This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Earlier this season, when Real Salt Lake was the darling of the CONCACAF Champions League competition, support throughout Major League Soccer was nearly unanimous.
In their heart of hearts, wouldn't RSL's players, too, now root for their MLS brethren to enjoy the same long run of success? It turns out that the extra six CONCACAF games may have knocked RSL back a step mentally and physically.
"We've just got to take care of ourselves," RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando said. "We can't look at them doing other things, playing other games. If we don't get three points from these games or get results ... they don't mean a thing."
The four teams now in front of RSL (10-5-6) in the Western Conference — Los Angeles, Colorado, Dallas and Seattle — begin the Champions League group stage later this month.
Also, those four teams have already played three to four more MLS games than RSL. So the extra matches will pile up as Salt Lake play as out the season, which includes Saturday's match at Toronto (3-11-11).
"We feel like we're in a pretty good spot," defender Chris Wingert said. "Ten wins in our first 21 games is pretty good. At the same time, we're a little more concerned with just how we're performing right now."
Wingert's concern merits consideration, especially since Real plays nine of its final 13 games away from Rio Tinto Stadium. Saturday's game is the first of three in a row on the road, including Houston and Chivas USA.
RSL coach Jason Kreis believes his team has gained the confidence to overcome the road mentality — that is to be happy with a point instead of three for a victory. So RSL won't play for a tie, pushing forward even if it leads to mistakes.
"We've decided amongst ourselves and within the locker room that we're a team that wants to win every game," he said.
Kreis has also stressed steady team improvement that will peak at the start of the playoffs.
"We've established a real way to play and a real self-identity with who we are as a club and who we are as a team," Kreis said. "This season, one of our biggest messages to the players ... is we need to try and improve. It's the most fantastic thing to be the most dominant team in the league during the regular season. And when you lose in the playoffs, nobody remembers that.
Beckerman shines
Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman's performance during Wednesday's 1-1 draw between the United States and Mexico in Philadelphia was called "exceptional" by new U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
Beckerman, who played the entire game, may have earned future consideration for the national team.
"I'm just going to take it one game at a time," Beckerman said afterward. "Hopefully, for the next time, I'll be called in. If I do, I'll give it my all and help the team."
RSL at Toronto FC
P Saturday, 5 p.m.
TV • KMYU 2.2, Comcast (22), Dish Network (12)