Keepin' it Real

Where RSL fans come to keep it real.

Posts Tagged Real Salt Lake

Saborio to Chivas? RSL? Sounders?

Mar 3

Posted by kirsoccer in Chivas USA, Real Salt Lake, Rumors, Seattle Sounders | 6 Comments

Here’s an article that seems to have updated info (see translation below) on Alvaro Saborio, the Tico previously rumored to be headed to MLS to either Real Salt Lake or Seattle Sounders.  Unfortunately the automated translation is rough on this one (I’ll try to get a confirmation on it in the morning when people are awake :) ).

This article seems to point out that the Sounders rumors were incorrect, and that it is RSL that has the first shot at him – although it claims that’s due to the fact that they won the championship.  I guess they don’t understand the whole issue of MLS player acquisitions any better than we do!

However, the article (and this is where the translation is muddled) seems to indicate that despite the fact that RSL has the first shot, Chivas may actually be the most likely to land the player – at least I think that’s what it says.  It points out the ties between Saprissa and Chivas USA, both of which are owned by Mexican bazillionaire Jorge Vergara.
Sorry folks, my Google Spanish isn’t very good.

Sabo pursued in MLS (Translation provided by romls)

Tags: , , , ,

Thoughts from Practice – 03/02/2010

Mar 2

Posted by truhlk in Former Players, Luis Gil, Preseason, Real Salt Lake | 2 Comments

Luis Gil

Real Salt Lake players got back on the field today after enjoying the day off yesterday. The team ran through most of their normal drills working on their passing games, practicing team defense, finishing around the goal, and trying to integrate/re-integrate Kyle Beckerman, Luis Gil, and Nick Rimando to the rest of the team. Kyle and Nick were both back from USA training camp after spending the last several weeks working with a team USA that strangely resembled an MLS all-star team. Luis meanwhile was at practice for the first time after being picked up by Real midway through last week. All three looked very comfortable with their team mates and should have no trouble getting into the swing of things.

Luis was one player I paid close attention to throughout practice. While he is just 16 years old he looks very confident in his abilities and although he has a lot to learn, he didn’t appear out of place practicing with an MLS side. He has a decent first touch and saw the field well in scrimmage. He will need some time to get familiar with his new team mates but he appeared creative and generally found himself around the ball in the attacking third. His defense looks to be the biggest area he will need to improve but with this being his first practice I’m going to give him a pass.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , , , , ,

USMNT Roster and RSL Preseason Match Result

Feb 20

Posted by kirsoccer in Exhibition Matches, NT Camp, Preseason, Real Salt Lake | 1 Comment

Real Salt Lake lost its first preseason match by a score of 2-1 to Vancouver.  RSL gave up two early goals in the first half as they had an epidemic of turnovers.  The first goal came in just the 2nd minute as Marlon James scored after receiving a long ball down the left side and beating RSL trialist keeper, Tim Melia.  In the 23rd minute, James would score off a cross after RSL midfielder Will Johnson was dispossessed of the ball.

Wholesale changes were made by the MLS champs in the second half, and it seemed that their personality on the pitch changed as well.  As opposed to the first half, where they spent most of the time on their heels, they became the aggressor.  Fabian Espindola in particular had several chances, and was finally able to put one away in the 79th minute.  The game would finish at 2-1, leaving RSL with a bit of a disappointment in their first taste of action this year.

You can open the attachment below to read the full match report courtesy of RSL Communications or check out the Whitecaps version of events here.

REAL SALT LAKE PRESEASON RECAP

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , ,

RSL Adds a defender into the mix

Feb 10

Posted by kirsoccer in Rauwshan McKenzie, Transfers/Trades | 1 Comment

Image courtesy of Goal.com

REAL SALT LAKE SIGNS DEFENDER RAUWSHAN MCKENZIE

Ex-Kansas City Wizard to Join New RSL Teammates for Thursday’s Training in Park City

SANDY, Utah (Wednesday, February 10, 2010) – With its preseason just getting underway, Real Salt Lake added another member to its backline today with the acquisition of ex-Kansas City Wizard defender Rauwshan McKenzie, who was claimed by the Utah side off of waivers. McKenzie will join up with the rest of the Claret-and-Cobalt for his first practice tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 11 at Newpark Recreation Center in Park City from 1:00-3:00 p.m. MT. The practice session – RSL’s first full-sided training of the 2010 preseason – will be open to members of the media and public.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: ,

VIDEO: Collen Warner Pt. 1

Feb 4

Posted by kirsoccer in Collen Warner, MLS SuperDraft, Video | 1 Comment

Here is part 1 of an interview we did with Collen Warner today after the first rookie practice.  In this clip, he discusses the plans he had for Europe, the lead-up to the draft, and some interesting events on draft day.  Enjoy!

