Apologies for the lack of updates today. I've been under the weather. But there is some news out there:
Lot's of things happening on the WCQ qualifying front:
WCQ at Rio Tinto Stadium
First of all, Real Salt Lake announced today that it has been awarded a World Cup Qualifier at Rio Tinto Stadium. The match will take place on September 5th against El Salvador. Season ticket holders will have the opportunity for a first shot at tickets.
The match is not likely to have alot of consequence in Concacaf qualifying because of it's position in the schedule, and the fact that the two teams occupy opposite ends of the power spectrum in the Concacaf region. However, despite that it will likely be an event not to be missed. Having attended the previous Qualifier held against Costa Rica at Rice Eccles, I'm sure it will be a similar electric atmosphere and a chance to show off the fantastic stadium on ESPN2 to all of the followers of the US National Team.
US -vs- Mexico Qualifier
Wednesday night at Crew Stadium in Columbus will see the US take on El Tri in a renewal of the intense rivalry between the two bordering countries. Make no mistake, these two teams just don't like each other. The match may be a bit less competitive due to some missing faces from the Mexico lineup. See this positional analysis courtesy of Goal.com and this preview on Fox Sports.
Real Salt Lake Roster Tidbits
Keepin' It Real has learned that Luis Escalada was not offered a contract before coming to camp. Although some discussions had taken place, the team was not willing to put pen to paper without seeing him in action in the teams training camp. It's unknown what the exact status is, but I suspect this will unfold over the next couple of weeks.
It is also thought to be likely that Rachid El-Khalifi who is currently under contract with SC Cambuur in the Dutch Eerste Divisie will return to his club after the end of this weeks preseason stint in California. However, that doesn't mean we won't see him in an RSL kit. One possibility is that RSL may choose to try to bring him in during the summer window when his contract has expired with his current club. Presumably RSL has/or will file a discovery on the player if they like what they see.
Michael C. Lewis poses a question first raised here at Keepin' it Real: Despite being currently in camp, will Ian Joy be around for all or even part of this season? From a discussion I had with Ian last fall I know that he is homesick and wants to be closer to his daughter, but he also expressed disatisfaction with his financial situation. His comments at media day seem to indicate that these issues still persist. My guess?: he won't be around at the start of the season, and if he is it will only last until another opportunity comes up as teams in Europe re-tool at the beginning of the summer. But that's just my speculation.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
WCQ/RSL Roster/Escalada
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Jean Alexandre
They say that first impressions are important, and if that's the case I can see why Garth Lagerway and Jason Kreis decided to draft Jean Alexandre. The 5'11", 190 pounder from tiny Lynn University may lack the pedigree of some of the other top picks, but he is built like a brick house and he is as humble and down-to-earth as you could ask for.
The pick was the #2 player on RSL's draft board (behind Michael Lahoud who was selected at #9 by Chivas). In addition, the RSL staff is convinced that he would have been selected shortly after #12 if RSL had not snatched him up, likely by LA at #19. Jason Kreis mentioned that many teams commented to him after the draft that they were prepared to select him with their next selection. It's also clear that his physical ability and versatility, as well as backgound checks were important factors in his selection. Kreis explained that his work ethic, and somewhat still raw ability leave him with a huge upside.
In addition, with small roster sizes and the constraints of the salary cap it's crucial to have players that can play several positions and Alexandre can play just about all of them. Below is a transcript of the Q&A session. This was done in a roundtable format with Michael C. Lewis and myself peppering him with questions (with one snuck in by Trey Fitzgerald).
Lewis: You were a young boy when you came from Haiti. How was that?
Alexandre: Just simple immigration. My father came two years before us, established himself and then got all of us to come over.
Lewis: What did he do for a living?
Alexandre: Oh, he was a garbage man.
Davis: How old were you when you came over?
Alexandre: Nine.
Lewis: He went straight to Florida?
Alexandre: Yes.
Lewis: I assume you played soccer as a young boy.
Alexandre: Yes, Haiti unlike the other islands was colonized by France, and France don't play cricket so soccer was the sport that was brought over to us. The super, super wealthy play like tennis, but the majority play soccer.
Davis: So how did you end up at Lynn University?
Alexandre: Through high school, and played club soccer in the area and that's how I got known around the area.
