RSL Resources on the Web

Are you like me and jonesin' to get your fix of the latest Real Salt Lake news during the offseason? Frustrated that you haven't even been able to find a kernel of info about what direction the team will be taking over the next 3 months? If so, you'll probably want to scour the web for info, even if it only serves as a distraction. Here are some of the resources with RSL specific info that I routinely check out:

Big Soccer: This is the one that's uncool to admit to following, kind of like telling your friends that you watch Desperate Housewives. The info comes a bit fast and loose and with alot of opinion dressed up as fact, but it's a great resource and can be quite entertaining. Clearly the preeminant source of soccer forums.

Goal.com: The US version of this site is headed up by a fine soccer journalist, Greg Lalas (don't fault him for familial reasons). They are making a big push in the US market as seen by the hiring of talented writer and editor, Andrea Canales, as chief editor. Included on the list as they are gradually working to build a team-by-team focus with resources and coverage in each market. The site has assembled talented writers including Lalas, Canalas, Kyle McCarthy and Shane Evans. In addition, they have recently launched their own forums - check them out.

Behind the Shield: The official team blog. Good information, although at times it can be a bit slow to arrive. Also some entertaining stuff, as here you can find the regular editions of the Javi and Kyle Show as well as things like Scot Lake City.

AYL Soccer: These guys have been kickin' it with RSL info since early on. Has some good information, and some entertaining aspects as well. I especially love Double Talk and the Podcasts (or the RSL Show as its officially known).

Deseret News Blog: James Edward is the most respected RSL writer in the business and between him and Michael Black they provide good info to RSL fans. In the offseason, much of this will likely come in small tidbits via the blog.

Salt Lake Tribune Blog: I knew about Michael C. Lewis from his days as the Jazz beat writer, and I dismissed him as a basketball guy. While he is admittedly not a "soccer guy" he has really done a great job writing for RSL and I've particluarly been impressed with his work in the last year or so. Again look for most of his information this offseason to come via the blog.

MLSNet: The official RSL resource. This site is great for match information and game day coverage. You can also find roster info, schedules, and press releases on this site. Typically not the fastest site for breaking news, but a resource nonetheless.

Here are some other RSL related blogs that I would recommend, some of them updated more often than others: RSL Boz, Soccer Unites Utah, The Fans Scorecard, The Mind of Scads, Denz' Soapbox, Donk's Blog, RSLFM, Philosophy, Footy, etc.

In the next few days I'll provide a list of some of the general MLS resources that I like to use. In the meantime, please peruse these websites and especially give the bloggers some encouragement for the hard-work that they do that benefits all of us.

If I've left anyone off, please let me know.

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Daily Update: Monday May 19, 2008

With a lack of news in the Real Salt Lake world this morning, this update has a theme:

REAL FRUSTRATION (a trip around the RSL blogosphere) .................

OBTCz - Back to the Future -> AYL Soccet/Jacob Hart
Why, a defensive clearance that doesn't make it out of the 18-yard-box because it was played directly to the feet of an opposing forward? Normal. But why does Matt Behncke have long black hair? Is that Matias Behncke?

The Stack Report v. 8 -> AYL Soccer/Scott Black
After the horror show match in Denver last night, Real Salt Lake is back to a 1.0 point per game average. They had an opportunity to be at 1.375 points per game and be in first place in the Western Conference for the first time in their 3+ years of existence. That would have probably caused a rip in the universe so it was not meant to be.

Season Stats -> The Fans Scorecard

Excuse me Sir? That's what I ordered. - The Mind of Scads
When I look at the standings there is one surprise that seems to stand out. The Columbus Crew. Is there anybody else that looks at their placement thinking..."Wait a minute", that was supposed to be us!

Post cRapids thoughts -> Donk's Blog
RSL always seems to have a deer in the headlights look about them on the road. I don't know why this is and have suspicions that its because they are content to play for the draw. Really both teams didn't play that well. As some have described the nasty rivalry that is the Rocky Mountain Cup, it was a cripple fight to make South Park proud.

My Empty Cup -> RSL Boz
Could it be all of the prior seasons of disappointment that hold me back? Is it the numerous mistakes this fledgling club has made and will possibly continue to make until the right management steps in? Is it because I know they will play like beaten dogs every time they go out on the road? Is it because Jason Kreis is on thin ice, or should be but isn’t, or maybe he is but shouldn't be? Will Kreis be drowning in his own excuses much too long like Ellinger did before Uncle Dave mercifully pulled the trigger on the poor sap? Is it simply because I know it's better to remain strong, yet humble in victory, than it is to gloat?

Game 8: Rocky Mountain Disaster -> The Royal Review
RSL looked like they could finally get their act together on the road in the first half. They were able to string passes together and hold possession. The defense was shaky at times but held. However, when they were unable to get a goal to really set the tone, I got worried about what may happen in the 2nd half. Boy, was I right on that one... Anyway, a decent, but entirely pedestrian effort in the first half.

Weekend Preview: Sorting Through The Week 8 Mess -> WV Hooligan
So far, week eight in Major League Soccer has already gone off with a bang. Colorado easily handled their Rocky Mountain Cup rivals 2-0 last night. I didn’t get to see a whole lot of the game (I was busy watching The Office season finale) but what I did see was a very good performance by the Rapids and another weak road performance by Real Salt Lake.

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Around the Blogosphere

A QUICK TRIP AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE

RSL SHOW EPISODE 45 -> AYL SOCCER
BONUS FOR LH OPEN CUP -> THE HERETIC REPORT
TEXAS POLYGAMY - > DONK'S BLOG (Donk tends to get political on us, but always great thoughts)
OLYMPIC QUALIFYING MEMORIES -> DESERT CROWN
DELTA?II -> THE MIND OF SCADS

ALSO DON'T FORGET TO VISIT THESE BLOGS ON A REGULAR BASIS:
THE FANS SCORECARD
SIDELINE VIEWS
RAVENROONEY (Raven, where you been?)
NOT JUST A HATRACK (Pastorino's blog)
DESERET NEWS (James Edward's blog)
BEHIND THE SHIELD (Official RSL blog)

AND A FEW NON-RSL BLOGS THAT I LIKE:
duNORD
SOCCER BY IVES (NYRB supporter)
WV HOOLIGAN
SOCCER INSIDER
CENTER HOLDS IT
THE OFFSIDE RULES (Humorous)

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