Some hardcore Real Salt Lake fans may not recognize Justen Glad when he takes the field for the Claret-and-Cobalt in 2016. It’s not just a jersey number change that will have people doing a double-take at the 18-year-old defender, though, as Glad has packed considerable muscle to his frame since the end of the 2015 season.
With the help of Presley Okobia and Dan Barlow, Glad started a new workout plan while recovering from off-season knee surgery that included significant changes in his diet as well. While most might embrace his new meal plan that saw him eating salmon by the plateful, Glad had a different perspective.
“They had me eating like a horse,” said the formerly slight Homegrown signing from 2014. “It was awful.”
Glad described eating a half-pound each of salmon and broccoli for regular meals throughout the winter months to help him pack on weight. In addition to his strength training with some cardio worked in, he came back to camp looking like he had grown into the center back position he targets playing more in the new season.
In 2015, his first full season in the league, Glad played nine matches across all competitions, earning eight starts for Real Salt Lake. He also made seven starts with Real Monarchs SLC in the USL, totaling 1,236 minutes between the two clubs.
The highlight for him came when he made his first start for RSL, making a move to right back in a match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC and acquitting himself quite well against the speedy wingers in Vancouver’s offense. Like he had in so many other instances in his short time with the team, he deferred to Tony Beltran for advice on how to handle the situation.
“I just listened to Tony. Going into the game, he gave me some pointers. Throughout the season, all the older veteran players are all super helpful, so going into the game I felt really good,” said Glad. “It wasn’t too difficult to make that change given all the support around me.”
For all of his successes in his first full season, Glad knows there is much more to be had at the pro level and now looks to take the next step in 2016.
Head Coach Jeff Cassar can already see a new player emerging in Glad.
“I just see someone who is a little stronger, a little more confident, a little bit more presence,” Cassar said. “When I look at him, he belongs here. This is going to be a big year for him to start pushing for minutes and 18s and starting.”
Glad and RSL are in the midst of preseason training camp in Oceanside, California, and will take on San Diego State University in the first preseason match on Saturday at the SoCal Sports Complex.
To hear Glad on the Claret and Cobalt Daily podcast, listen below.
