During the offseason, we heard Jason Kreis and Garth Lagerway pontificate that the team was trying to build a "culture of accountability". In fact part of the justification for bringing in Borchers and Kovalenko was that they were veteran players who would get in the face of the younger players and force them to be accountable. Well where is this accountability?
Who is being held accountable for the personnel?: Matias Cordoba was touted as our most important offseason acquisition. We were promised that Kenny Deuchar was going to score goals. Ian Joy was supposed to be a solid left back who would contribute on the offensive side as well. Our midfield was touted as very deep.
Who is being held accountable for the tactical decisions?: In my book tactical decisions have led to at least 2 and possibly 3 of our road losses. First, the debacle in Toronto which Kreis did own up to. Second, some questionable tactics and personnel against Colorado. Would we have still lost this one? Maybe. Finally the decision tonight to take out a very effective Olave and bring in Mantilla who has shown that he poorly marks opponents in the box, and does not have proper positioning. Meanwhile he does not make a change in the midfield where we have 3 exhausted players: Williams, Morales, and Beckerman. This led us to go from a 1 goal advantage with about 15 minutes left to a 2-1 loss. There is also the acknowledged tactical problem against Dallas at home which was not corrected until late in the first half. Fortunately that did not cost us. Where is the accountability?
How are the players being held accountable?: Dr. Goals: a supposed proven scorer who has not proven that he can score for us. Yet we trot him out there week after week. Is that holding him accountable? Ian Joy has been completely dreadful this season and his red card nearly cost us early on in this one tonight. Yet he gets opportunity after opportunity. Is that accountability? Mantilla was out of position on both goals scored tonight, marking absolutely nobody. Yet he keeps getting an opportunity. Where is the accountability?
When criticism was fired at the club for not demanding the playoffs, I was quick to their defense. When calls were made to fire Kreis last season and then again in the offseason, I was quick to the defense. When criticism was made that for all of the changes to the roster, we still weren't much better than in the past, I was in favor of letting these players prove themselves. When Garth Lagerway was counseling that we need to be patient in the first part of the season as the team needs "time to gel", I was willing to be patient. In fact, if you ask anyone who knows me they will tell you my greatest strength is patience. But patience needs to be balanced with courage. And now is the time to have courage. Now is the time to show that "the culture of accountability" wasn't just lip service. This applies to Checketts, Manning, Lagerway, Kreis and every player.
Real Salt Lake notes: Morales finally shines for RSL -> Deseret News/James Edward
That all changed against the L.A. Galaxy. Morales assisted on RSL's two goals, a sixth-minute strike by Fabian Espindola and an 18th-minute header by Kenny Deuchar. The first goal was the result of a fantastic over-the-top diagonal ball to Espindola, whereas the second was a perfectly lofted pass toward Deuchar near the far post.
Beckham scores twice as Galaxy play to draw ->ESPN Soccernet
The British superstar wasted no time pulling even. Just four minutes later, Beckham drilled a 30-yard laser past Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando on a free kick for the equalizer.
Beckham's two goals were the club's only shots on goal in the first half.
Real Salt Lake: Beckham makes RSL bend -> Deseret News/James Edward
Naturally, RSL coach Jason Kreis departed Rice-Eccles Stadium upset.
"I thought it was a fantastic crowd and I thought we disappointed the crowd," he said. "I thought we should have and could have done better in that match to thank them for coming to support us because they were fantastic."
Real Salt Lake: Beckham puts on clinic for crowd -> Deseret News/Michael Black
"I'm better when I get a chance to control the ball than if I just try to hit it first time," said Beckham. "I got the ball and saw the chance. There was nothing really in the box, so I decided to have a go."
David Beckham double earns LA Galaxy draw -> Daily Telegraph
"It was a good game in the end," Beckham said. "I think that we started off terrible the first 20 minutes. We didn't get close enough to them as a team. We looked scared of them.
RSL: Beckham brings a lot more to soccer than fame - Salt Lake Tribune
Just seconds after Checketts graciously thanked Beckham for being the first to put a shovel into the dirt at the groundbreaking ceremony almost two years ago, speaking as if Beckham had somehow transferred magical powers into the dirt, Checketts casually asked where RSL coach Jason Kreis was. "Back here," he yelled as he watched Friday's press conference behind a throng of reporters and onlookers. "I'm too short to see."
RSL: Beckham's two goals give Los Angeles tie -> Salt Lake Tribune/Martin Renzhofer
The goal came when RSL defender Tony Beltran, in his first start, failed to clear the ball. Kreis praised Beltran's total effort, except this one instance. "The play is a non-issue if the defender clears that play out," Kreis said. "He chose to pass something out of there instead of clearing the ball out. It happened to go to David Beckham, who put it away pretty nicely."
Highlights -> Zephyr
Photo Gallery -> FoxSports.com
Real Salt Lake: Beckham's back, but RSL wants a win this time -> Deseret News/James Edward
"I wouldn't say it's do or die critical, but it's pretty dire that we get these two wins at home," said RSL midfielder Andy Williams, referring to next week's home match against FC Dallas. "It will help us get back in the thick of things in the West."
Galaxy-Real Salt Lake Preview -> Yahoo Sports
It took only five games for Landon Donovan to match his scoring output from all of last season. On Saturday night, he’ll try to help the Los Angeles Galaxy move into sole possession of first place in the Western Conference for the first time in almost three years when they visit Real Salt Lake.
