Notebook: Real Salt Lake puts emphasis on solidifying defense

LEHI — Offensively, Real Salt Lake is right where it wants to be. The team is leading the league in goals scored with 17, but the team's defense, at least statistically, has been average.

Perhaps that was why even though the team got a road win over Chivas USA last week, there was still some disappointment in the fact the team didn't reach one of its goals of posting a shutout.

"A shutout realistically is always our goal," said defender Chris Wingert. "Yes, we were disappointed not to get it last week, and it was one of our main goals, but we are trying to get one every time we step out on the field."

"We have been so close, maybe just a half-step away," said defender Nat Borchers. "The other day against Chivas, both Jean (Alexandre) and I were only a half-step away from Braun, but that was all the space he needed to make us pay. That is what we are trying to correct, just those little things, and when we put it all together we know we are a very good defensive team."

During practices this week, RSL has really ramped up the work on the defensive end once again. The team has been stressing the basic fundamentals for its defense, and the hoped for results when it lives up to those principles.

"Really some of these practices are mostly for some of the younger players to try to get them to recognize the situations of where we want to win the ball, how we want to win the ball, when we want to win the ball," said coach Jason Kreis. "We know now that we play well when we defend well. We create goal scoring chances in transition off of times when we defended very well."

MAKING THE MOST OF AN OPPORTUNITY: There hasn't been any new status update on Kyle Beckerman's strained peroneal tendon, which makes it very unlikely he will be available for Saturday's game against the Kansas City Wizards. And while Will Johnson returned from his trip to Argentina with the Canadian National Team and should return to the field, there is still a chance for midfielder Jean Alexandre to fill in for some of the lost minutes.

"It's definitely an opportunity," said Alexandre. "No pressure — you know? I've been waiting for this moment, and it's an opportunity to get some playing time."