This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Sandy • Thirty-six days.

That is precisely the amount of time Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando had away from soccer last offseason, if you can even call it that. From the end of their 2013 Major League Soccer season, which ended on the frozen turf at Sporting Park in MLS Cup on Dec. 7, to being called into Jurgen Klinsmann's U.S. men's national team camp on Jan. 12 for a dry run at this summer's World Cup, two pillars of Real Salt Lake haven't had much time to kick back this year — if any.

Following the monthlong camp in Southern California and Brazil, they joined RSL in Arizona for the final weeks of preseason before the whirlwind eventually turned into the season opener on March 8 in Los Angeles. Since then, it's been nothing but flights around the country and the world with both RSL and the USMNT.

"It's just business as usual," Beckerman said, laughing.

They're certainly not complaining. Beckerman and Rimando were part of Klinsmann's 23-man roster in Brazil at this summer's World Cup and escaped the "Group of Death" in Group G. They reached the mountaintop of their sport.

"It's been the best year of my life so far," Rimando said, who turned 35 while in Brazil and became MLS' all-time shutout king on Aug. 9. "There's been so many ups about it and dreams that came true. Now I'm just trying to continue that great success throughout the year."

The pair returned from Brazil on July 2 and immediately voiced their intent to play in RSL's July 4 game against New England at Rio Tinto Stadium. As the narrative of their 2014 calendar continued, as did their busy schedule.

Both Beckerman and Rimando have played in 12 straight games upon returning from the World Cup as RSL continues to jockey for playoff spots in the taxing Western Conference.

Beckerman's approach was simply game-planning. He knew 2014 could be as hectic of a year he's ever had.

"You just have to keep pushing, keep trying to keep your body ready for the weekend," RSL's 32-year-old captain explained. "I really don't let my mind wander to anything else."

Rimando's done the same.

"Mentally, we had to be ready," he said. "I think our bodies had to be ready, and physically, we just had to be ready for that challenge. So far, we've been doing great, our coaches here are supporting us, and that goes a long way when you're traveling so much and playing so many games."

RSL coach Jeff Cassar has voiced in recent weeks how he'd like to be able to get plenty of rest for his players who've put a lot of miles on their legs this year. But with RSL in third spot in the West and with FC Dallas on its heels, staying out of wild-card game is paramount. Which means the likes of Beckerman, Rimando and others would rather push on to earn points than take a rest now with six games left.

"It's being honest with myself and the coaching staff and, when need be, they've been great, they've given me an extra day off here or there," Rimando said, "and it does wonders for my body and mentally. It's a long season. Who knows? I'm taking it in stride. When we came back [from Brazil], we wanted to play and get back on the field and prepare this team for its next playoff run."

Odds are, the pair isn't done representing the U.S. in 2014. Rimando already traveled to the Czech Republic and had four second-half saves in a 1-0 win over the Czechs on Sept. 3 before quickly returning for RSL's 2-1 win over FC Dallas on Sept. 6. Upcoming, the U.S. has a friendly on Oct. 10 against Ecuador in East Hartford, Conn., followed by another against Honduras on Oct. 14 in Boca Raton, Fla. It's likely Beckerman and Rimando don the stars and stripes again.

With goalkeeper incumbent Tim Howard taking a year-long hiatus from international play, Rimando and Aston Villa's Brad Guzan are now competing for the No. 1 goalkeeper job.

"I'm not trying to change anything," Rimando said. "I'm trying to keep doing what I've been doing day in and day out. That's why I'm in that position. Do I want to do a little bit more here or there? Yeah, because you have to, especially at the national-team level." —

Colorado Rapids at Real Salt Lake

O At Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy

Kickoff • Friday, 8 p.m.

TV • NBC Sports Network. Radio • 700 AM

Records • RSL 12-6-10; Colorado 8-13-7

Last meeting • RSL 1, Colorado 0 (Aug. 2 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park)

About RSL • Will be without veteran center back Nat Borchers, who was red-carded in last Friday's 3-2 loss at Seattle. … Carlos Salcedo and Aaron Maund will be vying for Borchers' spot along the back line.

About Colorado • The Rapids enter Friday night's match in Sandy riding an eight-game winless streak.