Lewis: We are told that you can play just about any position, which do you prefer?
Alexandre: Center mid, because you get more of the ball and you kind of direct traffic. Sometimes if the game needs slowed down you slow it down, if the pace needs to be higher, then you speed it up.
Davis: Any sense of where you fit in with this team?
Alexandre: To be honest I feel like a question like that is the coaches choice.
Kreis: We are going to start off with him in the midfield.
Davis: Your last season you played a lot at forward, was that just a need with that team.
Alexander: Yeah, we recently got a new coach and he didn't have time to recruit a center forward, so I played that position.
Lewis: How much had you known about RSL or Major League Soccer before?
Alexandre: I knew quite a lot because some of the games are televised on ESPN and I had access to watch the games.
Davis: When it came to the draft, did you know of the interest by RSL?
Alexandre: Yeah, I knew that they were interested. When it happened I was still shocked. I don't know my reaction, I didn't know if I was happy, sad or what. I was just frozen. It was really one of those moments, you know.
Davis: So were you expected to be picked in the first round?
Alexandre: No, I knew they had shown interest in me. It was still like a surprise to me.
Davis: Were there other clubs that were interested?
Alexandre: Yeah, before the combine there were other clubs that were interested: San Jose, Colorado, and during the combine LA Galaxy started getting interested and then the Kansas City Wizards were interested too.
Fitzgerald: What's the combine like when you are playing with like 60 guy's and you're playing with different pieces everyday, do you think it's difficult to be evaluated?
Alexandre: It's difficult but at the same time coaches just look for the simple thing. I think sometimes the mistakes that these guys make they try to make the difficult pass, and over-impress and sometimes they get a bad look I guess.
Lewis: What do you think you most impressed these coaches with?
Alexandre: I don't know. I wouldn't say that the combine was the best football that I played. I thought I did okay. I think the game that I played against them (RSL –vs- Lynn scrimmage in 2008 preseason) – I played good against them. I was excited to play against a professional team, and RSL are a good team. I was focused. I think that performance I did good enough to get their interest.
Davis: What strengths do you think you bring to potentially help this team?
Alexandre: I would say my physical presence in midfield. I'm a real good ball winner. I can win balls in the air, on the ground, just my physical presence.
Davis: What about are there some weaknesses that you need to work on at this level?
Alexandre: Oh I have so many of them. Everytime I look in the mirror I never see a perfect guy. I never really like credit myself. I'm probably one of the hardest persons who judge themselves. I have so much weaknesses. It's kind of embarrassing to name them all right here.
Lewis: You must not have that many, they drafted you in the first round.
Alexandre: I feel that I do. I feel there is so much room for improvement.
Davis: Do you know any of the current players on RSL?
Alexandre: Yeah, I'm pretty familiar with the guys on the team. These guys are not first year players. These guys have been in the league and I'm familiar with them. They have talent.
Davis: Are you ready to make the move to this weather?
Alexandre: I have to be. I cannot live my whole life in Florida. This is my first time seeing snow, and so far I like it. {Davis: That doesn't last long.} {Kreis: oh yes it does. I love the snow.}
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Today's Updates: Tuesday July 29, 2008
RSL Takes Four-Point Lead in West -> Goal.com
In what was a rare Monday night game at Rice Eccles stadium, the script seemed well-written. Real Salt Lake managed to extend its unbeaten streak at home by outscoring Toronto FC 2-1 in front of an announced crowd of 12,319.
RSL avoid late-match meltdown -> MLSnet/John Coon
But Robbie Findley refused to let the game become the latest to get away from Real in the closing minutes. Findley keyed a 2-1 RSL victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Monday night when he stuck a dagger in the Reds' comeback hopes with a spectacular game-winning goal in the 87th minute.
Summertime Fun: RSL 2 - Toronto FC 1 -> RSL.theoffside.com/Akeem Samuels
The game was scoreless until the 63rd minute when the Colombian, Jamison Olave headed in a beautiful cross from 20 yards away, past Toronto FC Goalkeeper Greg Sutton. However after an unnecessary take down by Olave in the 83rd minute, Toronto’s Amado Guevara directed a free kick into the top left corner pocket to bring the game at 1-all. In the dying minutes, Robbie Findley put a Sutton deflection into to the net to extend the team’s points lead over Houston and Los Angeles to 4, extend the team’s home unbeaten streak to 11, and going into this unprecedented 18 day team break on a high note.
Real Salt Lake: Real-ly above .500 after Monday night win -> Deseret News/James Edward
"To give away a goal late in the game and to react the way they did makes me incredibly proud ... to not only be leading this group but to feel like I'm part of this group," said Kreis.
Real Salt Lake defender Olave is hitting his stride in time -> Deseret News/Dan Rasmussen
"He's been nothing short of spectacular," said RSL's coach.
Real Salt Lake notes: Russell makes quick debut for RSL -> Deseret News/James Edward
"It was just that first chance to get a feel for the league and what the play is like, and we got a win so I can't complain," said Russell. "It was definitely interesting getting used to that turf. It was only my second day on the turf."
RSL: RSL's win keeps home spotless -> Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
Just when it looked as if Real Salt Lake would end its first home game as a first-place team the same discouraging way it finished so many others while languishing in last, Robbie Findley slid to the rescue.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Gameday: RSL -vs- Chicago
INJURY REPORTS:CHI - OUT: FW Andy Herron (concussion); DF Dasan Robinson (R ankle
sprain); FW Calen Carr (L knee sprain); DOUBTFUL: DF Gonzalo Segares (L
mid-foot sprain); PROBABLE: MF Brian Plotkin (SI dysfunction) …
strain); QUESTIONABLE: MF Nathan Sturgis (L hamstring strain); PROBABLE:
DF Tony Beltran (L adductor), DF Ian Joy (R hamstring), MF Alex Nimo
(R hip flexor strain), GK Kyle Reynish (R hamstring strain)
RSL: RSL looks to get rolling on road -> Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
Sunday, July 13, 2008
FIRST PLACE!!!
Real Salt Lake notes: New starters provide spark -> Deseret News/James Edward
"It was really just looking Kenny and Robbie in the eye and seeing they were getting a little bit frustrated," said Kreis. "I know from my history of being a goal-scorer that it can become very mentally fatiguing, and I thought those two they needed a break, and I also thought that Yura and Tino over the past couple of weeks have deserved the opportunity."
Columbus at RSL player grades -> DNews Blog/James Edward
RSL: From worst to first -> Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
One hundred and ten games and 1,197 days since the team played its first game in Major League Soccer, after the arrival and departure of 51 players, the reconstruction of a coaching staff and front office, and a long public battle over the construction of a new stadium, the team has finally reached first place.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
GAMEDAY: Columbus at Real Salt Lake
INJURY REPORT:
REAL SALT LAKE - OUT: FW Fabian Espíndola (L MCL sprain), MF Brennan
Tennelle (L adductor strain); DOUBTFUL: MF Nathan Sturgis (L hamstring
strain); PROBABLE: MF Dema Kovalenko (R cervical strain) …
COLUMBUS CREW - OUT: DF Gino Padula (L hamstring strain); QUESTIONABLE:
MF Eddie Gaven (L ankle sprain)
Week 16 Preview Part Deux - SuperLiga et al -> MLS.TheOffside.com/Travis
Impressively enough, Real has remained undefeated at Rice Eccles, taking advantage of the turf situation. Makes me wonder if once they move out they’ll start losing on a more consistent basis.
Game Preview: Crew at Real Salt Lake -> The Columbus Dispatch/Shawn Mitchell
How it might play out: Robbie Rogers hasn't scored for Columbus since May 10, but the recent play of Emmanuel Ekpo on the right flank might draw some attention away from the young left winger. If Rogers is allowed to get into space and Guillermo Barros Schelotto is on his game, expect the Crew to add to the five points it has earned in three previous trips to Utah.
Real Salt Lake game day -> Deseret News
RSL is in a third-place tie in the Western Conference with Houston but can move into first with a win ... This is the fourth chance it has had to take over first in the West this year with a win, but it has failed to score a goal all three games ... RSL defender Chris Wingert is suspended because of last week's red card ... RSL striker Kenny Deuchar will earn an automatic one-game suspension with his next yellow card ... Forward Fabian Espindola (knee) is still out, while Nathan Sturgis (hamstring) is doubtful.
