‘Real’ Rough Start

The year after Real Salt Lake was just one win away from playing for the MLS cup, the team is now are struggling just to get on a winning track.

As of June 5, RSL is 3-7-2 and things could not be going worse. Their last win came on April 25.

The season started strong for RSL, winning three of their first five, but since scoring six goals against the New England Revolution they have not been able to get one in the win column.

Like many teams in Utah, it seems that homesickness is their Achilles’ heel. RSL has a 3-1-1 record at home and have scored 14 goals. On the road, however, RSL is winless posting a 0-6-1 record and has only scored two goals.

“I think we play with a bit more confidence, a bit more flair, a bit more everything when we play at home,” said Coach Jason Kries following a road loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. “When we play away, we’re a lot more hesitant, and not sharp enough.”

The players do not have an answer for their road woes either.

“We’re puzzled too,” said Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman following the road loss. “If we could put our finger on it, we would, but we’re still trying to figure it out. We’ve got nine more road games to try and find the answer.”

Real Salt Lake will try to end their road troubles June 13 against a dismal Los Angeles Galaxy (1-1-9).