SANDY, Utah - RSL Kicks off Defense of Rocky Mountain Cup Saturday at Colorado Rapids
Real Salt Lake (3-2-0, 6 pts.) will get back to MLS regular season play this Saturday, May 2, when the Claret-and-Cobalt will travel to the Denver area to begin the defense of its back-to-back Rocky Mountain Cup titles in the first of three 2009 contests against the archrival Colorado Rapids (2-2-2, 8 pts.). Kickoff from Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. is set for 7:30 p.m. for a contest that will be televised live on KUTV 2.2 Digital / Comcast 111 (THIS-TV), beginning with the America First Credit Union Pre-Game Report at 7:00 p.m. Fans can also follow the action live via RSL's official radio partners: KALL 700 Sports (America First Credit Union Pre-Game Report begins at 6:30 p.m.) and Ke Buena 1600-AM.
Despite holding a 3-2-2 edge in Rocky Mountain Cup contests over the last two seasons, Real Salt Lake will head to Colorado trailing in the all-time series by a 5-7-3 margin. After going 1-3-0 in the Rapids' former home of INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium across the 2005-06 seasons, RSL has held its own at Dick's Sporting Goods Park during the last two campaigns, gaining some franchise-highlight results while going 1-1-2 in Commerce City. Everything was on the line the last time the rivals met in last year's regular season finale at Dick's Sporting Goods Park last Oct. 25, and it was Yura Movsisyan's dramatic 90th minute rebound off an Andy Williams blast that gave RSL a 1-1 draw, earning the point the Utah side needed to qualify for its first-ever MLS Cup Playoff berth (and dash the Rapids' postseason hopes at home on the season's final day for a second straight year), and the retention of the Rocky Mountain Cup after tying the 2008 series at 1-1-1.
English Premier League Side Everton FC to Face MLS All-Stars July 29 at Rio Tinto Stadium
Major League Soccer and Real Salt Lake announced earlier today that legendary English Premier League side and current FA Cup finalists, Everton FC, will face the MLS All-Stars in the 2009 MLS All-Star Game at Rio Tinto Stadium, the home of Real Salt Lake, on Wednesday, July 29 (live on ESPN2 and TeleFutura at 7:30 p.m. MT). This midseason showcase will continue the theme of "MLS Takes on the World." The MLS All-Star team is 5-0 in previous All-Star Games against international opponents.
All Real Salt Lake season ticket holders are assured of their current seats for the 2009 MLS All-Star Game, and have an exclusive window through Friday, May 1 to purchase additional All-Star Game tickets. Following the Saturday, May 2 launch of a pre-sale window for VISA cardholders and MLS "Friends and Family" (National MLS partners and other MLS team season-ticket holders), tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m. via www.RioTintoStadium.com. Ticket prices for the July 29 MLS All-Stars vs. Everton FC begin at $35 (North Goal, South Goal and Upper Deck), and continue at $45 (Corner Flag), $60 (Lower Sidelines), $105 (Front Row and Midfield) and $200 (Club Seats).
For more information, please visit www.RealSaltLake.com or www.RioTintoStadium.com. Special event credentials will be required for media wishing to cover this event. Media credential application information for the 2009 MLS All-Star game will be distributed at a later date.
RSL's 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Dreams End Abruptly after 1-4 Defeat at Seattle
Coming off a 6-0 victory over New England this past weekend, Real Salt Lake looked to be firing on all cylinders and hoping to take that momentum into the 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup qualifier last night at Seattle Sounders FC. However, the visitors' road woes, struggles on artificial turf, and a determined Seattle side combined to see RSL go down to a 1-4 defeat at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, WA.
Seattle striker Sebastien Le Toux figured in all four goals for the home side, starting the scoring in the 24th minute by burying a penalty kick awarded when Roger Levesque was taken down inside the penalty area. Just two minutes later, Seattle extended that lead to 2-0 on a goal by Sanna Nyassi, which was assisted by Le Toux and Levesque. Real Salt Lake got on the board in the 32nd minute with an unassisted, 15-yard strike by MF Will Johnson that stopped the bleeding and left RSL trailing 2-1 at halftime.
