Real gets its first test vs. D.C. United

BRADENTON, Fla. — Everyone passed their physicals, and all but three Real Salt Lake players passed their initial fitness test. They've endured a handful of a two-a-day training sessions and the customary get-to-know-you moments on the practice field.

In all, the inaugural week of RSL's training camp was pretty straightforward.

In Week 2, however, things really start to count.

"To be honest, I think we've been pleased with everyone," said RSL coach John Ellinger. "The moments that count are starting (Tuesday)."

Today will be a historic day for the expansion Major League Soccer franchise as it plays its first-ever exhibition game at 10 a.m. (EDT) against defending MLS champion D.C. United.

"I'm definitely looking forward to it," said Ellinger. "It will be nice to get a good result."

In reality, the outcome isn't too important to RSL's coaching staff, but rather how the players compete.

"These guys are professional athletes, and like anybody else they like to compete," said Ellinger. "It's not a bad measuring stick if you can have a good outing against the defending MLS champs."

Salt Lake's coaching staff is particularly interested to see how the team competes without three projected starters (Clint Mathis, Eddie Pope and Marlon Rojas), who are all participating in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier between the United States and Trinidad & Tobago. Mathis and Pope are regulars with the U.S. National Team, while Rojas has been a regular with T & T recently.

Ellinger isn't sure how D.C.'s coaching staff will approach the scrimmage at the IMG Soccer Academy, but he's planning on using his top 11 guys in the first half and then rotating in his second team after halftime.

Salt Lake's starting 11 are: D.J. Countess (keeper); Rusty Pierce, Brian Dunseth, Nelson Akwari, Matt Behncke (defenders); Pablo Brenes, Brian Kamler, Andy Williams, Evan Whitfield (midfielders); Jason Kreis, Dipsy Selolwane (forwards).

RSL's second scrimmage will be Thursday against the under-17 U.S. National Team, followed by a pair of scrimmages against Columbus and San Jose Sunday.

"The thing that has been encouraging is just the fact that players are looking for a different starter and a different environment," said Elllinger. "Anything we've asked as a coaching staff, they've jumped in and got it done."