Herriman • Life as a backup goalie can be difficult. The starter gets the focus of the training sessions, all 90 minutes in games and the always-valuable experience.
The backup, however, trains just as hard as the starter and travels just as much. But when the whistle blows, that player is on the bench, watching intently from the sideline, waiting a turn.
Unless something happens to the starter, such as a national team call-up or an injury. Then, and likely only then, will the backup get a chance to showcase his or her skills. That’s what has happened to Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Andrew Putna.