RSL: VIPs get an update on stadium -> Salt Lake Tribune/Martin Renzhofer
Friday, Beckham, as well as Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber, were guests of RSL owner David Checketts, who pronounced the new soccer-specific stadium 70 percent completed, including the canopy designed to shield the east and west sides of the stadium bowl.
Audio: David Beckham at the RSL Stadium -> AYL Soccer
Real Salt Lake: New stadium impresses Beckham -> Deseret News/James Edward
"I'm very proud to be here, very proud to be representing the Galaxy," said the L.A. midfielder, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Friday. "I'm very proud to be here two years after when I first heard the plans and saw what was going to be built. It looked special then and it looks even more special now.
VIDEO:David Beckham Checks out Progress on RSL Stadium -> Fox 13 News
Since I am a connoiseur of stadium food (okay mainly hot dogs and nachos), I snuck over to the shindig at the stadium offices. This was an announcement of Levy Restaurants as the concessions provider and luxury suite dining provider in the new stadium. Apparantly Levy provides food for many high profile events throughout the US, including a few legendary places like Wrigley, Lambeau and Staples (okay so the last one doesn't quite fit).
All of the food was good, but I concentrated on the hot dog since I most likely won't have access to any of the fancy schmancy (technical term) fixins in the suites. They had some gourmet items there including beef tenderloin, buffalo ribeye, and red trout sliders (pictures to follow).
There were many dignitaries in attendance, and of course I didn't know who most of them were. The mayor (Tom Dolan) was there. Dave Checketts, Dean Howes and one other SCP representative was there. They gave a brief press conference and there were lots of cameras - so look for it on the news. All of the coaches, and Garth Lagerway were there. And many of the players - Talley, Morales, Espindola, Mantilla, Joy, Beckerman, Williams, Rimando and Beltran.
The highlights for me: I met James Edward and we had a brief soccer related convo. I had seen him in practice once or twice, but it was great to chat with him. And I had a brief conversation with Ian Joy. I love that guy. He has the right attitude. He asked about this blog and said he'd check it out. He also said the team was VERY disappointed over the loss, and they all feel like there is no excuse for it. They are all committed to giving their effort every time on the pitch, and not having these kindof letdowns during the season. I get the sense that there is no B/S coming from this guy.
On the suite front, it sounds like there are 32 suites totally and they are essentially sold out. There are also "foundation partners" (I think that's the term), and it sounds like we have a growing list of those that are signed up. And there is a Center Circle program, which it sounds like is similar to the Jazz 100 club. Sounds like all is well on the stadium front.
Also, there might be an extra incentive to attend the coaches show tomorrow at the construction office. So if you have a chance swing buy and check it out.
REAL SALT LAKE NAMES PHILADELPHIA EAGLES EXECUTIVE
BILL MANNING PRESIDENT OF CLUB
SALT LAKE CITY, UT (Monday, March 17, 2008) – Real Salt Lake Owner David W. Checketts today announced that Philadelphia Eagles executive Bill Manning has been named President of the Major League Soccer franchise effective Tuesday, April 15. Interim President Alan Pace, who led the executive search effort, will continue to be a partner in the club’s parent company, SCP Worldwide overseeing new soccer related business ventures for the company.
“When I asked Alan to grab the reigns of this franchise as interim President I gave him the arduous task of resetting its course,” said Checketts. “In five months he has done just that by reestablishing our place in the community while giving the staff the needed tools and direction that has put this franchise in a position for long-term success. I am truly grateful and would like to thank him for all of his hard work.”
“Bill Manning comes to us with a tremendous background in sports management,” continued Checketts. “His experience in the National Football League and professional soccer is a wonderful combination that I feel will carry Real Salt Lake to new heights. It has always been my goal to have the best franchise in MLS. I know Bill is the right person to lead us there as we enter our fourth season in Major League Soccer and prepare to move into our world-class stadium.”
“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,” said Mr. Manning. “Working in the NFL has been a great experience, especially with a marquee franchise like the Eagles, but the opportunity to work for Dave Checketts and join Real with their new stadium was too good to pass up.”
Mr. Manning, who has had a distinguished 15 year career in sports, joins RSL following four seasons as Vice President, Sales and Service with the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. While at the Eagles he was responsible for the team’s corporate sponsorship and premium seating. During his tenure he led the corporate sales department to double-digit revenue growth and introduced new premium seating options at Lincoln Financial Field, in addition to managing the servicing of suite clients and Club Seat accounts.
Prior to his NFL experience he joined the Houston Rockets for the successful opening of the state-of-the art Toyota Center holding the title of Director, Corporate Development. Mr. Manning’s sports management career also includes a vast array of experience in the soccer industry where he has held positions in Major League Soccer, the United Soccer Leagues (USL) and the Continental Indoor Soccer League (CISL). While in MLS he was the President and General Manager of the Tampa Bay Mutiny for two seasons (2000 – 2001) and was named MLS Executive of the Year by the Washington Post in 2000. In the USL, he worked for the Minnesota Thunder as President and General Manager leading the team to a championship in 1999 and earning A-League Executive of the Year, the Long Island Rough Riders as Vice President and General Manager and the New York Fever as Director, Marketing and Operations. He started his sports career as Director, Marketing for the CISL.
On the field, Mr. Manning earned collegiate All-America honors at the University of Bridgeport and was recently inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame (class of 2006). After college he went on to win a U.S. Open Cup in 1991, participate in 1994 World Cup qualifying with the Puerto Rico National Team and play four seasons in the USL.
Mr. Manning earned his undergraduate degree in 1987 and his MBA at the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1989.