Real Salt Lake takes aim at first place again -> Deseret News/James Edward
"We're going to win tomorrow. The team's confident," said Kovalenko. "Fourth time, we've got to take it. I don't know if it's going to happen again."
RSL: Morales hoping for All-Star slot -> Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
Javier Morales said he would like to be chosen for the Major League Soccer All-Star Game later this month, but the Real Salt Lake midfielder knows it won't be an easy accomplishment.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Daily Update: July 9, 2008
RSL: RSL looking to kick-start offense -> Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
But considering that RSL - for all its recent sniping at the referees - has scored only three goals in its past six Major League Soccer games, coach Jason Kreis is viewing it as a game that potentially gets his team into a rhythm again as it fights for the first playoff appearance in its four-year history. "Maybe somebody figures out how to score in that . . . game, and that just follows through to Saturday and then we get on a little bit of a roll," Kreis ventured.
RSL to host Major League Soccer's All-Star Game -> Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
With construction of its new stadium nearly complete, Real Salt Lake and Major League Soccer will announce today that the team will host the annual MLS All-Star Game next season. Sources close to the decision confirmed it, though team and league officials declined to comment Tuesday; they are holding a news conference today at 10:30 a.m. at the stadium in Sandy to make their announcement.
Real Salt Lake: Offense may need friendly fire -> Deseret News/James Edward
RSL coach Jason Kreis believes his team is creating enough opportunities, but the confidence just isn't there to finish them off. He's hoping a visit from Mexican club Santos Laguna for tonight's international friendly at Rice-Eccles Stadium helps cure the scoring rut.
Real Salt Lake: Long-shot Nunez showing he belongs -> Deseret News/James Edward
For players bypassed in the more prestigious SuperDraft, they have approximately a 50 percent chance of making an MLS roster their first year. Within two years, there's about a 15 percent chance they'll even still be around. Real Salt Lake forward Tino Nunez is hoping to defy those daunting odds.
MLS to bring '09 All-Stars to Salt Lake -> Deseret News
Real Salt Lake is expected to announce at a press conference this morning that it will host the 2009 MLS All-Star game at its new stadium in Sandy. RSL will hold the press conference at 10:30 a.m. inside its 20,000-seat stadium, which is under construction but expected to be usable later this year. Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. will be on hand, as well as owner Dave Checketts, MLS president Mark Abbott and local politicians.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Daily Update: Thursday July 3, 2008
REAL SALT LAKE - OUT: FW Fabian Espíndola (L MCL sprain); MF Nathan
Sturgis (L hamstring strain); MF Brennan Tennelle (L adductor strain); PROBABLE:
FW Yura Movsisyan (R meniscus surgery) …
DF Pat Ianni (R shoulder sprain); MF Richard Mulrooney (R knee swelling)
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Daily Update: June 28, 2008
INJURY REPORTS
KANSAS CITY WIZARDS -OUT: MF Kevin Souter (MCL sprain), QUESTIONABLE:
MF Kerry Zavagnin (foot strain); PROBABLE: FW Ivan Trujillo (ankle
sprain) …
REAL SALT LAKE - OUT: MF Nathan Sturgis (L hamstring strain);
FW Fabian Espíndola (L knee contusion); QUESTIONABLE: FW Yura
Movsisyan (R meniscus surgery); FW Robbie Findley (concussion)
(injury reports and projected lineup courtesy of RSL Communications)
Real Salt Lake: Win would vault Real into first place -> Deseret News/James Edward
Sitting in second place in the Western Conference, Real Salt Lake is quickly shedding the losing culture that plagued the franchise the first three years. There's legitimate talk of playoffs as the club prepares to move into its new stadium in the final month of the 2008 season.
RSL: Worst to first? -> Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
Since sitting one loss away from last place in all of Major League Soccer, RSL has executed what could turn out to be a season-saving turnaround by building a franchise-record five-game unbeaten streak. And if they can extend the streak by winning at slumping Kansas City tonight, RSL will vault over the glamorous Los Angeles Galaxy - for one day, at least - and into first place in the MLS Western Conference for the first time in their history.
Streaking RSL invade K.C. -> MLSNet
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Home Sweet Home
- Great outcome but should have been expected. Temporarily puts us 3 games out of 1st in the West. A word of caution though - we are just starting a phase heavy on home games. We are undefeated in 5 home games this season. We NEED to win these due to the inability we have shown to pick up points on the road.
