RSL hosts Colorado in U.S. Open Cup action

Cup fever hasn't caught on yet in the United States.

Unlike Europe, particularly in England, where knock-out soccer competitions can often grip entire countries, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup maintains a modest foothold in the eye of American soccer fans. Particularly at the MLS level, fans usually focus instead on trying to be successful in the league.

But that doesn't mean it isn't a big deal for the players. At least that's how RSL captain Jason Kreis feels.

Real Salt Lake takes on MLS neighbor Colorado tonight at 7 in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup, and Kreis and Co. hope they can advance to the quarterfinals.

"For me and for most of the players," said Kreis, "it's an important game . . . Anytime you get a chance to put a medal around your neck and hold up a trophy, you relish it."

Added coach John Ellinger: "Guys want to win. Guys are serious about it. The younger guys are happy that the senior guys are serious about it because, if we advance and win the final, there's more money for them."

According to Ellinger, most of RSL's senior players will be in the lineup tonight. Ellinger played a very youthful squad in Real's extra-time win over Virginia Beach in the third round because of scheduling congestion.

However, that won't be a problem tonight because MLS is heading into its All-Star break this weekend.

"I'm not quite sure what lineup Colorado will put in there," said Ellinger, "but most of our starters are healthy so we're going to probably start close to what we started the other night (against D.C. United)."

July injuries decimated Salt Lake's backline, but it appears most of the central defenders are close to returning. Eddie Pope (foot contusion), Nelson Akwari (hip contusion) and Cameron Knowles (hamstring strain) are all nearing full recovery.

"Either one of those three could probably play, if necessary," said Ellinger, "but Cameron has the less pain, so he'll be on the roster."

If RSL can get past the Rapids, would Ellinger play his senior lineup during the rest of the competition?

"We tried to get through the first round using all of our roster because of the games we had at the time," he said. "But once you get to this point, you want to go for it as much as you can."

ENDLINES: Should RSL win tonight, it would host either the L.A. Galaxy or Dallas Roma FC in the quarterfinals on Aug. 23 . . . Tonight's match isn't available as a bonus game for season-ticket holders. However, fans can purchase tickets for the game at a discounted rate . . . Forward Jeff Cunningham, who scored three times and had two assists during Week 18 of the MLS schedule, was named MLS Player of the Week. It's the third time in 2006 he's garnered the award.

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E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com