5 QUESTIONS WITH
DEVON SANDOVAL Real Salt Lake rookie striker Devon Sandoval has been a pleasant surprise throughout the year and in the second half of the season he’s proven himself to be a very capable back-up to striker Alvaro Saborio. As his rookie season comes to a close, Sandoval talked with Deseret News sports writer James Edward about MLS Cup, learning from veteran striker Saborio and the emotion of starting in the Western Conference final. Q: Does your soccer career feel surreal at this point, you were in college a year ago and now you’re preparing to play in MLS Cup? A: It’s definitely pretty cool to look back on this year so far and I’m real grateful for everything that’s happened. But in saying that, we have one more game and I want to do everything I can to help the team win. It’s not over yet. Q: Talk about your emotions the last two games, walking out of the tunnel in the Western Conference final for both legs in the starting 11? A: The first game I had a little nerves but I told myself you wouldn’t be in this position unless my coaches and teammates believed in me. That calmed me down and as soon as I got in, I was good to go. Walking out for the Portland game was also pretty cool because they’re stadium is awesome. Q: Real Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis has been very complimentary about your work ethic since you arrived as a rookie back in January. Where does that work ethic come from? A: From an early age, everybody in my family pretty much ingrained into me that if this is what you want to do you’re going to have to work hard. I always want to outwork everybody. I want to be the hardest working player on the field because I feel that’s where I make my improvements and that’s how I get better. I’m always trying to find a way to get better.