- Kreis indicated that an article in todays newspaper (presumably Michael C. Lewis' article yesterday actually) may have provided motivation for the team.
- Chris Wingert: good game getting forward and helping to create havoc in the final 3rd. Was this elevated play on his behalf or just a result of him having more freedom due to San Jose's inability to put pressure on RSL's defense?
- Javier Morales: Man of the match. Probably best match of the season. Scored a goal and an assist to put him in the league lead in that category.
- Robbie Findley: Break out game or anomoly? The goal he scored was a solid strike (although I'm a bit surprised that Cannon didn't get a hand on it. He showed decent touch and actually did something with the ball on several occasions.
- Fabian Espindola: reportedly left the game with a slight injury. Appeared visibily upset on the sideline, and was dressed and exiting the stadium within about 3 minutes of the end of the match. Is there something beyond the injury at play here?
- Kenny Deuchar and Ryan Cochrane had an emotional, heated personal battle that lasted throughout the match.
- Word on the street is that the Leo that appeared at the match was an imposter.
MLS POSTGAME QUOTE SHEET (courtesy RSL communications)
REAL SALT LAKE 3 : 1 SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2008
RICE-ECCLES STADIUM – SALT LAKE CITY, UT
REAL SALT LAKE FW ROBBIE FINDLEY
On the flow of the game:
“The first half was a little bit sloppy, we didn’t have a real good flow of the game. But for the second half we got a little talking [in the locker room], got us riled up and we went out and played like we wanted to.”
On the pressure to win:
“We knew we had to get (the win), but we’re at home, we’ve been doing well at home so far, so we just had to go out there and keep doing the same thing we’ve been doing and be able to hold them for 90 minutes.”
REAL SALT LAKE FW KENNY DEUCHAR
On the play of Robbie Findley:
“I’ve got to hand it to Robbie, he came into the game and started the game for us with a goal and an assist. He was excellent for us today.”
On RSL’s home-field advantage:
“It’s real important when you play in any league that your home form is good. That’s obviously five games, six if you include the Open Cup game, that we’re undefeated at home. We’ve got a lot of good wins right here as well. We’ve got to concentrate on keeping this place a very had place to come to. Teams don’t like coming here, and if they know we are good at home they’re going to like it even less.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH FRANK YALLOP
On what happened after the good start:
“We did well in the first half and came into halftime nil-nil, which away from home is what you try to do. Obviously a goal would’ve been good but we didn’t even really look like scoring the first half. It’s just disappointing the goals that went in, the first one was a good goal, it was a good strike by [Robbie] Findley, the second one looked a little easy but I’d have to look at them on tape. It’s always a little difficult to figure out.”
On playing in Salt Lake City three times in seven weeks:
“I’m not in love with the field to be honest; it was a terrible game to watch. The first half was awful. It’s just tough for our players to come and play on it, that’s hard. We play them in a couple weeks and we better be ready for that one. We had the Open Cup and we conceded four goals and tonight three, so we need to make sure we’re ready for the next game.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MF RAMIRO CORRALES:
On the Earthquakes’ performance tonight:
“I think we did a good job in the first half. We were very compact and did a good job, but I think we lost our shape a little bit in the second half and then they scored the first goal and it was pretty much over after that. It felt like we started dragging a little more after the first one, and then they got the second, and then the third, and it’s tough after that.”
On missing key players:
“I think the guys that came in for the other guys did A-OK. I don’t think it was that [missing key players], I think we just lost it a little bit in the second half.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES DF NICK GARCIA:
On starting strong and falling apart:
“We fell asleep. In the first half we were fortunate for Joe [Cannon] to come up big on that penalty kick, and the second half was just a luckless effort and we were punished for it. The steady slippery slope began from that point on and we were punished. I don’t think Salt Lake’s three goals better than us. We’ve given up seven goals in the past two games; the one was an Open Cup (game), so I don’t really count that, but they were the better team tonight.”
On what San Jose can take from this result::
“We’ve just got to get it going from the beginning. It just can’t be one of those things where they score a goal or two and then we get going. We’ve had a little bit of a roller coaster ride in the beginning of the season, with some wins and some ties and some losses, and for us we’ve gotta get the ship on course. We’re almost a third of the way through the season, so for us we’ve gotta get some results; whether it’s home or away we need to start winning because losing is never fun. We’ve got to get that bitter taste out of our mouth and make the most of it.”
