Something has clicked.
Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna can feel it.
And after scoring goals in each of his last three matches, everyone knows it, too.
“I think it’s personal,” Luna said when asked about his recent run. “Mentally I’ve been more positive with myself. And I’ve had the motivation of my new son. It’s changed the way I’ve been thinking.”
Now the 20-year-old Luna, who last weekend became the youngest RSL player to ever score in a playoff game, is trying to set an example for more than just his baby boy.
Facing a potential elimination game at home against Houston on Monday, RSL coach Pablo Mastroeni believes his young midfielder can set the tone the team needs to force a Game 3.
“Sometimes it takes a while for a young player to grow into his own,” the coach said. “I’ve seen in the last three games a transformation in Diego.”
Luna’s 54th-minute goal in Houston was a momentary cause for joy, but Mastroeni has been most impressed with the other parts of Luna’s game. The transformation has not been in Luna’s attacking capabilities, the coach said, “but in the commitment he has to the team and doing all the little things to help everyone out.”
Perhaps that’s why Luna looked so deflated last Sunday evening, despite his goal.
“I think it felt like another goal,” he said. “Of course you’re happy when you score goals … but the most important thing is the result. My goal means nothing if we don’t get three points.”
In a 2-1 defeat, Luna provided the equalizer but was also involved in a messy clearance that led to the Dynamo’s game-winner.
“I think we can be more organized,” he said. “There were silly mistakes on that goal. Losing the ball in our defensive third is something we don’t need to mess around with.”
Luna said he would study the film and be better prepared for the series’ second game.
Mastroeni is confident the youngster will be ready.
“Scoring in three consecutive games is monumental for young player,” the RSL coach said. “He’s showing a lot of leadership out on the field. His communication, his positioning. His decisions are getting better and better.
“I’m super proud of the young man. I think he’s put a lot of work in the last year to take advantage of these moments and now we just need the rest of the group to follow.”
Real Salt Lake vs. Houston Dynamo
When: Monday, 7 p.m.
Where: America First Field
Watch: Apple TV
Houston leads the best-of-three series 1-0
