Breaking into the professional game is difficult for young American players, with many variables shaping when — or if — opportunities arise. But for Zavier Gozo, one of the top Americans born in 2007, the coming months may offer chances to shine on major stages for both club and country.
In mid-July, the 18-year-old Gozo played all 90 minutes for Real Salt Lake in a 1-0 away win over the Portland Timbers that marked the club’s third win in a row and fourth win (along with a draw) in its previous five games. Once near the basement in the Western Conference, Real Salt Lake has climbed to 10th place and is now just one point from the last wild card spot and two points from the full playoffs.
In the final 11 games of the season, Gozo will have the chance to help his team into the playoffs and then play a role in the postseason.
For Real Salt Lake, Gozo is the latest promising young player to come through the organization’s pipeline. In the past, many of the Real Salt Lake homegrowns have come from the team’s academy branch in Arizona that was partnered with the Barca’s Residency Academy, but Gozo is a complete product of Utah.
Born in Salt Lake County, Gozo grew up in West Valley City. His father is from the Ivory Coast and played soccer but ended his career after getting injured in France. Gozo’s father relocated to Utah, where he met Gozo’s mother at a Utah Jazz game.
They started a family in Utah with Gozo and his older brother. Soccer was always important within the family as his father coached and his older brother also played in the Real Salt Lake Academy.
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