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Daily Update: Saturday May 24, 2008
Injury ReportFC DALLAS - OUT: DF David Wagenfuhr (concussion); MF Dax McCarty
(hernia) …
REAL SALT LAKE - OUT: FW Yura Movsisyan (R meniscus surgery),
MF Nathan Sturgis (L hamstring strain); DOUBTFUL: MF Javier
Morales (R adductor strain); QUESTIONABLE: DF Ian Joy (L ankle bone
spur); PROBABLE: FW Fabian Espíndola (R ankle contusion), MF Alex Nimo
(R quad strain), MF Brennan Tennelle (R intercostal/rib strain), DF Chris
Wingert (R gluteal strain)
HEADLINES
No time to lose for FC Dallas' replacement coach -> Dallas Morning News/Diego Aparacio
Marco Ferruzzi, appointed Tuesday as interim coach, will try to deliver FC Dallas' first win since April 20 against Real Salt Lake. A home game Wednesday against two-time defending champion Houston and a road game a week from Sunday at Colorado complete what could be the most crucial stretch of the season.
Real Salt Lake: Kreis says Dallas firing too hasty -> Deseret News/James Edward
"From our standpoint, from a coach's standpoint, you'd say that seems to be a pretty hasty decision for a team that was first place in a our conference a couple weeks ago," said Kreis, who spent the majority of his playing career with Dallas. "All teams take a little bit of time to establish their identity and gel as a unit, and I'm sure Steve would feel the same way, that he wasn't afforded enough time."
RSL: Wins on the road still far away -> Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
Kreis said there's no particular problem, though, that has prevented RSL from faring better on the road. "I really can't put my finger on any particular one thing," he said. "If we can do all of the facets of the game a little bit better - be mentally a little bit better, tactically a little bit better, a little bit better defensively, one-on-one battles. Everything. A little bit sharper in front of the goal. I think we need to do just a little bit better in all the areas, but continue to do what we have been doing, because overall, I'd say our play has been pretty good."
Match Day 9: Real Salt Lake at FC Dallas - 3rdDegree.net/Jason Benfield
Things have changed a bit since the two teams met a couple of weeks ago, and not just from the obvious Dallas angle. After playing a 4-4-2 all season long, RSL came out in a 3-5-2 against Dallas before substituting Olave out in the first half and reverting back to their original formation. Against Colorado, they stuck with the 4-4-2 but it had a much more defensive feel to it. After starting the season displaying a very aggressive, attacking style of soccer, Kreis changed the look of the midfield and as a result did not press forward in numbers for the first time this season. I think we can probably expect a similar strategy against Dallas on Saturday.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Daily Update: Wednesday May 21, 2008
RSL: Defender Joy eager for return to lineup against Dallas -> Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
Defender Ian Joy returned to the practice field for Real Salt Lake this week, thrilled to finally be off the stationary rehab bicycle and poised to return to the lineup at FC Dallas on Saturday. Several of his teammates were not so fortunate, though. Midfielders Javier Morales and Nathan Sturgis remain "very questionable" to be available for the FC Dallas game, coach Jason Kreis said, because of lingering injuries. Striker Fabian Espindola is uncertain, too, and striker Yura Movsisyan is out for several weeks after having surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee, a team spokesman said.
Real Salt Lake: Team looks to shake road woes -> Deseret News/James Edward
Unbeaten at home, winless on the road, and just over a quarter of the season in the rearview mirror, a trend is starting to set in for Real Salt Lake — and it's not one that leads to the playoffs, either.
Steve Morrow Out as Dallas Coach -> Goal.com
“We have set high standards, expectations, and goals for this team and organization,” said FC Dallas General Manager Michael Hitchcock in a statement. “I feel that the team was not heading in the direction we had planned, and believe it is in the best interest of the club to make a coaching change at this time.”
Friday, May 16, 2008
Daily Update: Friday May 16, 2008
Real Salt Lake blows chance to climb to top of conference race -> Deseret News/James Edward
Three-quarters of the MLS season remains, but Real Salt Lake definitely missed a golden opportunity at putting its stamp on the Western Conference race Thursday night.
