him credit, though, his spanish is improving but his teammmates can't really tell at all.
"It's pretty funny when he tries to speak english, let alone spanish," Will Johnson jokingly said.
"I've been around enough Irish and Scottish folks to know you just smile and nod your head yes," head coach Jason Kreis said with a smile.
Good idea.
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