Pablo Mastroeni Develops Character Through Passion & Daily Hustle

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A lot has been said on how the 2020 Real Salt Lake team fell apart late in the season due to a disheveled environment. RSL Assistant Coach Pablo Mastroeni was hired before the 2021 season to help rebuild the culture within the organization.

Thus far, a month and a half into the season, RSL has endured adversity far smoother than they did a year ago. Mastroeni is a big reason why.

Utah’s Passion For The World Game

“Football without passion is just another game,” Mastroeni told KSL Sports Tom Hackett. “What makes this game really unique is the type of feeling you get when you step on the field, whether its training or playing, so for me, it’s coaching, playing, living, with a passion that I feel here in Salt Lake.”

The man. The myth. The legend.

On July 4, we will retire the first jersey number in club history: Pablo Mastroeni’s number 25.

— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) May 28, 2021

Mastroeni believes that the small details are vital in developing players. Every day is a day in which any individual can grow and better themselves. The players that understand the importance of working every day are generally the players that perform the best when the bright lights shine.

Every Day Grind

“I think as a player you have to be the best you can be today,” Mastroeni said. “It is really about the mindset of grinding every day, putting in the work, and the little incremental progress that you make will be seen in the future but it has got to be done today,” he added.

Mastroeni has proven in just a short time that his presence is being felt in the locker room. The team has played well so far in 2021, yet, has left points on the pitch in their last four fixtures. The positive energy, despite the disappointment, has been evident and was clearly missing throughout last year’s campaign.

Furthermore, Mastroeni credits the state of Utah for being passionate about the game. He has enjoyed his first few months in Utah simply due to the passion and energy that the game brings the state. From the coaching staff to the front office and fans; Utah is a state that understands and respects the game of soccer which is vital for the club’s success, Mastroeni believes.

The Hallowed Grounds

To follow The Hallowed Grounds every week, be sure to tune into KSL 5 TV every Sunday evening at 10 p.m. The segment is featured as part of Sportsbeat, KSL’s weekly television sports show hosted by Jeremiah Jensen and Sam Farnsworth.