Real spin: A fresh (second-half) start

No matter how many times Real Salt Lake tried putting a positive spin on the first half of the season, it simply can't escape the reality that it was one of the worst four-month stretches in MLS history.

For a franchise that entered the 2007 season with a "playoff or bust" mentality, it might take a miracle to fulfill those aspirations after compiling a 1-8-6 record at the midway point of the season.

Make no mistake, RSL isn't happy with its current predicament, but it's trying not to worry about the past. When it kicks off the second half of the season tonight against the visiting New England Revolution, the players and coaches insist they're doing so with a clean slate.

"We've asked the guys to leave the first half where it is. To let go of that, to take on the mentality that this is an absolutely new season for us," said Real coach Jason Kreis. "We're going to focus on doing much, much better in that season."

It's the type of token response you'd expect from a team in such a position. As trite as it seems, however, you can't fault Kreis or his players for being optimistic. This is their livelihood, and everyone is sick of losing.

"If it weren't the playoffs, then what are we playing for?" asks Real defender Ritchie Kotschau. "You've got to try and try."

With 15 games remaining, RSL only has nine points in the standings and is 15 points out of a playoff position. To have any hope of qualifying for the postseason, Real probably needs at least 32 points over those 15 games — a possibility that doesn't leave much room for error.

The team is trying not to overanalyze its situation.

"We're going to ask the guys to focus on one thing at a time. I believe, we all believe, that this team can still make a push for the playoffs. In order to do that we're going to have to stay focused on one step at a time. We can't look at the whole 15 games," said Kreis.

He reiterated that what the team needs tonight is three points. There's reason to be optimistic as well against the East-leading Revolution.

RSL hasn't played a league game since dropping a 1-0 decision at Kansas City on July 14, but that result seems like ages ago.

Since then, RSL acquired Kyle Beckerman in a trade with Colorado, received a major boost with the return of Nathan Sturgis and Freddy Adu from the U-20 World Cup, not to mention getting a shot of confidence with a pair of solid performances in exhibition games against Everton and Boca Juniors.