Many thought Mehdi Ballouchy could contribute for Real Salt Lake right away.
RSL took Ballouchy with the second pick of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, and fairly lofty expectations followed the midfielder here, which he has largely lived up to.
But nobody had any idea RSL would have a second rookie making a big splash during the 2006 campaign.
Yet that's exactly what has happened.
Left back Willis Forko — unselected in the SuperDraft and taken by Real in the second round of the Supplemental Draft — has seemingly come out of nowhere to become a mainstay along Salt Lake's backline. Since filling in against Columbus way back in early May, Forko has consistently been part of a vastly-improved RSL defense.
"We didn't know Willis was going to be forced into it," said coach John Ellinger, "but I give him all the credit in the world because he took the opportunity and just jumped on it and he's been solid for us."
Taken together, the duo has become a crucial component of Real's postseason push. For their contributions, Ballouchy and Forko are expected to finish high in the race for MLS Rookie of the Year. Jonathan Bornstein of Chivas USA remains the firm front-runner, but RSL's two rookies are expected to finish in the top four, alongside Chivas' Sacha Kljestan.
"Those are probably the top four," said Ellinger.
And a year after Salt Lake used the No. 1 overall pick in the SuperDraft on youngster Nik Besagno — a player the team deemed as a pick for the future — RSL's front office has taken particular satisfaction from the fact that it gleaned two starters via draft picks.
Following a decent preseason, Forko got his chance back on May 5 against Columbus. Defender Danny Torres was questionable due to injury, and Real's coaching staff informed Forko that he might play. Forko started that game and hasn't looked back.
As expected, he's made plenty of rookie mistakes. But on the whole he's successfully nailed down a spot at left back, which is one of the toughest spots in MLS.
"I was expecting to fill in a position, and I think I've been doing a good job ever since then," he said. "I think I'm just learning from the older guys and just getting better game by game."
Forko was thrust into action while star defender Eddie Pope was away at the World Cup. He thought he might lose his spot when Pope returned. Instead, other players made way while Forko remained a starter.
"I figured maybe I earned my spot," he said.
Meanwhile, Ballouchy launched himself almost immediately into the starting lineup. Ellinger figured the Moroccan-native could start at some point in 2006, but he didn't necessarily count on him starting on opening day. But Ballouchy won a starting job in the preseason, and he's been on the field ever since. He has started in 26 of RSL's 29 league games, and he's made an appearance in all 29 matches.
"He's someone we thought could start. We didn't know he'd start as early in the season as he did, obviously," said Ellinger. "He's been everything that we thought he'd be."
Ballouchy has successfully bridged the gap between college soccer and MLS. He garnered All-American honors during his final season at Santa Clara, though his numbers were relatively modest — one goal and seven assists.
"I always felt that Mehdi, at the college level, it was too easy for him," said Ellinger. "So he's adjusted quite well this year, as far as picking up the speed of play."
Asked about the difference between playing in MLS and college, Ballouchy responded: "It's more technical and it favors players who are better on the ball. If you look at the whole (college) team, it isn't as technical as any MLS team. It's two, three, four passes and now the ball's going long all the time.
"It wasn't my kind of game at all. I wasn't successful at it, and I got kicked a lot. In MLS, I don't get kicked as much."
As far as Rookie of the Year goes, both players would be honored to collect the trophy. However, they say their focus remains on helping RSL get to the postseason. With three games remaining, Salt Lake finds itself in a virtual must-win situation at Kansas City this Saturday.
Numbers will probably prevent either player from winning the coveted award. Ballouchy only has a goal and two assists — though he's played extremely well in the middle — and Forko will likely get overlooked because there aren't any statistical numbers for defenders.
"I looked it up and checked it out," said Forko. "I probably don't expect to win it. It's something I'd love to have, but, for me, it's not the most important thing. I honestly just always want to win. I've always played on a team whose always been one of the best teams in the league and always winning."
Rookie of the Year candidates
Starts Goals Assists
Jonathan Bornstein, Chivas USA 29 6 4
Sacha Kljestan, Chivas USA 28 0 7
Mehdi Ballouchy, RSL 26 1 2
Willis Forko, RSL 23 0 1
E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com