Since the team’s got a bit of down time here, we thought now would be the perfect time to give everyone a little introduction to the newest member of the RSL roster, Robbie Russell. We threw a few questions his way and thought you’d like to check out what he had to say…

Behind the Shield: What made you decide to come back to the U.S. and to Real Salt Lake?

Robbie Russell: I had been approached by RSL 6 months earlier and unfortunately, at the time, my situation didn’t allow for a change. But then over this past summer, my wife and I decided that we were ready for a move back to the States, and to our delight Salt Lake was still interested. I came down here on a trial 2 months ago and was completely blown away by the facilities and the coaching staff and the general enthusiasm surrounding the team. I couldn’t wait to jump on board!

BTS: What family ties do you have to Utah?

RR: My in-laws lived in Salt Lake City 25 years ago before moving to California… and ever since they have been frequent visitors, up until they decided to buy a retirement home in the area.

BTS: What do you think of soccer’s development in this country?

RR: The United States has the largest youth soccer system of any country in the world, but it seems as if we lose many of our players to the more well-known and higher profile sports that proliferate in this country – i.e. basketball, football, baseball, etc. – as they grow past the youth stages and move into professional athletics. With the continued success of MLS, I think we will succeed in keeping a hold on more of these players as they turn into professional athletes and thereby tap into a large talent pool. The United States has the best athletes in the world, and if we can get more of them playing soccer past their youth level experience then we would have the potential to create a true powerhouse in the global world of soccer.

BTS: As a player who has spent his entire career abroad, what do you know about the style and quality of play in MLS?

RR: Not too much… Most of my experience with the league has been through talks I have had with other MLS players. Prior to my decision to come back to the U.S. I had a lot of talks with players I knew in the league and tried to gauge their experiences. The general opinion I gathered was that the league has very high quality players and that their style of play tends to be more heavily influenced by South America than Europe.

BTS: What was it like competing in the Champions League?

RR: My most amazing soccer memories to date!! There is nothing like stepping into a Champions League arena with the Champions League anthem playing in the background and the roar of the crowd. It still makes my heart flutter when I hear that song while watching games on television.

BTS: Who is the best player you have competed against?

RR: Patrick Viera when he was with Arsenal… I’ve never seen someone play soccer in such a way that it seems effortless. At his peak, the center of the pitch was his to command and every play seemed to work its way through him with what seemed to be a modicum of effort.

BTS: Have you ever competed against any current RSL or MLS players?

RR: There have been a few. One in particular that stands out is Dema Kovalenko. He was on the National Championship team for Indiana when I played for Duke.

BTS: If you have competed against current RSL players, what do you remember about playing against them?

RR: I remember the Indiana team of 97′ having several foreign players on it and Dema being one of them. I think we played them in the Duke Open tournament early on in the year. I was a freshman and I definitely remember losing!!

BTS: It has been well publicized that you are capable of playing a wide range of positions, but what is your preferred spot on the field?

RR: I have had the most experience playing as a right back, but have also had stints as an offensive midfielder, defensive midfielder, outside midfielder, and center back. I’ve always seen myself as a midfielder though.

BTS: Who would win in a fight, you or Jamison Olave?

RR: I can’t really see that happening, as he’s one of the quietest, nicest guys on the team.