Real Salt Lake's first shutout in 10 months last weekend was made possible by a bunch of no names, and more specifically its outside defenders.
The "no-name defense," as dubbed by the Fox Sports Network broadcasters, quickly made a name for itself during the 3-0 win over the Galaxy, but more specifically left back Willis Forko and right back Kevin Novak made names for themselves.
The duo had a combined three games of Major League Soccer experience prior to last weekend, yet as unlikely as it seems, they were the starting fullbacks in RSL's first road victory in franchise history.
Not bad for a player who'd never played right back in his life, and another who's probably only in Salt Lake City because of an injury.
Novak started at left back in three reserve games last year, as well as another this year. But when the coaches approached the second-year pro last week about starting at right back against the Galaxy, Novak was as surprised as anyone.
"I was an offensive midfielder pretty much all my college career," said Novak. "I think it's something you have to adjust to and get used to at this level. I've come to realize that there's always somebody better skilled, but I have something different to offer, and at different times you need different things."
RSL coach John Ellinger was never worried about utilizing the inexperienced Novak at the back. Since the moment he arrived at training camp last year, he's demonstrated tremendous work rate, discipline, skill on the ball and coachability.
The biggest adjustment for Novak in making the switch from his customary right midfield position to the back was patience.
"Sometimes you see those open lanes on the outside when you're at the back, and you just want to (attack) all the time," said Novak. "As an offensive player my whole life, that's something you're used to. You see that spot, you make that run. I need to be a little more disciplined."
As for Novak's counterpart on the opposite side of the defense, Forko is no stranger to defense. He's been playing there virtually his entire career, including three seasons at the University of Connecticut.
Partly because of a poor MLS Combine showing the week before the MLS SuperDraft, Forko went undrafted in that SuperDraft and wasn't selected until the second round of the Supplemental Draft a week later.
"I didn't let the supplemental thing get to me, because I knew I was better than that," said Forko. "It doesn't matter where you get drafted, it matters what you do in preseason, to prove yourself on the field."
Forko made an immediate impression at training camp, not bad for a player who was drafted out of necessity.
RSL's No. 1 left back, Paul Broome, didn't play the final four games of last season because of a left foot injury. Everyone just figured it would heal naturally during the offseason, and the veteran defender would be back on his feet by February training camp. As January rolled around, however, it became clear that Broome's status for the entire 2006 season was in jeopardy. That's when Ellinger realized he needed to target a left back in the draft.
Several members of Real's coaching staff scouted Big East soccer matches during the college season last fall, and Forko's abilities at left back definitely stood out.
With only two picks in the SuperDraft, Salt Lake was thrilled when Forko was still on the board in the second round of the Supplemental Draft.
"He's a pure left back who gets forward, defends wells, stays in sync with his other defenders," said Ellinger.
Forko entered training camp as the No. 2 left back in camp, with free agent signing Daniel Torres leading the way. Torres started Salt Lake's first five games this year, but when he was a late-game scratch against Columbus two weeks ago, Forko stepped right in.
He obviously played well enough to garner his second start at Los Angeles last week, with Torres shifting into his more natural central defender position.
While some might be surprised with Forko's quick adjustment to the pro game, he doesn't think it's been that big of a deal.
"Coming from a system at the University of Connecticut, our coach treated it like a business, just like a professional environment," said Forko.
It didn't hurt either that he already knew a bit what to expect. His brother, Sam, played nine games for the MetroStars in 2002, and his cousin Chris Gbandi is a regular with FC Dallas.
If Forko and Novak play well again during this Saturday's home match against Kansas City, they could be well on their way to becoming regulars in the Real Salt Lake line-up.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com