Playing their home games at the state-of-the-art, soccer-specific Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, Real Salt Lake is one of the premier franchises in Major League Soccer. Led by Kyle Beckerman, Alvaro Saborio and Robbie Findley in his second RSL tour after three years in England, Real Salt Lake is a perennial contender with one of the best fan bases in the league.
Finding Quick Success
Like most young franchises, Real Salt Lake struggled upon entering Major League Soccer in 2005. With a largely inexperienced roster, RSL endured some lengthy losing streaks and failed to make the postseason their first three years, but since then, Real Salt Lake has been a model franchise.
Since one-time club star Jason Kreis traded his captain’s armband for the coaching reigns before the 2008 season, Real Salt Lake has made the playoffs every year – a streak that has included three Conference finals, one MLS Cup and a run the way to the CONCACAF Champions’ League Final.
After a semi-final run in 2008, Real Salt Lake won one of the most memorable MLS Cup Finals in history in 2009, defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy in penalty kicks by a score of 5-4. One year later, RSL became the first MLS team in league history to reach the CONCACAF Champions League final.
With a “team-first” philosophy borrowed from one of the world’s great clubs, Real Madrid, Kreis believes no star player is bigger than the team – and that ethos is paying big dividends. Where other teams may sign stars, Real Salt Lake grows stars from the ground up.
Purchase Real Salt Lake Tickets
Real Salt Lake has had many successful players come through their club, most notably those who’ve excelled from the United States. Players like Eddie Pope, Clint Mathis, Robbie Russell and Freddie Adu have all worn the Real Salt Lake kit during their notable careers.
Purchase discounted Real Salt Lake tickets from ScoreBig.com and watch this team give it their all as they fight for an MLS Cup victory in 2013.
Leave a Reply