Red card hurts Real's cause

Atiba Harris' recklessness cost Real Salt Lake again.

Harris has made several questionable decisions during his rookie season, and he made another horrible one Saturday night. Playing in one of the biggest games of his life, the St. Kitts-Nevis native got sent off for a needless challenge during the second half of RSL's exhibition with Real Madrid on Saturday.

Salt Lake had played fairly well up that point, which came early in the second half, but the poor decision cost RSL any realistic chance of getting a result against the Spanish giants. Trailing 1-0 when Harris was red-carded, Real Salt Lake went on to lose the match, 2-0.

Harris was awarded a red card when he needlessly slid through Madrid defender Sergio Ramos in the 59th minute. The ball was pinned deep inside Madrid's own half at the time, and the referee reached straight for his pocket and pulled out a red card.

"Everybody is frustrated. Obviously, Atiba was frustrated with what he did. It's frustration because to that point, we were doing OK," said RSL goalkeeper Scott Garlick.

Just last month, Harris told RSL's staff that an injury he was carrying was fine and that he could play against league-leading D.C. United. He came on as a second-half sub, but he it was clear his injury was still bothering him and he had to be substituted late in the game.

Earlier in the season, Real Salt Lake met Colorado at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Harris was moved to the midfield at halftime, and shortly after the move, he was red-carded for receiving two yellows.

MERCHANDISE MANIA: Merchandise stands stocked with Real Madrid gear were placed throughout Rice-Eccles Stadium, and several of the 45,511 fans in attendance braved long lines to purchase memorabilia.

RSL placed seven merchandise stands throughout the stadium, and most of those stations were lined 3-4 people deep with fans throughout the pregame festivities.

The items on sale weren't exactly cheap. A Real Madrid replica jersey sold for $75, while a Madrid scarf cost $25. Shorts bearing Real Madrid's emblem went for $50.

THE SHIRT OFF HIS BACK: It is tradition after soccer games for players to exchange jerseys. All week, RSL players and the media had joked about who would wind up with the coveted David Beckham No. 23.

As the game ended, Beckham ran off the field with his jersey still on. Apparently, he had someone else in mind. Beckham went upstairs and gave his jersey to none other than Tom Cruise, who was in attendance.

---

E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com