Just over a month ago, Matias Mantilla was playing for a second division club in Argentina. After his contributions in Real Salt Lake's 3-1 win over Kansas City Wednesday night, RSL certainly hopes the Argentine defender will be staying around the United States for a while.
"I went down to Argentina without even a thought on my mind of picking a defender up," said coach Jason Kreis of his recent trip down to Argentina to find some impact players for the club. "The agent I was in contact with represents all three players (Mantilla, Fabian Espindola and Javier Morales), and he asked me if I had any need for a central defender, and I said no. I thought about it a little longer and I thought, 'Yeah, I do but next year.' When I saw his highlights and his DVD, I instantly was trying to figure out how I was going to get all three players because I feel he is that special ... I left there feeling like we had to get him."
It was not just Kreis' opinion that eventually led to the signing of Mantilla.
"When I came back and showed Robin Fraser (assistant coach) the DVD, who is probably one of the top three defenders in this league all-time. He was equally as convinced as I am. We are very happy so far with Matias," added Kreis.
It didn't take long for Mantilla to make his presence felt. In his first start for Real he scored the game's first goal just 40 seconds in. Fellow Argentinian and newly acquired Javier Morales sent in a corner kick. The ball bounced once before Mantilla headed it home.
"I was just making my run to the corner of the goal, and I was surprised the ball got to me," said Mantilla through a translator. "I put my head on it and it went in."
The early lead was unfamiliar territory for Salt Lake, and getting it seemed to bolster the whole team. It certainly helped improve the mood afterward as a driving force for the win.
"I was really happy to get the goal," added Mantilla. "You don't think about scoring so fast, but I was happier because we won the game."
It was not just his contribution on the scoreboard that had the coaches and teammates so excited about the possibilities with the new addition. His play and leadership in the back at his central defender position limited Kansas City's scoring chances even with the team throwing everything forward in the second half down two goals.
"I think we work pretty well together," said Eddie Pope. "I thought he was solid, and we can do good things together. The communication between each other was great, and we meshed well."
It was only one game, but with Mantilla and his two countrymen bolstering the RSL lineup, good things could happen from here.
"I am happy to be here and to play with such good players," Mantilla said. "I haven't seen a lot, but I can tell you this team doesn't deserve to be losing."
E-mail: mblack@desnews.com