Position switch works wonders for Brown

Back on July 23, out of desperation, Real Salt Lake coach John Ellinger inserted midfielder Chris Brown into the line-up as a defender.

RSL went on to beat FC Dallas 3-0 that summer evening, and Brown immediately made an impression on the Salt Lake coaching staff. In a pinch, Brown had proven that he could step in and play a pretty good right back.

That one game may have added a few more years to his playing career.

In Wednesday's 3-1 loss to D.C. United, Brown got the defensive starting nod once again and received nothing but praise from Ellinger for his effort in the 3-5-2 formation.

"Browny is basically putting himself in a position where he's going to be a starter in the back to start next season," said Ellinger. "He gets better every time he plays back there."

Throughout his six-year career prior to joining RSL, Brown was primarily used as a forward, but occasionally as a midfielder. When Salt Lake selected Brown in the expansion draft, the club had every intention of using him as a midfielder.

As an influx of younger and younger players enter the league, threatening to push veterans like Brown down the depth chart, Brown's willingness and ability to play multiple positions should keep him with Real Salt Lake for several more years.

SENT PACKING: Defender Rusty Pierce hasn't trained with the club this week, and it's pretty obvious Real Salt Lake has already issued the injury-riddled Pierce his walking papers.

Through the first two months of the season, Pierce was one of the team's most consistent defenders. Then on June 4, he injured his hamstring, and Pierce was never the same.

In the 19 games since his initial injury, Pierce started just five games, and only went 90 minutes three times. Injuries are nothing new to Pierce. In 2002 and 2004, he played in less than half New England's game because of injury.

Pierce's willingness to play through pain has also come into question this season, and it appears he isn't in the club's plans for 2006.

STEPPING IT UP: Despite the loss Wednesday, RSL midfielder Clint Mathis had himself another decent outing.

"He's definitely moving better. The quality of his passes has gotten better in the last few games," said Ellinger.