Real Salt Lake Weekly Update:
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
RSL Hits the Road in Return to League Play Saturday at Columbus
Real Salt Lake (5-6-5, 20 pts.) will jump back into MLS regular season play and attempt to lengthen its club-record tying five-match undefeated streak this Saturday, July 18, when the squad will take a road trip east to Ohio to square off with the defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew (5-3-9, 24 pts.). Kickoff from Columbus Crew Stadium is set for 6:00 p.m. MT on Saturday, while broadcast coverage on KUTV 2.2 Digital / Comcast Ch. 111 will begin with the America First Credit Union Pre-Match Report at 5:30 p.m. Fans can also follow the action live via RSL's official radio partners - KALL 700 Sports (coverage beginning with the America First Credit Union Pre-Match Report at 5:00 p.m.) and "Ke Buena" 1600-AM.
Carrying a five-match League undefeated streak and having brought points back from three of its last four road affairs, Real Salt Lake has reason to be confident heading into the weekend. However, the defending MLS Cup champion Crew also seem to be getting their swagger back, especially at home, where "America's Hardest Working Team" is an undefeated 4-0-4 this season. The Utah side contributed to The Crew's lackluster start to the '09 campaign on April 2, when FW Robbie Findley notched the first-ever hat trick in League play for RSL en route to a 4-1 triumph at Rio Tinto Stadium. That result pushed Real Salt Lake's overall regular season record to 3-5-1 against The Crew, which includes a 1-3-0 mark at Columbus Crew Stadium, the lone away triumph coming via a 2-1 comeback victory on Aug. 16, 2006.
Beckerman, Johnson & Alexandre all Advance to Quarterfinals of CONCACAF Gold Cup
Real Salt Lake will be without the services of all three midfielders taking part in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup - Kyle Beckerman, Will Johnson, and Jean Alexandre - for at least this Saturday's match at Columbus, as the national teams of the United States, Haiti and Canada have all advanced to the tournament's quarterfinal round. Johnson started all three pool contests for Canada (2-0-1) in helping the Maple Leafs win Group A, and Beckerman started in two of his three "caps" for the USA (2-0-1) in grabbing Group B's top spot, while Alexandre made one start during pool play for Haiti, which earned one of two "wild card" spots for the "Round of 8."
The United States and Canada will be part of a quarterfinal doubleheader at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field this Saturday, July 18, with Canada playing in the opener against Honduras (3:00 p.m. MT, live on TeleFutura) followed by the USA taking on Panama (6:00 p.m. MT, live on Fox Soccer Channel & TeleFutura). Haiti will have to face a tough crowd and a touch of history on Sunday, July 19, when the Grenadiers will take on Mexico in the first-ever sporting event at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Tex. (5:00 p.m. MT, live on Univision).
RSL in the CONCACAF Gold Cup
MF Kyle Beckerman - United States
July 4 v. Grenada: Started and played full 90 minutes in 4-0 victory at Qwest Field in Seattle
July 8 v. Honduras: Went full 90 minutes again in a 2-0 win at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
July 11 v. Haiti: Played 27 minutes off the bench in a 2-2 draw at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA
Saturday, July 18 - Quarterfinals v. Panama: 6:00 p.m. MT kickoff - Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA (live on Fox Soccer Channel & TeleFutura)
MF Will Johnson - Canada
July 3 v. Jamaica: Started and played 70 minutes in 1-0 victory at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA
July 7 v. El Salvador: Went the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH
July 10 v. Costa Rica: Started and played 75 minutes in a 2-2 draw at FIU Stadium in Miami, FL
Saturday, July 18 - Quarterfinals v. Honduras: 3:00 p.m. MT kickoff - Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA (live on TeleFutura)
MF Jean Alexandre - Haiti
July 4 v. Honduras: Started and played 61 minutes in 0-1 defeat at Qwest Field in Seattle
July 8 v. Grenada: DNP in a 2-0 win at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
July 11 v. United States: DNP in a 2-2 draw at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA
Sunday, July 19 - Quarterfinals v Mexico: 5:00 p.m. MT kickoff - Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX (live on Univision)
League Names First XI for 2009 MLS All-Star Game at Rio Tinto Stadium
The 2009 MLS All-Star Game at Rio Tinto Stadium continues to draw nearer, as only 15 days remain until the League's annual midsummer showcase comes to Real Salt Lake's new Sandy home on Wednesday, July 29 (7:30 p.m. MT, live on ESPN2 & Galavision). The first glimpse of what MLS coach Dominic Kinnear's squad will look like came on Monday, when Major League Soccer announced its First XI roster for the contest, each of whom received the most votes at their respective positions from four groups - fans, players, media, and coaches/general managers. Reigning Volkswagen MLS MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew) led all players in combined voting, followed by now nine-time MLS All-Star Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy) and U.S. National Team striker Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids). Seven first-time All-Stars are included in the 11-player list and seven different nations are represented within the First XI. The first change to the MLS roster came on Tuesday, with the announcement that Chicago Fire midfielder and last year's All-Star Game MVP, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, will replace Toronto FC's Dwayne De Rosario due to his club's commitments in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
