Harrison, N.J. • In years past, Matt Van Oekel was playing second-division soccer, and watching the likes of Bradley Wright-Phillips and Luis Robles compete in Major League Soccer.
On Saturday, he was going up against them and looking every bit as capable.
Van Oekel earned his first MLS start in Real Salt Lake's scoreless road draw with the New York Red Bulls, a result made possible thanks to the 30-year-old goalkeeper. Van Oekel made three stops on the day, including a highlight reel-worthy block on a low effort from forward Fredrik Gulbrandsen in the 64th minute.
"The level of talent is amazing here and I get to play against some really cool players," said Van Oekel with a laugh.