I’m grateful to be here, and I hope to be a part of this institution for many years and represent the club’s colors well. – Elias Vasquez
SANDY — Adjusting to a new country is tough for anyone anywhere: New culture. New language. New way of life.
Add to this being away from family because of work and for the betterment of your family’s future, and you have what many people in America have to adjust to and face.
For Real Salt Lake rookie defender Elias Vasquez, leaving his family in his native Guatemala to play in Major League Soccer has been difficult. But the first-year center back knows this is the opportunity he’s dreamed of, and his success will benefit himself and his loved ones.
Utah and RSL have been good to Vasquez, making his adjustment to life in America that much easier.
“I feel happy,” said Vasquez about being in Utah for these past few months. “The state of Utah has welcomed me with open arms. I like being here.”
Vasquez is the second player from Guatemala to play for RSL. At 22 years of age, Vasquez is young but already has plenty of international playing experience.
“For such a young player, he’s very experienced. The club thought it was very important in finding that player,” said RSL coach Jeff Cassar when Vasquez signed in February. “We wanted a player that could stay with our team for a long time, and I think Elias fits that perfectly. He’s a young player in the national team for Guatemala. He’s a starter for his club team, and he has come in with a fantastic attitude.”
Vasquez, from Guatemala City, has earned 25 caps for the Guatemalan National Team since being called up for the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Prior to joining RSL, Vasquez played three seasons with Club Social y Deportivo Comunicaciones, the second-largest club in Guatemala. He later transferred to Club Social y Deportivo Dorados de Sinaloa in 2013-14, but his time there was short, as RSL came calling via transfer in February.
Vasquez has no family in Utah but says he has met people in the state who have become like his adopted family.
“For now, I’m alone. My family stayed in Guatemala, but I have met very special people in my life who have not only welcomed me into their home but also welcomed me into their heart," he said. Vasquez spoke with the Deseret News in Spanish that has been translated to English by the writer. "It has served me to help me grow as a person and as a player. I’m grateful to be here, and I hope to be a part of this institution for many years and represent the club’s colors well.”
RSL has been plagued with injuries this season. Defender Chris Schuler is out for 4-6 weeks after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus. In his first season with RSL, Vasquez has started five games at center back in Schuler's place — one more that Schuler. Against the defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy last Wednesday night, Vasquez was one of the bright spots. His clearances were spot-on, and he looked comfortable in the spotlight.
“I’ve felt very good in the games I’ve played,” said Vasquez. “I’m grateful to the entire coaching staff headed by Jeff Cassar, who has had confidence in me. It’s something that, as a player, fills you with pride.”
For being a first-year player, Vasquez has looked comfortable on the pitch, as if he has been playing for RSL and in the MLS for years. Still, he said he has more to learn in order to grow as a player.
“I know I need to improve on a lot of things. Little by little, I’ve adapted to the rhythm and physical demand of the league, but I’ve felt really good in these first few games. I’ve given the best of me, and I want to earn the admiration of the fans, the respect of my teammates and make a name for myself in this league.”
Family is vital for Vasquez. With him being away from his family, he makes sure he takes time out of each day to call his family.
“I think it’s important to have good communication with your family. They are the only ones that stick by you in the good times and in the bad times," he said. "For me, it’s important to keep that good communication. It’s tough at times with me being over here and them far away, but I come here with lots of goals to accomplish, one of which is to make a name for myself in this league and to keep representing my country.”
Success is important for Vasquez on a professional level. He said he knows that his success can lead to more of his countrymen playing in the MLS.
“For us Guatemalans, it’s difficult for us to leave our land and play in this league, but the majority of us who’ve played here have been successful," he said. "I know I can grow more as a player. I’m here representing 15 million Guatemalans who are following my work here.”
If he is called up to join his national team for this summer’s Gold Cup tournament, Vasquez said he’d be honored to represent his country in the region’s biggest tournament.
“If I’m called up to the national team, I’ll go with humility, which has been one of my characteristics," he said. "I’ll support my teammates. To the younger players who want to listen to my advice, I’ll give them advice.”
While he said he is excited for what his future may hold, he stays humble and knows to focus on the now.
“On a personal level, I’m really enthusiastic with what’s up ahead this year. Thank God I’ve had success here at Real Salt Lake. Later come big challenges like the Gold Cup. Before that, we have friendly matches against Mexico and Uruguay," he said. "We have the World Cup qualification tie — on the road to Russia 2018 — against Bermuda that will be 180 minutes of life or death.
"I think for us on a national team level, we are focused on what’s ahead. But first, I am focused on here, with Real Salt Lake. Later on and Lord willing, I will focus on whatever the future holds.”
Xoel CÀrdenas, MA, is a writer with Deseret News: Sports. Xoel is also a FC Barcelona columnist at SB Nation and a columnist at Fox Deportes. Follow him on Twitter @XoelCardenas.