RSL's winless 6-match start stunted 2006 playoff chances

If only there were mulligans in soccer. Or perhaps, if Real Salt Lake had a time machine, it could return to the beginning of the 2006 season and replay the first six games of the year.

With those possibilities, RSL would certainly have made the franchise's first postseason appearance. Instead, it was a horrible 0-5-1 start that the club can look back on as the major reason it was left out of the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Part of the reason for the slow start was the chemistry to begin the year was lacking. The team had 13 newcomers to the 28-man roster last season, and it showed.

"It took us a half season to get our stuff together, and once we did, we were very successful. So that bodes very, very well for next year," said captain Jason Kreis at the end of last season.

Of course, even after a winless first six games, the squad still had its opportunities to make it to the playoffs. The reason for the run at a postseason berth was that once the team finally found its continuity and regular starting 11, RSL was one of the best teams in Major League Soccer. It posted a 7-4-5 record after a 3-9-4 start finishing with a 10-13-9 record for 39 points, an incredible improvement over the inaugural season where the team went 5-22-5 for 20 points.

"We've obviously come a long way and we're all real proud of ourselves," defender Eddie Pope said of the difference.

A big reason for the marked improvement were the newcomers to the team. Goalkeeper Scott Garlick, who has since retired for the upcoming season, gave a steadying influence in the net. Chris Klein was a proven commodity on the right side coming into the year, and all he did was bolster his reputation as a dangerous player running up the wings for crosses or scoring opportunities. Klein finished the year with seven goals and eight assists.

Rookie Mehdi Ballouchy was one of three players who were finalists for the MLS Rookie of the Year award. His deft touch on the ball and work rate made the midfield much stronger. Fellow first-year player Willis Forko stepped in to the starting back line and was steady if not spectacular at times. Carey Talley found a home in the midfield and was named the team's defensive player of the year.