Real Salt Lake notes: By choice, Kreis sits in press box -> Deseret News/James Edward
"I really like being up there to see the shape and to see what adjustments need to be made," said Kreis
Real Salt Lake game at a glance -> Deseret News
RSL at Rapids Player Grades - DesNews Blog/James Edward
Colorado 2, RSL 0: RSL misses chance to take over 1st place - Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
"To be completely honest, I don't believe we deserve to be the first-place team in this conference," RSL coach Jason Kreis said. "We're not ready for that yet. . . . We're not ready. We don't deserve it. Hopefully, that opportunity will come again."
MLS: Colorado Goes Top with Win over RSL -> Goal.com
Colorado and Real Salt Lake have built a rivalry the old-fashioned way—playing tight, hotly contested matches. Thursday night’s edition of the Rocky Mountain derby was not different, as a contest as tight as a Bode Miller slalom finally broke in the 65th minute when Colorado’s Omar Cummings scored to give the home side the lead. Christian Gomez then iced things with an 83rd-minute penalty.
Rapids are best in the West -> Soccer America/Ridge Mahoney
RSL could have taken over first place with a win or stayed tied in second with a tie, but while head coach Jason Kreis sent out a fairly talented lineup, the pieces didn't seem to mesh. Sweat and spirit ran astray, and with Andy Williams spending far more time chasing Mastroeni than the reverse, his few effective touches came on corner kicks.
Cummings, Gomez lead Rapids past Real Salt Lake -> ESPNSoccernet
"(My goal) was simple," Cummings said. "The ball went to Colin (Clark) and I went straight into the box. It was a classic goal - the ball goes wide, is crossed in and then finished."
VIDEO: Match Recap -> ESPNSoccernet
RSL stumbles in opening leg of Cup -> MLSnet/Geoffrey Urland
Rapids Take Care of Real Salt Lake 2-0 -> ColoradoRapids.com
VIDEO: Match Highlights -> MLSnet
MLS POSTGAME QUOTE SHEET
(Courtesy RSL Communications)
COLORADO 2 : 0 REAL SALT LAKE
COLORADO RAPIDS
Head Coach Fernando Clavijo
“It was easy to see (Salt Lake’s) game plan. Their game plan was simple, they wanted to slow us down, counterattack and look to score on a set piece. It worked for them last time. When we play at home we try to be aggressive. I didn’t feel like we were that in the first half. The level of energy was not there is the beginning. We were too casual on the ball. In the second half our touches and our technique was much better. There was an improved energy. Something we mentioned at half was that the wing play was poor. In the second half Colin (Clark) and (Jacob) Peterson created more chances. You didn’t see (Chris) Wingert getting up on the wing. I was pleased with our young guys tonight, but also with the leadership of Pablo (Mastroeni). He played his third game in a row and has become more of a mentor to the young guys.”
Midfielder Pablo Mastroeni
“These games against Salt Lake are always interesting. The team who imposes their will on the other has the better chances. We came out of half time and wanted to find Christian (Gomez) as much as we could. He finds spaces and it is our job to get him the ball. With Christian being man marked, there is more space for me. It was a breath of fresh air, it was liberating. We also came out and had some good combo passing. In this formation (the 3-5-2) you have to keep the ball and I felt like we did that.”
Midfielder Colin Clark
“It’s easy out there when you have good forwards who can score. On this surface the ball can skip and it is easy for strikers to put it on net in their stride, defenders have a harder time redirecting it away from goal. Christian Gomez draws a lot of attention and is good on the ball. If you have forwards with pace in front of him and on the wings he can find them and be dangerous. There is a long way to go, but it is nice to be up there (in first place).”
Striker Omar Cummings
“In the first half I think we were a little stretched so we didn’t have the legs to finish things off. Coach said we had to come out harder. (My goal) was simple. The ball went to Colin (Clark) and I went straight into the box. It was a classic goal: the ball goes wide, is crossed in, and then finished.”
