With 2009 MLS Champions Back In Town, RSL Poised To Pick Up Three Points Against The Galaxy
Sep 25, 2019, 3:55 PM
Kyle Beckerman #5 of Real Salt Lake kisses the The Philip F. Anschutz MLS Cup trophy as he and his teammates celebrate their win over the Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS Cup final at Qwest Field on November 22, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. Real Salt Lake won 5-4 in a penalty shootout following regulation time. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SANDY, Utah – The biggest match of Real Salt Lake’s season is this Wednesday, as the Zlatan Ibrahomivic led LA Galaxy takes on RSL at Rio Tinto Stadium. On a night that could catapult RSL above the Galaxy in the Western Conference standings and help solidify their chances of finishing in the top four, RSL is also honoring the 2009 MLS Championship team by bringing the band back together for their 10 year anniversary.
RSL will also pay tribute to club legend Javier Morales, as they raise his name into the rafters alongside former manager Jason Kreis.
It is a big night for the club. Anytime the Galaxy come to town, you can expect a rowdy atmosphere at the RioT, but when you throw on the festivities involving the 2009 MLS Cup champs, who knows what to expect.
The Champions
RSL had no business winning the MLS Cup in 2009. They ended the regular season with a losing record (11-12-7) and went on to sweep the playoffs. They brought the state of Utah it’s first and only professional championship.
“After the final regular-season game, I did not think we were making the playoffs. I was getting ready to go back to Argentina for the offseason, then results went our way and the team lifted as soon as we realized we made the playoffs.” Morales said.
The 2009 MLS team had a special bond, they were a family. Hence why they prevailed victoriously.
Hola fanáticos! Come celebrate the 10 year reunion with us.
Tickets ➡️ https://t.co/jQebOgq4PB pic.twitter.com/s2odwqeo3E
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 20, 2019
The Current Team
Since then, RSL has struggled to consistently win games. They have not seriously challenged for trophies, nor have they been able to revive the fan base back to what it once was. However, this year seems different. The group of players, united by leaders such as Damir Kreilach and Albert Rusnak, seem excited by the opportunity to fight for trophies.
Although, Major League Soccer is a different beast than what it was 10 years ago. Much like other professional leagues in the States, the bigger cities generally attract star power, just take a look at Carlos Vela and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Los Angeles or Josef Martinez in Atlanta.
RSL have struggled to find top class players that fit well into the smaller, quieter community that is Salt Lake City.
Lack Of Respect?
Which is why the 2009 MLS Cup was such a big deal in the world of soccer.
Does that team really get the respect it deserves? They are the only team that has brought back a title to Utah. The only.
What is fitting about the reunion and the celebration, is that the LA Galaxy are back in town. The club RSL beat to win the 2009 MLS Cup. Deja vu will be prevalent for the fans that have been with the club for the majority of its existence.
Reminisce with the squad
Full version ➡️ https://t.co/n7cEXXO0kZ pic.twitter.com/3bm1YQjyFK
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 24, 2019
LA Galaxy, RSL Showdown
Rarely does it seem like Zlatan Ibrahimovic makes friends, RSL center back Nedum Onuoha could vouch for that, the two have had heated battles over the last year. Recently when Zlatan embarked into the RSL locker room after the final whistle to continue his heckling. The duo will go head to head once again, this time with a lot more on the line.
If RSL wins, and Minnesota loses to Sporting Kansas City, they would jump into a tie for second place with only two regular-season games left and a chance to solidify their spot in the top four.
The remaining games on the schedule for RSL are winnable, hosting the Houston Dynamo on Sunday and taking a quick road trip to Vancouver the following week. The Whitecaps are currently in last place in the Western Conference.
It is a monumental game for a number of players. Kyle Beckerman and Tony Beltran, who have both announced retirement following the conclusion of the 2019 season, will be adamant at making one last mark on their legacy.
While interim manager Freddy Juarez is looking to cement his name as a full-time manager at the club. Juarez, who has only had one other full-time coaching role in his career, has proven a lot of the last couple of months. He has helped steady the ship and has put RSL in a position to make a real playoff run. Regardless of what the rest of the season holds for Juarez, he has done a tremendous job guiding this team to success and has seemingly set himself up to take over as a full-time manager, whether it be at RSL or not.
👀 With a win tomorrow, the #LAGalaxy can clinch a spot in the #MLSCup Playoffs: https://t.co/XYP4XW4YLV pic.twitter.com/SwZvw4q9Q0
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 24, 2019
Game Info
Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at Rio Tinto Stadium. RSL currently sit in 5th position in the Western Conference on 47 points, while the Galaxy sit one position above RSL in 4th on 48 points.
The winning team will be in position to host the first round of the MLS Playoffs, depending on the results of their final two regular season games.
You can stream the game for free on sports.ksl.com or the KSL TV app, which you can download here: ksltv.com/app.