Unfortunately for RSL the second half offered more of the same, as Seattle's Stephen King finished off a pass from Le Toux in the 53rd minute, followed quickly just two minutes later by Le Toux's second of the game that effectively put the game out of reach. Le Toux finished the match with two goals and two assists, while Levesque finished with three assists. The loss eliminates Real Salt Lake from qualifying for the U.S. Open Cup proper and runs its all-time record in U.S. Soccer's National Championship tournament and qualifiers to 3-5-0.
Real Salt Lake Schedule: April 29-May 3, 2009 (all times MT unless noted)
Real Salt Lake's practice and match schedule for April 29-May 3, 2009, is listed below. All RSL practices are open to members of the media and the general public unless otherwise noted, with media availability for all players and coaches to immediately follow each session. Those planning on attending any session can confirm the time and location of that day's training by calling 801-918-5050.
Wednesday, April 29: Return to Utah; Training at Rio Tinto Stadium - 3:30 p.m., with media availability to follow at approximately 4:15 p.m.
Thursday, April 30: Training at XanGo Field - 10:00 a.m.
Friday, May 1: Training at XanGo Field - 9:15 a.m.; Travel to Denver
Saturday, May 2: 2009 Rocky Mountain Cup: RSL @ Colorado Rapids
• Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. - 7:30 p.m. kickoff
• TV: KUTV 2.2 Digital / Comcast 111 (THIS-TV) (America First Credit Union Pre-Game Report @ 7:00 p.m.)
• Radio: KALL 700 Sports (America First Credit Union Pre-Game Report @ 6:30 p.m.) and KE BUENA 1600-AM
Sunday, May 3: Off Day
Real Salt Lake Acquires 2010 MLS SuperDraft Pick from FC Dallas in Exchange for DF Kyle Davies
Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas announced a trade between the MLS Western Conference foes on Tuesday that landed the Utah side a second round selection in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft and sent recently-acquired U.S. Under-20 National Team defender Kyle Davies to the "Hoops" in return. Real Salt Lake had acquired the rights to Davies via an MLS Player Lottery held on April 16. The recently-turned 20-year-old Davies was not included on the 18-man roster for his only eligible contest with Real Salt Lake last Saturday in its 6-0 win over New England, that match coming just one day after he was officially added to the RSL roster on Friday.
Early Entrants for RSL 3-v-3 Tournament & RSL Youth Camps to Receive Free Voucher for May 6 Match vs. L.A. Galaxy
Real Salt Lake is sweetening the deal for early enrollees to the upcoming RSL 3-v-3 Soccer Tournament and this summer's RSL Youth Camps series, as anyone signing up for either program by this Friday, May 1, will receive a free ticket voucher to the squad's contest against the Los Angeles Galaxy next Wednesday, May 6, at Rio Tinto Stadium. In order to receive the May 6 ticket vouchers, entrants must turn their order forms in person at Rio Tinto Stadium (9256 S. State Street in Sandy) from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. MT, Monday-Friday.
The RSL 3-v-3 Tournament will be held across the weekend of June 26-27 at Mt. Jordan Middle School (9360 S. 300 East in Sandy). Boys and girls teams (U-8, U-9 through U-18 recreational & competitive) and male and female Open and Over-30 squads entering the tournament are guaranteed to play at least four matches over the weekend, with the finals in each group set to take place on Rio Tinto Stadium's east lawn as part of the Carnival Real festival prior to RSL's match against Toronto FC.
