When Justen Glad first arrived at the Real Salt Lake Academy seven years ago, the coaches asked the players to split into groups — one for forwards, one for midfielders and one for defenders. As the sorting unfolded, Glad, then mainly a central midfielder, watched as 40 players each claimed a spot in the forward and midfielder groups, yet only 10 or so were defenders.
At that moment, Glad made a decision: If he wanted any real chance of making the team, he would have to join the likes of those in charge of stopping goals rather than scoring or creating them.