Real Salt Lake coach John Ellinger has influenced D.J. Countess' career in more ways that one.
If Ellinger hadn't been the coach of the U.S. National Team residency program in Bradenton, Fla., five years ago, the then-17-year-old Countess may have pursued a baseball career instead of soccer.
"I was probably better at baseball than I was at soccer even throughout high school," said Countess.
Under the watchful eye of Ellinger, however, Countess flourished as one of the top young keepers in the country and eventually graduated from the residency program into MLS.
The teacher and pupil's paths crossed again last month.
When Ellinger was named Real Salt Lake's inaugural coach during the final month of the 2004 MLS season, Countess knew where he wanted to be in 2005. So at the end of the season, Chicago's back-up keeper expressed to management his desire to be put on the expansion draft unprotected list, knowing he would likely be chosen by Salt Lake and reunited with Ellinger — even though he'd never visited Salt Lake City.
Sure enough, Real selected Countess with the fourth pick in the expansion draft.
"I literally don't know one player who doesn't want to play for coach Ellinger," said Countess. "He just has such a presence. He's very smart at what he does. He knows when to knock you down and when to pick you up. He's a very honest and up-front person, and I respect him for that. Us as professionals appreciate that."
But would he like Salt Lake City?
"I had no clue what to expect, but I'm very pleasantly surprised," said Countess upon visiting Salt Lake City for the first time this week. "It seems so cool, and the weather's awesome.
"This is where I wanted to be. I really wanted to be reunited with John Ellinger, and obviously (general manager) Steve Pastorino has a great reputation."
In his first Salt Lake City evening, the 22-year-old took in a cup of coffee at Starbucks, met with RSL team officials, ate dinner at a Thai restaurant in The Gateway and enjoyed an evening at the Vortex dance club.
"I can't wait to get out here as soon as possible," said Countess. "I want to get my house sold in Chicago and get out here and eat, drink and breathe Salt Lake City."
No question Countess will miss living within walking distance of Wrigley Field, but he's excited to make a go of it with Real, and will surely evolve into a fan favorite.
Countess is a well-spoken young man who knows how to say all the right things off the field and let loose on the field.
"I'm very energetic. You'll see me coming off my line a lot," said Countess. "I rely a lot on my athleticism."
His competitiveness isn't just reserved for the field, either. Whether it's playing ping pong or playing poker, Countess desperately wants to win — a trait Ellinger already knew he was getting when he drafted Countess.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com