A heightened degree of intensity and emotion has characterized training sessions for Real Salt Lake this week, and it isn't merely a by-product of the team finally snaring a road point last weekend.
Ever since Jason Kreis expressed his willingness to throw open all 11 starting positions, there is a decidedly different feel to even practice as each player jockeys to be the one to earn a spot in the rotation.
"Everybody is out here to show that they want to play," forward Yura Movsisyan said. "Whether it's being more vocal or whether it's bringing more energy -- it's just a matter of showing the coaching staff that (we) want to play."
RSL are definitely seeing the benefits of increased competition for spots in the first 11. After the Claret-and-Cobalt hit what was arguably their lowest point with a 2-0 home loss to Kansas City, they bounced back to force a 0-0 draw with a D.C. United team that has been one of the hottest in MLS in recent weeks.
In some ways, the threat of moving to the bench has produced the effect that RSL coach Jason Kreis began searching for once the losses started mounting.
"Again, we had a chance to look in the mirror last week and start again and talk about what kind of team we are," Kreis said. "We're a team of hard-working guys. Everything we get, we scrap for and fight for."
Kreis included playing time on the itinerary of things to fight for once he shook up the lineup before Real took the field against United.
Chris Wingert, a usual starter at outside back, found himself on the bench and Tony Beltran stepped into his place. Ned Grabavoy, a reserve for much of the season, made his first start in the midfield. Because RSL utilized a 4-5-1 defensive formation once again, it meant only one forward -- Robbie Findley -- earned a starting nod and put Movsisyan on the bench for the first time in the '09 season.
Tinkering with the status quo led to a crucial draw, so it's not unreasonable to think that further tinkering could yield three points. Even RSL's core players realize that no change will be ruled out if Kreis thinks it can stimulate progress.
"He's a coach that likes to try and give us the best advantage we can have and just go from there," midfielder Kyle Beckerman said.
One side effect of tinkering with the starting lineup is all of the amped-up competition is making it tougher to decide on a first 11 for this weekend's latest road match at San Jose. Kreis acknowledged there are several directions he can go in because so many players are making a good case for playing time.
"There's a lot of guys right now that are very much into it," Kreis said. "(They) are wanting to put their stamp on things and are wanting opportunities and minutes. So it will make decisions for this weekend difficult."
Regardless of who ends up on the field and who rides out 90 minutes on the sidelines, the changes Kreis has showed he's willing to implement are resonating with his players.
No one feels comfortable or safe when it comes to their roles with RSL. And that's not necessarily a bad thing for a team searching to recapture a brand of strong blue-collar play that had become its trademark earlier this season.
"We're a deep team," goalkeeper Nick Rimando said. "Anyone on this bench can come in and fill any role. So when we're not getting results, that means there's going to be some changes."
John Coon is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
