Seitz replaces Rimando as RSL's keeper

It sure didn't take rookie Chris Seitz long to win the Real Salt Lake starting keeper job; just four games into the regular season, to be exact.

In the process, Seitz is joining some pretty elite company.

RSL coach John Ellinger confirmed Thursday that barring a fluke injury in training, the 20-year-old Seitz will get the starting nod over Nick Rimando this Monday when Real hosts the Colorado Rapids. Seitz will be exactly 20 years and 49 days old when he steps onto the field, making him one of the youngest starting keepers in MLS history.

Former MetroStars keeper Tim Howard was only 19 years and 165 days when he made his debut, the youngest in league history. Considering that Howard is now the starting keeper for Everton of the English Premier League and the current No. 1 with the U.S. National Team, it would seem likely that Seitz has a big future ahead of him.

"It's a good feeling to know they have trust in me to put me out there in a big game for us," said Seitz, who started last week's U.S. Open Cup qualifier against Kansas City. "We need to get points."

The maturity in which Seitz handled himself in that 2-1 overtime win over Kansas City is a big reason why RSL's coaching staff is entrusting him with the nod in such a critical early-season league match.

With four of its first five games at home this year, much was made about the need for Real to get off to a good start. Through three games RSL has just two points in the standings but hopes to improve on that with a pair of home matches next week. It better, because after that RSL hits the road for four straight.

"It's no secret, we need to start playing better in general," said Seitz. "We've been playing well, but we haven't had a complete game, and I think that's what we're looking to do with Colorado for the full 90 minutes."

If nothing else, Seitz hopes to bring some consistency to a troublesome position so far this year with Rimando in goal.

Whether it was getting a late start with his new team in training camp, or simply getting his feet under him again after serving as a backup with D.C. United in 2006, Rimando just hasn't looked confident in matches with RSL this year.

It came to a head last Saturday when Rimando made a poor choice to come way off his line in the opening minute, and Chivas USA capitalized with a goal 30 seconds into the match.

That mistake contributed to a temporary loss in the starting 11.