Real Salt Lake: Kyle Beckerman may play vs. Chivas tonight

SANDY — Kyle Beckerman is back — probably.

Real Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis doesn't discuss starting lineups with the media prior to matches, but all indications are RSL's captain will be back on the field tonight.

Beckerman trained all week virtually pain-free, his third straight week of full training, and it appears his two-month hiatus because of a foot injury will come to an end against Chivas USA.

"We're good to go," said Beckerman following Friday's light practice.

For Beckerman, Saturday night's kickoff at 8 at at Rio Tinto Stadium can't get here soon enough. He's missed seven games since tearing a tendon in his left foot on May 22, and the time off the field has been mentally taxing.

"Having to watch it, you get nervous, you can't do anything about it," said Beckerman.

He said watching the games on TV and from the press box have given him a different perspective, helping him pick up on things he wouldn't have otherwise noticed.

Most importantly — and the importance of this can't be understated, with 14 combined MLS and CONCACAF Champions League matches upcoming for RSL between July 31 and the end of September — Beckerman expects to come back stronger.

"The last time I got hurt in '01, I felt I came back better, so hopefully it will be the same," he said.

Beckerman takes pride in being one of the league's iron men, a trait he learned from veteran teammates preceding him.

"One of the things I've learned from other older veterans like Chris Henderson and Mark Chung, these guys didn't come out of the lineup," he said. "They wouldn't let a nagging little injury (knock them) out, because as soon as that happens someone steps in. I try to take after that."

It's the big reason he hasn't missed a match due to an injury since suffering a broken leg in 2001.

The return of its midfield engine would be a huge boost to Real Salt Lake's level of play.

Even though it was 4-1-2 without him, the midfield wasn't nearly as dominant. RSL was at its best in three consecutive home matches in early May when it outscored the opposition 8-2. Beckerman went down the following game on May 22 when a Chivas USA player stepped on his foot at the Home Depot Center.

It's only fitting the 28-year-old likely will make his return tonight against the Goats.