Pair of ex-Rapids players waste little time in strong debut

A couple of ex-Rapids made a big splash in their Real Salt Lake debut.

Jordan Cila and Seth Trembly combined on a textbook give-and-go in the 39th minute of Real Salt Lake's 2-0 win over Chivas USA Wednesday that ultimately led to a goal for Trembly and an assist for Cila.

"One of those plays we've done a lot in practice together and fortunately we took it out on the field," said Cila.

Perhaps RSL's lack of depth isn't as bad as first thought.

With forward Jason Kreis suspended because of an accumulation of yellow cards and left midfielder Leslie "Tiger" Fitzpatrick away on national team duty, the two former Rapids stepped in and played admirably.

"Jordan did exceptionally well, he did everything we asked," said RSL coach John Ellinger. "Obviously I can't say enough about Seth. First start, great effort, great goal. But that's what he does, that's why we wanted him here."

Earlier this year, left midfield was perhaps the biggest weakness on Salt Lake. In the first two games, Ellinger started Dipsy Selolwane — who tallied zero points. In games three and four, rookie Luke Kreamalmeyer got the nod, but wasn't much better.

In the past three games prior to Wednesday, however, Fitzpatrick had really solidified the spot with three solid outings.

Trembly made sure there was no drop-off without Real's Tiger.

NO MORE TURF: Playing on the field turf at Rice-Eccles Stadium has been a tremendous advantage for Real Salt Lake. In four home games, it is 3-0-1.

At least temporarily, the advantage came to an end Wednesday night.

Beginning Monday morning, a $100,000 grass playing surface will be placed on top of the existing turf in preparation for the June 4 World Cup qualifier between the United States and Costa Rica. U.S. National Team coach Bruce Arena wouldn't agree to play in Utah if it was on field turf.

Scot Woodbury, RSL's director of operations, said a crew will begin covering the field turf with a tarp Monday morning, and anticipated completely the sod laying process by Tuesday evening. A temporary irrigation system will water the grass until June 9, when the grass will be removed.

Real Salt Lake will play three games on the grass surface.