From Deseret News archives:
Cup holds little consolation for RSL
The third leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup, a competition organized by fan clubs of RSL and the Colorado Rapids, is set for tonight at Invesco Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on KJZZ.
"At this point, it's a nice little something at the end," said RSL coach John Ellinger.
The winner of the Rocky Mountain Cup is determined by the results of Salt Lake and Colorado's four regular- season meetings. Real won the inaugural match between the two teams 1-0 on April 16, with the Rapids returning the favor with a 2-0 win 10 days ago.
Whichever team wins tonight's game will be in a commanding position to claim the Cup.
Don't be mistaken, however. Even if RSL wins its final two games against Colorado, including the regular-season finale at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Oct. 12, and wins the Rocky Mountain Cup, the players and coaching staff will still go into the offseason with a bitter taste in their mouths about not making the playoffs.
Cup or no cup, Real Salt Lake just wants a victory. It is in an eight-game losing streak dating back to Aug. 10, and the team hasn't won a game since a 2-1 victory over Chivas USA on Aug. 6.
"I think right now, forget about the cup," Ellinger said. "The team just wants to win."
Salt Lake (5-19-4) has four more cracks at halting the losing streak. Even though Colorado (11-13-4) has already clinched a playoff spot, it's doubtful coach Fernando Clavijo will play today's game conservatively. The MLS Cup playoffs are all about momentum, and the Rapids would love to build on their current two-game winning streak.
When these teams met in the Mile High City 10 days ago, Real was still clinging to a slim hope of making the playoffs and put forth a spirited effort. In the end, though, Salt Lake couldn't capitalize on several decent scoring opportunities and lost, 2-0.
In that game, Ellinger put his best available 11 players on the field in hopes of snatching RSL's first road victory of the year. That is still Ellinger's attitude heading into today's game.
Aside from the absence of midfield Andy Williams, who is suspended because of an accumulation of yellow cards, and defender Paul Broome, who is out for the year with a stress fracture in his left ankle, RSL's lineup will be pretty similar to the previous Colorado match. Jordan Cila will likely replace Andy Williams at the third forward position, while Brian Dunseth replaces Broome along the back line.
"I think we can win at that stadium, and I think we can beat them here," said Ellinger.
