Real Salt Lake: Working on defense during camp

LEHI — There were times last year, and particularly in the playoffs, when Real Salt Lake played a very attractive brand of attacking soccer. It's one of the core philosophies of the club, and fans can expect the same approach this year.

First, however, coach Jason Kreis is trying to lay the necessary defensive foundation.

RSL is back in Utah this week trying to recharge after two grueling weeks of training camp in Casa Grande, Ariz., which were geared almost exclusively toward defending.

"We recognize that we are a team that has to defend well to win. We don't believe we're a team that's just gonna go out there and outplay everyone because we play beautiful soccer," said Kreis.

Central defender Nat Borchers was very pleased with the progress of the team.

"It's been really good. The focus has been on defending and fitness. And I think we've really got our hands dirty in that sense," he said. "The coaching staff has done a good job of kicking our butts in training, and we're just all trying to get on the same page now."

Following a training session in Lehi on Tuesday, a team snowshoeing expedition on Wednesday and then another practice Thursday, Real Salt Lake departs for Charleston, S.C., on Friday for the next two weeks of training.

Kreis will gradually increase the focus throughout the first week from defending to attacking, and in the second week the team will participate in the prestigious Carolina Challenge Cup preseason tournament. Last year RSL won the tournament, a big reason Kreis wanted to go back.

"The biggest positive is it brings us the competition; we felt like it did a good job of preparing us for the season last year," said Kreis.

RSL will face D.C. United on March 13, USL Second Division club Charleston on March 17 and then wrap things up against Toronto FC on March 20.

"It's a great opportunity to get some good competition, and you get to play some teams you'll be challenging in the season," said RSL midfielder Kyle Beckerman.

Between now and RSL's season opener at San Jose on March 27, Borchers said it's all about sharpening things up and making sure the younger guys are on the same page with the core group that won the MLS Cup last year.