MLS First XI:
Goalkeeper: Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC)
Defenders: Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Wilman Conde (Chicago Fire), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew)
Midfielders: Dwayne De Rosario (Toronto FC)*, Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Freddie Ljungberg (Seattle Sounders FC), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew)
Forwards: Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
- Denotes first selection to the MLS All-Star Team
** Will be replaced on the team by Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Chicago Fire) due to club commitments
Tickets to the 2009 MLS All-Star Game remain on sale, with prices starting at $35 for a limited amount of KFC Colonel's Corner tickets and all North Goal, South Goal and Upper Deck sections; and continuing at $45 (Corner Flag), $60 (Lower Sidelines), $105 (Front Row and Midfield) and $200 (Club Seats). All Real Salt Lake season ticket holders are assured of their current seats for the 2009 MLS All-Star Game. To purchase tickets for the MLS All-Star Game's first-ever visit to Utah, please visit www.RioTintoStadium.com, call 800-838-3380, or visit the Rio Tinto Stadium Box Office, open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Real Salt Lake Releases DF Ian Joy
Real Salt Lake today officially announced the release of DF Ian Joy from its roster. A nagging left hamstring strain limited Joy to just one appearance (7 minutes) across the first half of RSL's current campaign, this after the 28-year-old defender started in 19 of his 20 appearances across the regular season and playoffs in 2008. The transaction, coming one day before the opening of Major League Soccer's secondary transfer window, now leaves Real Salt Lake with three available spots on its 24-man roster.
Save the Date on July 28 for the MLS All-Star Jam at The Canyons in Park City
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 28, when the MLS All-Star Jam at The Canyons in Park City (4000 The Canyons Resort Dr.) will help get fans ready for the following night's 2009 MLS All-Star Game. The MLS All-Star Jam will run from 7:00-10:00 p.m. MT at The Canyons' Resort Village and feature several events all free of charge, including live music by Royal Family Records artists Soulive, autograph signings with MLS and Real Salt Lake players, and much more! Don't miss this unique chance to relax and kick it with some great music alongside some of soccer's biggest names! For more information on the MLS All-Star Jam, visit the "Events" page at www.TheCanyons.com. To check out the sound of Soulive, including songs from their brand new album "Up Here," visit the group's website at www.Soulive.com.
"RSL on the Air": Tonight's Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers Coach's Corner Heads North to Logan
The Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers RSL Coach's Corner on KALL 700 Sports will try its luck once again up in Logan, as the previous appearance at Axtell-Taylor GM (1955 N. Main Street) has been rescheduled for this evening from 6:00-7:00 p.m. MT on the English radio home of the Claret-and-Cobalt. Head Coach Jason Kreis will join hosts Bill Riley & Spencer Checketts to give fans the full scoop on Utah's MLS side, and all of "RSL Nation North" in Cache County and beyond are encouraged to head to Axtell-Taylor GM to ask their questions and give their comments in person to the traveling trio. Those that can't make it up to Logan can still participate in this week's show by calling 877-353-0700 or texting 29909.
Upcoming Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers RSL Coach's Corner Locations:
• Tuesday, July 14: Axtell-Taylor GM - 1955 N. Main Street in Logan
• Tuesday, July 21: Barber Brothers Motor Company - 1341 N. Main Street in Spanish Fork
• Tuesday, July 28: Mike Hale Chevrolet, Inc. - 2190 Rasmussen Road in Park City
• Tuesday, August 4: Brent Brown Chevrolet - 2125 N. University parkway in Provo
Weekly "RSL on the Air" schedule (subject to change):
• Mondays: "Wingin' It" with Chris Wingert - KALL 700 Sports' Bill & Spence Show at 4:40 p.m. MT
• Tuesdays: Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers RSL Coach's Corner with Jason Kreis - KALL 700 Sports from 6:00-7:00 p.m. MT
• Wednesdays: GM Garth Lagerwey - KALL 700 Sports' Bill & Spence Show at 4:20 p.m. MT
• Thursdays: RSL First Kick with Spencer Checketts, Trey Fitz-Gerald and Brian Dunseth - 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
Real Salt Lake Offers the Hottest Tickets in Town this Summer!