Meanwhile, the 2009 RSL Youth Camps - focusing on developing skills for children ages 4-18 playing at all levels of the sport - are slated to take place in eight cities across the northern half of the Beehive State from June through August:
June 15-19: Centerville-Centerville Community Park (1350 N. 400 West)
June 22-26: Brigham City-Box Elder Middle School (18 S. 500 East)
July 6-10: West Jordan-West Jordan Soccer Complex, Fields B & C (4000 W. 7800 South)
July 13-17: SLC-East Churchill Junior High (3450 E. Oakview Drive)
July 20-24: Tooele-Deseret Peak Soccer Fields (2930 W. Highway 112)
July 27-31: Sandy-Lone Peak Park (10140 S. 700 East)
Aug. 3-7: Logan/Hyde Park-Cedar Ridge Middle School (65 N. 200 West in Hyde Park)
Aug. 10-14: Provo-Sertoma Park (400 E. 2400 North)
For more information on both the RSL 3-v-3 Soccer Tournament and RSL Youth Camps, including registration instructions for each event, head to the "Youth Soccer" menu at www.RealSaltLake.com or contact RSL Director of Youth Camps Rob Karas at 801-819-9061 or rkaras@RealSaltLake.com.
Time to Gear up for Rocky Mountain Cup at the RSL Team Store!
Want to gear up in time for this weekend's kickoff of the 2009 Rocky Mountain Cup? Then drop by the RSL Team Store at Rio Tinto Stadium, where a comfortable pair of RSL fleece warm-up pants is being featured as the "Item of the Week," normally selling for $40, but this week available for just $30, a 25% savings! In addition, the RSL Team Store is offering as part of this Friday's "Real Hours" from 4:00-6:00 p.m. a discount on the RSL Youth Hat, available during the special hours for just $10. On top of those great deals, the RSL merchandise crew is offering an additional 10% off to all season ticket holders on all gear leading up to Saturday's showdown with the archrival Rapids, bringing their total discount to an astounding 35% off (not valid with any other offers).
To get a closer look at this week's special items, make sure to check RSL's Behind the Shield blog, located at www.RSLtotheCore.com, and keep following up throughout the week to see when new merchandise will be hitting the shelves. To take advantage of the store's weekly deals and to see the full range of officially licensed RSL gear, drop by the RSL Team Store during regular business hours: Monday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. MT. For more information on the Real Salt Lake Team Store - including $10 shipping, phone orders, autographed and personalized merchandise, and how you can get 25% off your purchases - call the RSL Merchandise Hotline at 801-727-2888.
We've got Just the Ticket for RSL's 2009 Home Schedule at Rio Tinto Stadium!
With Real Salt Lake's incredible home from across its first three games, maybe you're thinking about catching the Claret-and-Cobalt's next contest at Rio Tinto Stadium next Wednesday, May 6, against the L.A. Galaxy? Or perhaps you've seen enough to want to square away seats for the remainder of RSL's 2009 season in Sandy AND the 2009 MLS All-Star Game against Everton FC in July? Something in between, you say? Any way you slice it, Real Salt Lake has you covered via the following ticket options:
•Individual game tickets are available at the following prices: $15 (Upper Deck - day of game sales only) / $18 (North End Zone) / $20 (South End Zone/Supporters Section) / $25 (Corner Flag) / $30 (Lower Sideline) / $60 (Stadium).
• RSL 2009 Season Tickets start at just $300 (prices will be prorated at time of purchase), with benefits including seats to the remainder of RSL's 12 MLS contests, the 2009 MLS All-Star Game against Everton FC on July 29, and additional exhibitions; right of first refusal for additional events taking place at Rio Tinto Stadium; an invitation to the club's annual "Meet the Team Day" event; and much more!
• The RSL Flex Pack includes 18 vouchers redeemable in any combination for any of the team's regular season games. The RSL Flex Pack is available in four different price levels, starting at $315 for North Goal seats.
• The RSL Family 4-Pack is available for every home regular-season game and includes four tickets, four brats and four drinks for only $88.