REAL SALT LAKE
Head Coach Jason Kreis
“I’m a little disappointed that we didn’t come out with a better mentality in the second half. Typically we have seen a team that responds well to half times and responds well in the second half and picks up their play. Tonight that wasn’t the case for us at all. I think there was a bit of sharpness that was lacking tonight. The play was a little bit loose all over the place. I think both teams could say the same thing. Maybe it is a little bit of fatigue. We have played a few games now in a couple of weeks so that may have played a part. This is the second team we have played with a 3-5-2. I don’t think that it gave us a whole lot of problems in the first half. The players may have been a little confused about what was going on. I think the players made a bigger deal out of it then it was. When you have a player like Christian (Gomez), you have to keep on idea of where he is at all times. Kenny (Cutler) was charged with the responsibility for keeping on eye on where Christian was.”
Midfielder Kyle Beckerman
“It was just two average teams and it got to a point where the first team to score was going to win the game. They got it, they were sharp at the start of the second half and they got rewarded for it. (The first half) was solid, both sides weren’t very dangerous. It was kind of a stalemate, and then it kind of continued, but they we sharp and we were sloppy. The 3-5-2 caught us off guard. It isn’t really X’s and O’s on defense, there is some gray area and that kind of confused us for some reason.”
Midfielder Andy Williams
“We limited their chances in the first half. We know they would come out strong in the first 10 of 15 minutes, but we didn’t take good care of the ball. They kept us pinned down in the second half. Christian (Gomez) has kind of been the linchpin for this team the last couple of games. Kenny (Cutler) did a good job and didn’t give him very good shots other than the PK. We were out numbered in the midfield. They played hard.”
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Pregame Update: Saturday April 26, 2008
Real Salt Lake: Real braced to handle United's fury -> Deseret News/James Edward
"They're going to be out for us for sure ... . I've already read some of the things they've been saying in the press and I know Tommy Soehn, their coach, has already lit a fire, they're going to be ready for us for sure," said Borchers.
Saturday morning thoughts, predictions -> DesNews Blog/James Edward
It’s game day, and like everyone else I’m very anxious to see how Real Salt Lake handles the inevitable pressure thrown its way by D.C. United.
RSL: Opponent looms United -> Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
We will get the full brunt of their frustration," coach Jason Kreis said, "and the full brunt of their abilities."
United primed for win -> Washington Times/John Haydon
"This will be a good game to erase everything that's been happening and really start over new," defender Marc Burch said.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Updates: Friday April 25, 2008
RSL: Kreis points to team effort for defensive improvement -> The Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis
"Coach Jason Kreis insists that Real Salt Lake's defensive improvement this season is "not about the two center backs, or the back four, or the back four plus one. It's about the effort that the entire team puts forth."
New Real Salt Lake chief optimistic - > Deseret News/Jasen Lee
"I am excited by the opportunity in Utah, and in many ways it is a return to my roots, which is the sport of soccer," he said.
Real Salt Lake: Kreis shoulders blame -> Deseret News/James Edward
"Kreis says he doesn't really like the cautious mentality and believes you should go into every match to win. For whatever reason though, there's a prevailing attitude that you play for the win at home and a tie on the road."
DC United vs Real Salt Lake Preview -> Fan's Scorecard
Real Salt Lake-United Preview - > The Ledger/Laura Medina
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Morning Update: Wednesday April 23, 2008
RSL ready to throw caution to the wind: THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE/MICHAEL C. LEWIS
"That's a good idea," he said. "You want to try to be that better team in the first part of
the game. You want to be the more aggressive, let them make the mistakes and let's put the pressure on and have a brighter start. I think that will help us, in the long run."
Real Salt Lake: Team keeps looking for right mix at forward: DESERET NEWS/JAMES EDWARD
"When Real Salt Lake finally signed the target forward they were seeking in the final month of the preseason, it naturally raised another important question: Who would be Kenny Deuchar's best strike partner option, Robbie Findley, Yura Movsisyan or Fabian Espindola?
Four games into the season, the answer to that question is still unknown."
PRAYERS FOR CASSAR'S FAMILY -> JAMES EDWARD'S BLOG
United's Start Has a Familiar Look: WASHINGTONPOST.COM/STEVEN GOFF
Defender Gonzalo Peralta (knee) and defender-midfielders Devon McTavish (foot) and Domenic Mediate (hamstring) sat out practice yesterday. "They are making progress," Soehn said. Peralta and McTavish also missed Monday's session. . . .