Whether you're looking for tickets to the Pioneer Day match and fireworks extravaganza on July 24 against FC Dallas, presented by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, the 2009 MLS All-Star Game on July 29, all of Real Salt Lake's remaining 2009 contests at Rio Tinto Stadium, or anything in between, the Real Salt Lake Ticketing Department has just the package for you!
• While the season is halfway through, it's not too late to become a Real Salt Lake Season Ticket Holder, as 2009 Half-season Ticket Packages are now available. This new season ticket option, priced at $113 for North Goal seats and $192 for Lower Sideline section tickets, includes the 2009 MLS All-Star Game on July 29 and the six RSL regular season games to follow, beginning with the first-ever visit by Seattle Sounders FC on August 8, presented by Hoopes Vision, in addition to all the benefits of being an RSL Season Ticket Holder, including an invite to this summer's annual "Meet the Team Day" (date TBA).
• The "Western Union Comboleto" package is back in its original three-game format, which includes seats for the 2009 MLS All-Star Game (Wednesday, July 29) and RSL regular season affairs against Chivas USA (Wednesday, August 26, presented by PEPSI), and the Cuauhtémoc Blanco-led Chicago Fire (Saturday, Sept. 12, presented by NAPA). The "Western Union Comboleto" can be purchased in one of two seating areas at Rio Tinto Stadium, with Corner Kick seats available for just $51, and Lower Sideline section packages selling for $82. Please note that a $5 service fee will be added to the "Western Union Comboleto" package offers.
• The updated 2009 Flex Pack includes eight ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for any RSL regular season contest at Rio Tinto Stadium, with a pair of seating options available - $128 for North Goal seats and $200 for Lower Sideline tickets.
• The "RSL Family Pack" is also available for the remainder of RSL's 2009 regular season, with the package including four North Goal section seats, four hot dogs and four sodas for just $88.
To order any of these outstanding ticket offers, or to find out more information on a specific package, please call 800-838-3380, go online to www.RioTintoStadium.com, or visit the Rio Tinto Stadium Box Office in person during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
One Man's Trash(can) is Another Man's "Item of the Week" Treasure at RSL Team Store!
The Real Salt Lake Team Store at Rio Tinto Stadium continues to bring new pieces of merchandise into the fold as the summer continues, and this week that new item happens to be the RSL mini garbage can, available for $15 through Saturday as the "Item of the Week" special. For Friday's "Real Hours" from 4:00-6:00 p.m., the RSL Team Store will help you look sharp and stay cool as the summer sauna starts in earnest, as the RSL/adidas performance T-Shirt will be flying off the shelves for just $15 (half off!) during these two hours. And don't forget about the on-going "Christmas in July" special on both styles of the official RSL/adidas scarf, which will sell for only $10 through the conclusion of the annual Pioneer Day holiday match on Friday, July 24, against FC Dallas (presented by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah).
To get a closer look at this week's special items and the new line of 2009 MLS All-Star Game gear - including caps, two styles of T-shirts, keychains and bracelets - make sure to check RSL's Behind the Shield blog, located at www.RealSaltLake.com, or contact Rachel King at rking@realsaltlake.com / 801-727-2792 or J.C. Perea (bilingual) at jperea@realsaltlake.com / 801-727-2727.
Upcoming 2009 Real Salt Lake Summer Soccer Series Schedule
• July 15: Libbie Edward Elementary School - 1655 East 3300 South in Salt Lake City (English-language clinic)
• July 22: West Jordan Soccer Complex - 4000 West 7800 South in West Jordan (Bilingual clinic)
• Aug. 5: Mt. Ogden Park - 3084 South Taylor Avenue in Ogden (English-language clinic)
• Aug. 12: Sertoma Park - 400 E. 2320 North in Provo (English-language clinic)
English-language clinics this year will be presented by America First Credit Union, Burger King, Pepsi, Rio Tinto, and Salt Lake Regional Medical Center. Bilingual clinic sites are presented by America First Credit Union, Burger King, Pepsi, Rio Tinto, Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, Siegfried and Jensen, Utah Department of Public Safety, Western Union and Zions Bank.
