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Oceanside, Calif. • Those fans tall enough to reach over the green chain link fence did. They held over spiffy new soccer balls, weathered soccer balls, shirts, banners, shoes and cleats. Some craved a signature, others a selfie.
The dreadlocks had just seen their first game-day sweat since October. Kyle Beckerman went 32 minutes in a preseason exhibition against the San Diego State Aztecs. Once he jogged off and began his cool-down session along the sideline, the recognizable RSL star heard his name screamed from the crowd of fans for the next hour.
RSL's captain made the rounds as best he could. But Beckerman didn't want to take his eye off the game. He interrupted himself mid-interview once he saw teammate Javier Morales shake free from a defender. "That's a goal," he said quietly just before Morales buried the shot.
For Beckerman and RSL, this year is about focus, intensity, getting back on track and returning to the established winning ways.
"We want to be part of the elite," he said. "If we're not there, it's unacceptable. It's not good enough. We need to get back there."
As evidenced by the endless autographs pleads, the tenacious midfielder remains a face of RSL and MLS.
And like everyone at RSL, he's out to bury the difficulties of 2015 for good. There is no other alternative, not with a return date to the CONCACAF Champions League knockout stages against Mexican champs UANL Tigres in three weeks. What veterans like Beckerman, Morales, Nick Rimando and the staff at RSL face is ensuring that the failures of 2015 — RSL's postseason streak was snapped at seven a year ago — was a one-time thing.
"It feels much better when we're in the light of success, we're doing well, we're winning, we're near the top of the table — that's when it feels good," Beckerman said. "It feels normal. If we're not there, everything feels off. And that's how last year felt."
There was a major personal milestone a year ago. Beckerman became the league's record-holder for most appearances by a field player, appearing in 379 career regular-season matches. Yet, RSL fell short of the perennial goal: postseason contender. Not really a player in need of extra motivation, Beckerman certainly has a bit more entering his 10th season at RSL.
RSL general manager Craig Waibel said he's heard out Beckerman's frustrations and understands where the club's captain is coming from.
"He's a leader in our locker room," Waibel said. "Kyle's frustrated and upset because we grossly underachieved last year. Every comment he makes is valid."
How RSL climbs back into playoff picture remains the real question mark. But Beckerman said the groundwork is being laid this preseason.
Training sessions are more intense, more competitive and there is consequence for the losers of various drills. Whomever he's paired up with, he's preaching the importance of winning each drill — a springboard toward the next potential victory. That way newcomers or rookies know what to expect.
"If these guys see us busting our ass, then they're going to be busting their ass," he said. "It could be contagious around the whole group."
It's been that way for Morales for some time. The two have manned the RSL midfield together since the summer of 2007. Beckerman's zeal rubs off on Morales, and vice versa.
"The same [way] you live is kind of the same that you play," Morales said. "He's an honest guy. He's all heart. He always tries to do the best for the team and he's a winner."
As frustrating as 2015 was, Beckerman believes RSL can get back to being part of the postseason conversation.
There is still enough of a core there, he said, to start another run. The pieces added this offseason are quality additions to aid in a potential return to the attractive, possession-savvy club RSL was for so many years.
"It'll be a little different," he said. "I don't think it's far off."
Twitter: @chriskamrani —
Kyle Beckerman file
P A look at the Real Salt Lake captain:
Age • 33
Position • Midfielder, entering 10th season at RSL
Hometown • Crofton, Maryland
Pro career • Real Salt Lake (2007-present), Colorado Rapids (2002-2007), Miami Fusion (2000-2001)
International career • Has made 51 career appearances with the U.S. men's team, notching one goal since his senior debut in 2007. Started all three group matches in the 2014 World Cup.
Acquired by RSL • In trade with Colorado Rapids for Mehdi Ballouchy on July 16, 2007.
Games played • League's all-time leader in appearances by a field player with 379 (231 coming at RSL) in 16 MLS seasons.