Real Salt Lake
Rice-Eccles Stadium (MLS Capacity: 25,562)
2006 Record: 10-13-9, 39 points (6th in Western Conference)
GF: 45 (3rd in MLS)
GA: 49 (11th in MLS)
Finish: Did not make MLS Cup Playoffs
Head Coach: John Ellinger (3rd year with club)
Key Departures: Douglas Sequeira, Nelson Akwari, Jafet Soto, Jay Nolly
Key Additions: Freddy Adu, Nick Rimando, Luis Tejada
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP
GOALKEEPER
Nick Rimando: Replaces Scott Garlick, who retired unexpectedly in the offseason.
DEFENDERS
Jack Stewart: Starting right back. It's nice to have solid play on the defensive wings.
Eddie Pope: Classy, smart, tall and strong, as usual, in central defense.
Daniel Torres: Central defender who missed half of last season due to a foot injury.
Willis Forko: Left back who earned his starting role as a rookie last year.
MIDFIELDERS
Chris Klein: Right-sided midfielder has become a steadfast force, starting every game last year.
Jason Kreis: The captain still owns the league's all-time scoring record and will likely move to a holding midfielder role this year.
Carey Talley: Another central holding midfielder who is perhaps the hardest worker on the team.
Mehdi Ballouchy: Already in midseason form, should play as the attacking center midfielder.
Freddy Adu: Could get used to the wings under Ellinger, slated for the left side of midfield.
FORWARD
Jeff Cunningham: Won the MLS Golden Boot last year, but wants to get his team into the playoffs.
OUTLOOK
Real Salt Lake missed the playoffs by two points last year. Now, an improved roster and better cohesion should help Real get those two points back, and more.
GRADING THE SEASON
Real Salt Lake will call this a successful season if they earn a first playoff berth in team history. Anything less, as Jeff Cunningham said, is unacceptable.
NEWCOMER(S) WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACT
Freddy Adu should have the biggest impact on the team this season, particularly if teammates can get him the ball while facing the goal. "He's an extremely good dribbler, and extremely crafty passer, and good things will happen if we get him in good spots," Kreis said.