Tags: ,

Steve Ralston a fit for RSL?

Jan 29

Posted by kirsoccer in Rumors | 3 Comments

photo courtesy of Boston.com

With the news of Steve Ralston not coming back to the Revs for the 2010 season due to a salary impasse, I’m wondering – would RSL be a good fit?  He can score goals – pencil him in for 5 or 6 goals at a minimum during the season.  He can pass the ball – he is the all-time assist leader in MLS with 135.

Ralston was also the Revs captain, and would add another solid leader for RSL.  Some speculated that the poor road performance for RSL last season was due to the lack of strong on-the-field leadership.  Ralston would definitely help with that.

But what really separates Ralston from the crowd are the intangibles.  I”ve always felt that no matter how much credit Ralston and Brad Davis get, it’s never enough.  When the chips are down, both players are guys who somehow always manage to provide what’s needed.

Sounds like a no-brainer, right?  Well, not so fast.  Ralston is a 35-year old player.  He is traditionally an ironman, but missed 10 games last season with a torn ACL.  Real Salt Lake recently traded away 33-year old Clint Mathis, and some applauded the move as opening up a chance for some of the younger midfielders on the team.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: ,

Real Salt Lake Marketing Video

Jan 27

Posted by kirsoccer in Video | 4 Comments

I’m sure that we’ll see this video again as part of a bigger video – either TV ad, or maybe for the home opener.

Tags:

Findley/Beckerman start in USMNT debacle

Jan 23

Posted by kirsoccer in Kyle Beckerman, Robbie Findley, Team USA | 4 Comments

Real Salt Lake teammates Robbie Findley and Kyle Beckerman were both given the nod in tonight’s friendly match between the US and Honduras in Carson, California.  The pair had decent, but not spectacular performances, while the team as a whole had a miserable outing against their CONCACAF nemesis.

Findley did little in the first half, but helped to create some dangerous moments late in the match including drawing a free kick from just outside of the penalty area, and providing a perfect opportunity to Conor Casey via a headed pass.  Unfortunately Casey’s shot went wide to the right.  The team really failed to use the speed of both Findley and Jeff Cunningham who started up top alongside each other.  Both were playing well back toward the midfield line, with a number of defenders behind them.

Beckerman on the other hand played fairly well throughout.  It took him a few minutes to get his rhythm, but he soon began to spread the ball around the field, and had good composure on the ball.  Prior to being yanked midway through the second half, Beckerman also managed a shot from 25 yards out.  He had plenty of space, but didn’t strike well and it didn’t have the pace to challenge the keeper.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , , ,

Meet Justin Davis

Jan 22

Posted by kirsoccer in Justin Davis | 1 Comment

A fair amount of attention has been given to Real Salt Lake’s first round pick, Collen Warner, but what about the

second round pick, Justin Davis?  With the help of the University of New Mexico, we’ve pulled together some background on the 6′ tall, 170 pound former Lobo.

Based on comments made by Coach Jason Kreis, Real Salt Lake plans to convert the player back to the left-back spot.  This is a position that Davis played during his first two seasons at New Mexico, before being converted to an attacking player.

You may have read his bio on KIR last week, but here is an updated section for his senior season:

2009 – SENIOR SEASON

Played in 20 games and started 19…Led the Lobos in scoring for the second straight year with seven goals and six assists for 20 points…Named first team all-MPSF and first team all-Far West Region…Earned MPSF Player of the Week honors twice during the season…Named to the Academic All-MPSF team…Named to the Soccer America National Team of the Week on Sep. 15.

Davis also cracked four Lobo Åll-Time lists in 2009. The senior forward finished his career at New Mexico ranked ninth all-time in points with 58, tied for eighth in goals with 20, tied for seventh in assists with 18, and fifth in shots with 174.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , ,