In 2002, Clint Mathis had the soccer world by the hair. He had been offered a contract by Bayern Munich, and had appeared on the covers of Sports Illustrated and ESPN the Magazine. He seemed on the verge of a breakthrough World Cup, in which he scored a goal in a 1-1 tie with the co-host South Korea.

But Mathis never made the fulfilling leap to Europe that his career's trajectory promised. Instead Mathis bounced from club to club, both abroad and at home, including a much-criticized second stint with Bruce Arena's N.Y. Red Bulls. Now Mathis is in Real Salt Lake for the second time.

But he feels more settled this time around. He is married and has a son. Also, he has lost 10 to 15 pounds, according to Real Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis, and 7 to 8 percent of his body fat. In Salt Lake, Mathis hopes to win a championship and have his son watch him play. Read the original story...