This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Commerce City, Colo. • Real Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis was not about to talk negatives about his team's scoreless tie against the Colorado Rapids at Dicks' Sporting Goods Stadium on Friday night.
Although the Rapids held the advantage in nearly every offensive stat, there was more important things at stake as RSL broke its four-game losing streak.
We've got so many things going wrong I think it's important to try to focus on one thing and build from that," Kreis said. "For me that was this week, competing as a team, showing some pride and getting back to all the defensive details that we built this team upon. So tonight to see them walk out of here with a nil-nil draw, shutout, that means something to us and we'll look to build on it in the next week."
RSL goal keeper Nick Rimando echoed Kreis' thoughts, even though RSL was outshot 13-4 and gave up five corners.
"It's definitely a step in the right direction especially with playoffs right around the corner," he said. "We keep on saying we need to get back to getting our zeros and shutouts and just pay attention to details."
Playoff race
RSL gained a valuable point in its race to secure third place in the MLS Western Division. Yet, it now sits three points in front of resurgent FC Dallas, 52-49.
Dallas plays Vancouver on Saturday and a victory could move it into a tie with RSL.
Should there be a tie at the end of the season, RSL holds the tie break thanks to a win at Rio Tinto Stadium and a tie in Dallas. Salt Lake's first ever point in Dallas could be the key.
Of course, RSL needs to win and three more points a week from Saturday when Portland visits to Rio Tinto.
Yellow cards
RSL has been bothered all season with cautions and red cards. Friday, four more players were hits with yellow cards, including Fabian Espindola, who just came off a one-game suspension for collecting too many yellow cards.
The others were Jamison Olave, Chris Wingert and Yordany Alvarez.
Twitter: @rsltribune