SANDY, Utah – There’s definitely a lot to like about Jordan Allen.
He’s fresh off his first career Major League Soccer goal, which also happened to be a game-winner in Real Salt Lake’s 2-1 victory Sunday over Toronto FC. It’s put the spotlight on both his origins as a Homegrown signing and the setback he suffered last year when his season-ending knee injury derailed what was supposed to be a break-out campaign for the rookie.
All things in due time, it turns out.
A native of Rochester, NY, Allen took a circuitous route to become RSL’s sixth Homegrown signing. With limited options to develop his skills close to home, Allen first attended the famed Bradenton, Fla., sports academy. Then his search to find a more intensive soccer environment pointed toward RSL’s Arizona Academy in Casa Grande.
“I had some friends that were from the east coast that had made the journey down to Arizona, and I talked with them a little bit,” Allen said. “I kind of got in contact with them, and next thing I knew I was in Casa Grande.”
Allen credits the academy for his development and specifically coach Freddy Juarez for having the biggest impact on his career. There is no question in his mind that he made the right decision.
“Oh yeah, 100 percent,” Allen said. “For me there’s not a ton of opportunities or places to go in the US as a youth player and really develop. I think Casa Grande is one of those few places. I loved Freddy Juarez. He, for me, was a huge part of my development. I'm always grateful to him because I think he really helped my game. Out of all of the coaches that I can think of, he’s had probably the most lasting impression on me.”
Allen is the type of player that coaches drool over. He is quick and skilled and has a quiet hunger that doesn’t allow him to get complacent or content.
That was put to the test two games into the 2014 season.
Allen had made consecutive game day rosters, and he looked bright and energetic in two substitute performances. But in his second appearance, just nine minutes into his professional career, Allen was tackled from behind, aggravating a previous knee injury. He went under the knife while 2014 went up in smoke.
“It was tough just because I had been on the path to sign for RSL for so long, after a few years,” Allen said. “When I did finally sign I was so excited to start my professional career. It started off great the first two games. I was making the 18. I was getting substitute appearances, and then to have the injury was a huge letdown.”
Allen explained that with the support of the coaching staff, his teammates and family back home it made it a bit easier. But he was still counting down the days until he could get on the field again.
Now that he is healthy again, the 19-year old is hoping great things are in store.
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“I feel good,” Allen said. “I feel physically probably the best I’ve felt even before my injury last year. My knee feels great. I feel stronger, faster. I’m just working really hard to do what I can to give myself the same opportunities that I was going to give myself last year.”
Allen announced his return emphatically Sunday night with his late game winner but is keeping things in perspective.
“Every time I’m in the 18, that’s an accomplishment for me at this point,” Allen said. “If I can keep doing that, come in off the bench and provide something for the team, once I’m doing that consistently and being effective when I am on the field, then I’ll maybe think about trying to push for a starting spot. But for me, right now it’s just to play my role on the team and stay healthy.”
