The State Of Real Salt Lake
Mar 1, 2022, 11:43 AM
Real Salt Lake owners David Blitzer (L) and Ryan Smith (R) with MLS commissioner Don Garber (C) (Photo by sports.ksl.com)
(Photo by sports.ksl.com)
SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake is finally, after years of internal disturbance, enjoying an ownership group that cares for its employees.
Ownership Impact
The working environment within the club is manifesting into something special. Employees are enjoying their daily obligations and responsibilities and the fanbase is following suit with growing optimism.
David Blitzer and Ryan Smith are owners that every club should strive to gain. Blitzer has quickly become one of soccer’s most global investors as he already owns majority shares in a number of European clubs. Executives at Real Salt Lake have been working closely with members of Blitzer’s team daily. Sources of KSL Sports has confirmed that communication has been superb and that both parties are incredibly excited for what the future holds.
"We have 90 minutes. 90 minutes that we'll never get back. 90 minutes can change our lives."#HOUvRSL | @AFCU pic.twitter.com/tRmDuZhra6
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 1, 2022
Mastroeni’s Culture Project
The permanent hiring of Pablo Mastroeni as the manager has also added to the optimism entering the 2022 season. Mastroeni detailed his prolific ability to galvanize a group throughout the 2021 playoffs when he led Real Salt Lake to a Western Conference Final. From a leadership perspective, Mastroeni has all of the traits to catapult Real Salt Lake back into the annual conversation of MLS Cup contenders.
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Missing Pieces
However, for Real Salt Lake to return to its glorified best, ownership must splash some cash and purchase a handful of designated players. Specifically, the club needs a disciplined defensive midfielder, it must be the first priority. Secondly, an attacking left-back would also be very valuable for Real Salt Lake in 2022.
Needless to say, Real Salt Lake is in need of some roster upgrades. The squad is not yet ready to seriously contend for silverware. The foundations are being set in stone, the work of ownership and management is setting the club up for future success but more work is needed on the strength of the roster.
The question remains, how much longer does the Real Salt Lake faithful have to wait before the club makes a serious signing. A signing that puts the rest of the league on notice.
Hopefully welcomed news comes prior to the May 4 transfer deadline.
Next Fixture
Real Salt Lake and Seattle will kickoff from Rio Tinto Stadium at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, marking the first home game in 2022. Last year’s captain Albert Rusnák and last year’s manager Freddy Juarez return to their once home ground, now as enemies.
guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys guys we get to play soccer in utah this week pic.twitter.com/KQCiCwxzfr
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 1, 2022
The fixture will be available to stream for free via the KSL Sports & KSL 5 TV apps or on KSL Sports dot com.
