Six MLS teams were in action Tuesday in Florida in preseason action, with Real Salt Lake taking the field twice for their first scrimmages of their training camp. In the club's first match, the RSL reserves defeated the University of Central Florida 4-3, while a split squad fell to Swedish side GAIS 1-0 in the second contest.
Veteran Chris Brown led John Ellinger's side against UCF, scoring two goals, including the equalizer and game-winner, in a seven-minute span. Midfielder Joey Worthen also added a goal and an assist, while Kyle Brown provided the fourth strike.
Goalkeeper Scott Garlick made several big saves in the first half to take RSL to the break even at 0-0 in the club's other match. The Swedes found a goal in the 63rd minute off of a corner kick to take the lead. RSL's best chance to tie fell to midfielder Freddy Adu, who was sent on a breakaway after some good play by Mehdi Ballouchy and Andy Williams. Adu couldn't beat the GAIS goalkeeper however, and the match soon ended with the 1-0 scoreline.
"For our first game-speed activities, we got out of it exactly what we wanted," said Ellinger. "We worked on our defensive shape, and we kept the sheet clean for 60 minutes. The one mistake got us. There were no injuries, and I'm very pleased with everyone's effort and attitude today. All in all, a good outing for everyone."
The New York Red Bulls picked up a win against the Kansas City Wizards in other action at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Head coach Bruce Arena used two different lineups in each half of the 90-minute match.
Dutchman Dave van den Bergh put New York on top in the 16th minute with his second goal in as many games. The Wizards got even in the second half when Jack Jewsbury finished from the penalty spot after Willy Guadarrama was taken down in the box.
Rookie Dane Richards put the Red Bulls on top for good less than a minute later. After latching onto a long pass from Joe Vide, Richards was able to lob the goalkeeper from beyond 20 yards.
"Dane's obviously very, very fast and on top of it, he (can) play soccer pretty well," said Red Bulls assistant coach Richie Williams. "He's scored goals in college and he took his goal very nicely and we've been happy with the way he's been playing."
Trialist Peter Philipakos, a former American University standout who spent time with Olympiakos in the Greek first division, capped the scoring with a penalty kick of his own.
Despite the loss, Wizards coach Curt Onalfo was able to take a lot out of the game.
"We saw some good things today and we saw some things we need to work on, which is the purpose of playing exhibition games," he said. "We have a lot of tactical work to do, but all the guys are willing to put in the work."
Also in Bradenton, the Chicago Fire met Columbus Crew in the first match for the Fire against a fellow MLS club this preseason.
In three 30-minute periods, neither side was able to find a breakthrough. Fire coach Dave Sarachan played much of his first team in the opening half-hour, while Crew boss Sigi Schmid opted to save his first-choice team for the final period.
Gonzalo Segares and Calen Carr each had good scoring opportunities for the Fire, while Joseph Ngwenya had three good looks at the Chicago goal.
Expansion side Toronto FC also got their inaugural preseason schedule started with a scrimmage against Florida International University. Colombian international Hector Hurtado, who has been on trial with Mo Johnston's side, provided the only goal to lead Toronto to a win.
"The game took its toll on us," said Johnston. "There were some heavy legs out there after the training in the morning."
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
