Real record preseason win over 1836

SALT LAKE CITY - Real Salt Lake continues to make advances in its preparation for the 2006 season, adding its seventh preseason win today in a 2-1 defeat of Houston 1836 at the Round Rock Independent School District Athletic Complex in Austin, Texas. RSL's two goals were tallied by MF Kevin Novak and FW Jamie Watson while Houston's lone goal was scored by FW Alejandro Moreno.

"It was one of those games where they had opportunities and we had opportunities," said RSL Head Coach John Ellinger. "Kevin Novak and Jamie Watson put away two good chances for us, and we were able to hold them defensively in the second half. So far things are shaping up for us as we prepare for the 2006 regular season."

RSL tallied the first goal in the 19th minute due to Houston's defensive breakdown. MF Mehdi Ballouchy fed a nice ball through to Novak who sent a shot past the Houston goalkeeper to put Real up 1-0 midway through the half. The teams continued to battle for possession of the ball throughout much of the first half. Houston added its only goal of the game when FW Brian Mullan found Moreno who slid a shot by RSL keeper Jay Nolly in the 36th minute.

Real began the second half defensively holding Houston and not allowing its offense to get into any sort of rhythm. With control of most of the possession in the half RSL reaped the rewards in the 79th minute. MF Andy Williams acquired a loose ball in the midfield and found second-half substitute Watson open. The Dallas, Texas native notched the final goal, sealing RSL's seventh win with the match ending 2-1.

Scoring Summary:
RSL - Kevin Novak (Mehdi Ballouchy) '19
HOU - Alejandro Moreno (Brian Mullan) '36
RSL - Jamie Watson (Andy Williams) '79

Real Salt Lake - Jay Nolly; Chris Brown, Carey Talley, Nelson Akwari, Gustavo Cabrera (Danny Torres, 45); Mehdi Ballouchy (Kenny Cutler, 80), Douglas Sequeira, Andy Williams, Kevin Novak (Ryan Johnson, 45); Atiba Harris (Jamie Watson, 75), Jeff Cunningham.

RSL SHUTS OUT FIU 2-0: Real Salt Lake added its sixth preseason win yesterday in a 2-0 victory over Florida International University at the Sunrise Hilton in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. with the two RSL's goals being notched by DF Nikolas Besagno and MF Christian Jimenez.

RSL got on the scoreboard early in the first half from a corner kick in the 15th minute. Trialist MF Ryan Mack sent a curling ball into the box that met Besagno, who put it into the back of the net. Both teams battled throughout the first half, but Real was able to hold FIU to no goals ending the half 1-0.

The second half began with multiple players from both teams receiving yellow cards. FIU DF Pierre HóSang was issued a card just seven minutes into the half, followed by teammate MF Levi Coleman in the 58th minute. MF Adolfo Gregorio was also extended a yellow card in the 58th minute, while teammate Jimenez was show the final yellow card in the 63rd minute.

The games final goal was a penalty kick taken by Jimenez in the 88th minute. Jimenez was making a play on goal when he was taken down in the box by a Golden Panthers defender giving the referee no option but to give a penalty.

Scoring Summary:
RSL - Nikolas Besagno (Ryan Mack) '15
RSL - Christian Jimenez (penalty kick) '88

Misconduct Summary:
FIU - Pierre HóSang (Yellow Card) '52
FIU - Levi Coleman (Yellow Card) '58
RSL - Adolfo Gregorio (Yellow Card) '58
RSL - Christian Jimenez (Yellow Card) '63

Real Salt Lake - Noah Palmer; Ricky Lewis (Brian Kamler, 65), Nikolas Besagno, Cameron Knowles, Willis Forko; Adolfo Gregorio, Ryan Mack, Christian Jimenez, Joey Worthen; Adam Acosta, Jeff Rowland.

Second Annual Tom Fitzgerald Memorial Soccer Festival in Tampa, Fla.