RSL still sorting things out

After the sluggish first half, Real (1-3-1) played much better in the second half and just four minutes from time Cutler equalized to earn RSL its first draw of the preseason. Carey Talley got the opportunity started by whipping a dangerous ball into the box that Joey Worthen latched onto near the far post and headed back toward the middle of the box, where Cutler was waiting to slot it into the open net.

"There's been teams who've won every game in preseason and been crap during the year, so I'm thinking this isn't a time now to worry about points," said Talley. "But that being said, I don't think we need to be getting into bad habits. I think we need to start playing a little quicker."

Talley admits he doesn't think Real is quite in the same game mode as other teams, but he doesn't believe that's a bad thing. Last year he believes RSL peaked too early in the preseason and was burnt out on opening day.

"I think we're making improvements each game, and that's the goal," said RSL forward Jeff Cunningham. "At this point we just have to stay healthy and continue to improve."

REAL'S LINE-UP: Chase Harrison, Daniel Torres, Eddie Pope, Jack Stewart, Carey Talley, Jason Kreis, Mehdi Ballouchy, Freddy Adu, Chris Klein, Atiba Harris, Jeff Cunningham.

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E-mail: jedward@desnews.com