So here we are, preparing for another MLS season and with things looking to be settled in the "Housing" department, Real Salt Lake should be in for the strongest season to date.
With Freddy Adu, former Gold Cup MVP striker Luis Tejada, former MLS Cup Champion Nick Rimando in the nets, first round draft pick and Under-20/23 starting 'keeper Chris Seitz, a healthy Danny Torres and most importantly a valuable Designated Player slot in the back pocket of Mr. Checketts, the stars seem to be aligning well for RSL leading into April. However, the question remains: can RSL get off to the start they need to take advantage of a summer schedule (Gold Cup, Interliga, Copa America and MLS international friendlies) that is definitely going to take its toll on clubs throughout the league?
A lot was made out of Freddy coming to town. Is he the savior RSL was so desperately needed? Will he finally be able to be fulfill his potential under his mentor, John Ellinger? Is RSL going to change formations to better suit his style and foster his creativity? What is going to happen with the development of Mehdi Ballouchy, arguably RSL's brightest talent in the midfield last year? How much time will Freddy miss with national team duty? How will he acclimate within the locker room?
Finally, how long will he stay in the U.S.?
So many questions and so far we've found a few of the answers. I'm not sure if Freddy will be the savior, but he'll definitely provide a spark (not only on the field, but in ticket sales, media attention, etc.). After taking some lumps in early preseason matches, Ellinger quickly realized that a 4-5-1 formation with Mehdi on the field was the best option at this time for RSL.
Still at a young age, Freddy will be handed the keys to the RSL attack, along with Mehdi and Jeff Cunningham, to be both dynamic and creative going to goal. Chris Klein will be relied upon heavily for service and support (along with Mehdi and Freddy) for Cunningham to make sure he's not left feeling like he's on an island by being the only true forward on the field.
The decision to move captain Jason Kreis back into a holding central midfield role along with Carey Talley (widely considered the most consistent player on the team last season) was designed to allow the attacking players the freedom to create a sense of what the Dutch would call "Total Football": interchanging positions with the knowledge that their defensive responsibilities were protected without worry.
Willis Forko will be looked upon to cover the left flank with the help of Kreis and Talley, the team's heart and soul who will be expected to pick up right where he left off at the end of last season. Jack Stewart has taken over the vacant right back spot while Danny Torres has returned to reclaim his starting center back role that was lost to injury midway through 2006.
Finally, the key to the defense this year will be Eddie Pope and his experience. While usually having to attend to national team camps early in the year, he came into RSL camp vocal, fresh and, more importantly, healthy to lead this relatively inexperienced back line.
With the sudden retirement of Scott Garlick, everyone was left wondering about the odd man out in the Adu trade, Nick Rimando. With a lot of luck, RSL was able to sign what will be considered an upgrade within the nets. Quick, experienced and calm under pressure, Rimando will be looked upon to make the big saves (and the little ones) that have haunted RSL in it's few years in existence.
Only time will tell how these off-season changes will affect Real Salt Lake, but with the schedule they have to start off with and the lack of national players on the roster during those crucial summer months, you couldn't ask for a better situation.
Brian Dunseth, the former Captain of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team, who scored the game-winning goal in Real Salt Lake's first-ever win in its home opener in 2005 vs. rival Colorado, can be heard each week on KALL 700 AM the Zone, providing analysis during RSL game broadcasts and co-hosting the pre- and post-game shows for RSL home games. A nine-year veteran of MLS play, Dunseth is now a licensed realtor for The Bringhurst Group in Salt Lake City, and looks forward to your feedback at brian@slchouses.com.