• The KFC Colonel's Corner is back and ready for its first full season at Rio Tinto Stadium, with the voucher prices recently being rolled back to $15 for the rest of the 2009 campaign! Visit www.RealSaltLake.com for a full list of the 35 participating KFC locations across the Salt Lake valley and Wasatch Front.
To order your tickets or obtain more information regarding Real Salt Lake's 2009 seating options, please visit www.RioTintoStadium.comor call 800-838-3380.
Media Credential Applications for May 23 USA v. Japan Women's Friendly now Available Online
Local media members interested in covering the women's international friendly on Saturday, May 23 at Rio Tinto Stadium between the United States and Japan may fill out their application forms online through Friday, May 15, by clicking on the following link: http://images.ussoccer.com/Documents/cms/ussf/090523_credential_application.pdf
Media members are reminded that 2009 Real Salt Lake season credentials will not gain you admittance to the May 23 contest at Rio Tinto Stadium - only U.S. Soccer credentials will be honored. Those with questions are asked to contact David Applegate in the U.S. Soccer Communications Department at dapplegate@ussoccer.org.
RSL on Air all Week on KALL 700 Sports & 1280 The Zone
Real Salt Lake players and coaches will be taking to the radio airwaves every week during the 2009 season, as the team's radio home, KALL 700 Sports, and 1280 The Zone will welcome RSL personalities to their studios to give fans the scoop on RSL every weekday:
Mondays: "Wingin' It" with Chris Wingert - KALL 700 Sports' Bill & Spence Show at 4:40 p.m. MT
Tuesdays: GM Garth Lagerwey - KALL 700 Sports' Bill & Spence Show at 4:20 p.m. MT
Wednesdays: RSL Coach's Corner with Jason Kreis - KALL 700 Sports from 6:00-7:00 p.m. MT
Thursdays: RSL First Kick with Spencer Checketts & Trey Fitz-Gerald - KALL 700 Sports from 7:00-8:00 p.m. MT
Fridays: GM Garth Lagerwey - 1280 The Zone on "Monson and Graham" at 2:30 p.m. MT
The Eagles in Concert and Utah Rugby Union Doubleheader Highlight Upcoming Rio Tinto Stadium Events
While Real Salt Lake has kicked off its 2009 season at Rio Tinto Stadium, there's much more coming to the state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue in Sandy this spring and summer! In addition to RSL's full slate of MLS contests and the 2009 MLS All-Star Game against Everton FC on July 29, the following soccer matches, concerts and local sporting events have been added to Rio Tinto Stadium's bill in the upcoming months:
• Saturday, May 2: Utah Rugby Union U-19/High School Championship - 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 9: Eagles' Long Road Out of Eden tour (last North American tour stop) - 8:00 p.m. MT
• Saturday, May 23: U.S. Women's National Team v. Japan - 4:00 p.m. MT
• Saturday, May 30: CAN'T STOP ROCKIN' 2009 tour featuring REO Speedwagon, Styx, and .38 Special - 7:00 p.m. MT
• Thursday, July 23: Kenny Chesney's "Sun City Carnival" tour - 5:30 p.m. MT
• Wednesday, July 29: 2009 MLS All-Star Game v. Everton FC - 7:30 p.m. MT
• Saturday, Sept. 5: U.S. Men's National Team v. El Salvador in World Cup Qualifying - 5:30 p.m. MT
Tickets for the Eagles ($50-$175), the CAN'T STOP ROCKIN' tour ($13.50-$75), and Kenny Chesney ($29-$125) shows are now available in addition to seats for Saturday's Utah Rugby Union doubleheader ($10/$5 for adults, $8/$4 for students) and the U.S. Women's National Team contest (starting at $18), with fans able to purchase seats for each of these events online at www.RioTintoStadium.com, over the phone at 888-4RSLTIX (888-477-5849), or in person at the Rio Tinto Stadium Box Office, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. MT.
For more information on these matches and concerts - and to keep an eye out for future events taking place at Utah's new world-class entertainment venue - please visit www.RioTintoStadium.com.