Registration Still Open for Remaining Four RSL Youth Soccer Camps
The 2009 Real Salt Lake Youth Soccer Camps - focusing on developing skills for children ages 4-18 playing at all levels of the sport - are back in action through mid-August. Registration remains open for the remaining four RSL Youth Soccer Camps slated to take place across the northern half of the Beehive State between now and August:
• 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 the RSL Youth Soccer Camps, including registration instructions, head to the "Youth Soccer" menu at www.RealSaltLake.com or contact RSL Director of Youth Camps Rob Karas at 801-819-9061 / rkaras@RealSaltLake.com.
Kenny Chesney's "Sun City Carnival" next Thursday Kicks off Busy Week at Rio Tinto Stadium
The third concert event at Rio Tinto Stadium is only nine days away, as Kenny Chesney's "Sun City Carnival" tour is scheduled to roll through Sandy next Thursday, July 23. Tickets for one of the most popular tours across the USA this summer, which also features Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, and Sugarland, are still available and can be purchased starting at just $29.50.
The "Sun City Carnival" will kick off the busiest week in Rio Tinto Stadium's brief history, as the seven-day span starting with the Chesney concert will also include Real Salt Lake's annual Pioneer Day contest and Fireworks Extravaganza against FC Dallas (presented by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah) the following day on Friday, July 24 ($18-$60), and the 2009 MLS All-Star Game, with the League's annual summer showcase making its Utah debut on Wednesday, July 29 ($35-$200).
Tickets for all future Rio Tinto Stadium events can be purchased via one of three ways: online at www.RioTintoStadium.com, over the phone at (888) 477-5849, or in person at Rio Tinto Stadium Box Office every Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, July 23: Kenny Chesney's "Sun City Carnival" tour - 5:30 p.m. MT
• Friday, July 24: Real Salt Lake v. FC Dallas - featuring Pioneer Day Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
• Wednesday, July 29: 2009 MLS All-Star Game: MLS v. Everton FC - 7:30 p.m. MT
• Saturday, August 22: Rio Tinto Stadium Monster Truck Show, featuring GRAVE DIGGER - TWO SHOWS: 2:00 p.m. (day) and 7:00 p.m. (night)
• Saturday, Sept. 5: U.S. Men's National Team v. El Salvador in World Cup Qualifying - 5:30 p.m. MT
Follow Real Salt Lake on Your Favorite Social Networking Sites!
Now you can connect with Real Salt Lake through Twitter, Facebook and TXTwire text messaging to get all the behind-the-scenes news and insider scoop on your favorite MLS side. Real Salt Lake recently kicked off its live, in-game messaging, with GM Garth Lagerwey providing his entertaining and insightful thoughts to the masses via Twitter and Facebook during the squad's last two contests. To follow along with future guest "Game Tweeters" and receive exclusive scoops, specials, and promotions on Twitter, Facebook and TXTwire, click on the following links to sign up:
• Official Real Salt Lake Twitter feed: www.twitter.com/realsaltlake
• Click here for the http://www.riotintostadium.com/mobile_alerts.php
Leo the Lion to Appear at Burger King Restaurant in West Valley next Wednesday
Real Salt Lake's autograph appearances at Burger King Restaurants across the Salt Lake area will continue next Wednesday, July 22, when the team's popular mascot Leo the Lion will swing into the West Valley City location at 3500 S. 5600 West to greet fans and patrons during the dinner rush. Each of the remaining six RSL/Burger King appearances across the summer will take place from 6:00-7:00 p.m. MT at the following locations:
• Leo the Lion - Wednesday, July 22 - 3500 S. 5600 West in West Valley City, UT
• Leo the Lion - Wednesday, Aug. 12 - 2104 S. Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, UT
• RSL Player (TBD) - Wednesday, Aug. 19 - 147 E. Bangerter Highway in Draper, UT
• RSL Player (TBD) - Thursday, Aug. 20 - 3975 W. 4700 South in Salt Lake City, UT
• Leo the Lion - Wednesday, Sept. 2 - 7810 S. 1300 East in Sandy, UT
• Leo the Lion - Thursday, Sept. 10 - 803 N. Main Street in Layton, UT
