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Haji adjusts to life as a pro in San Jose

Noah Fleischman, Sports Editor

In front of more than 20,000 fans at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, former Rams midfielder Siad Haji wore a huge grin, waiting to enter the game in the 67th minute.

Haji, who was drafted second overall in this year’s MLS draft by the San Jose Earthquakes, was making his professional debut about 78 miles from where he grew up: Manchester, New Hampshire.

“It was like home,” Haji said. “Friends were there, coaches were there, family was there, so being able to make my debut was just amazing and life changing.