While it’s still too early to draw reliable statistical conclusions from this season, an interesting trend is starting to emerge that shows a distinct contrast with last season.
Creating Chances
Last season Real Salt Lake led the league with 14 shots attempted per game. A similar trend has emerged this season as RSL is second in the league with 15 shots per game.
Getting Them on Frame
Getting shots off is one thing, but getting them on goal is another story. This really shows how good the chances are, and how sharp of a focus the shooter has. In 2008 RSL was still first in the league in shots on goal with 6 per game. This year, they have continued that trend and lead the league in shots on goal with 7 per game.
Finishing
This is the true test of a strikers metal. So you’ve beaten your defender. Your in a great position to put the ball on frame. But do you have the nerves, the composure, and the quick reaction to have precision in your finishing to put the ball in just the right spot that renders the keeper helpless? This sort of clinical finishing earns strikers millions in Europe, but has RSL shown this ability? Well, its quite early still but RSL has proven that they have this efficiency so far this season as they are second in the league in goals per game. This is quite different than a season ago when despite leading the league they were only tied for 9th in goals per game.
Conclusion
So what does this tell us about this edition of RSL? Well nothing really. At least not yet. But it will be interesting to see how this develops. I do believe that RSL has demonstrated an attacking style of play over the last year or so, and with a relatively solid defense you can see why the team received the pre-season accolades they garnered. Hopefully these trends continue. Check back for updates in the future.
| TEAM | GP | G | SHT | SOG | RANK SHTS | RANK SOG | RANK GOALS | |
| Chicago Fire | 4 | 8 | 47 | 28 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
| Chivas USA | 4 | 6 | 37 | 19 | 13 | 5 | 5 | |
| Colorado Rapids | 4 | 7 | 46 | 15 | 4 | 12 | 3 | |
| Columbus Crew | 5 | 5 | 48 | 20 | 12 | 11 | 12 | |
| FC Dallas | 4 | 3 | 64 | 25 | 1 | 4 | 13 | |
| D.C. United | 4 | 5 | 33 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | |
| Houston Dynamo | 4 | 3 | 41 | 19 | 9 | 5 | 13 | |
| Kansas City Wizards | 4 | 6 | 40 | 19 | 10 | 5 | 5 | |
| Los Angeles Galaxy | 3 | 4 | 26 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 8 | |
| New England Revolution | 3 | 4 | 33 | 19 | 5 | 3 | 8 | |
| New York Red Bulls | 4 | 1 | 40 | 11 | 10 | 15 | 15 | |
| Real Salt Lake | 3 | 6 | 45 | 21 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 4 | 6 | 43 | 19 | 6 | 5 | 5 | |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 4 | 7 | 42 | 17 | 7 | 9 | 3 | |
| Toronto FC | 4 | 5 | 42 | 17 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
