Rimando, Beckerman Are Reasons To Attend Real Salt Lake Games
Feb 27, 2019, 6:20 PM
Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando (18) is handed a trophy by teammate Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman (5) for his 200th win as Real Salt Lake defeats DC United 3-2 in MLS Soccer action at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy Utah on Saturday, May 12, 2018. (Scott Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Many Major League Soccer clubs struggle to field at least one superstar on the pitch. Real Salt Lake, however, boasts two of the greatest MLS players of all time.
In all likelihood, goalkeeper Nick Rimando and midfielder Kyle Beckerman will have statues outside Rio Tinto Stadium once their playing careers come to an end.
They will have earned that honor through the combined 40 seasons of MLS in which that have both endured.
Interestingly, they both started their careers with the Miami Fusion in 2000 and it looks like they will both end their careers with Real Salt Lake, whenever that may be.
Record Holders
Rimando holds multiple MLS and club records. He’s the all-time MLS leader in wins among goalkeepers, all-time leader in saves and many more.
He is, undoubtedly, one of, if not the greatest goalkeeper the MLS has ever seen.
Beckerman is no slouch either. He holds multiple records himself including the distinction of being the league’s all time leader in minutes played, games played and games started.
What Beckerman has been able to do for the sport of soccer in America through his durability and passion is unrivaled in the sport.
Changing Roles
As the duo has progressed into the twilight of their careers, their roles have started to change.
Both have taken on increased leadership through guiding and aiding in the development of the team’s young core. The sport is better for it.
Rimando will maintain his starting goalkeeper role. The “Wall of the Wasatch” will continue to dazzle the crowd at Rio Tinto Stadium, count on it.
As for Beckerman, it would not be a surprise if he spends more time on the bench in favor of younger, fresher players.
It was evident last season that he does not have the same explosiveness he once had. That and the addition of Everton Luiz from Serie A will also potentially impact Beckermans minutes this year.
Appreciate It While You Can
As RSL’s famed duo enters their 20th season together, it will be crucial for fans to enjoy it while they can. Dynasties can end in the blink of an eye and all that’s left of Rimando and Beckerman’s playing days may soon be those statues in front of Rio Tinto Stadium.
Watching #RSL with friends is fun 😃
📺 https://t.co/VmioW18zMU | #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/KfiM20kJqn
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) February 27, 2019
RSL will begin preseason Saturday at 3:30 p.m. against the Houston Dynamo. The team is hosting a watch party at Beer Bar on the corner of 200 South and 200 East in Salt Lake City.
