Real Salt Lake: Real faces monumental challenge tonight against Mexican club

Jason Kreis didn't hesitate even slightly when declaring Wednesday night's match at Cruz Azul in Mexico City as the biggest challenge of the season for Real Salt Lake.

Beating Cruz Azul is a daunting task anywhere, but in Mexico — where history, altitude, pollution and, some would say, the officiating are all working against you — the prospects of an RSL victory are bleak at best.

"It presents a massive challenge for us, one we're extremely excited about. This is our equivalent when the European teams have to go to the big-time clubs; going down to Mexico City, it's going to be hostile," said midfielder Will Johnson.

More than anything, history is arguably the biggest thing RSL must overcome in tonight's 6 o'clock kickoff off at Estadio Azul, a match broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel. In the CONCACAF Champions League, MLS teams are 0-16-2 all-time in Mexico, including a Columbus loss at Santos Laguna on Tuesday night.

"That's the challenge for us. We've got the group of guys to do it. It's gonna obviously be a hostile situation; we're going to be under a lot of pressure, but if anybody can do it, it's us," said Nat Borchers.

RSL is in good position in Group A of the CCL after last week's tournament-opening 2-1 win over Arabe Unido. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, dropped its opener at Toronto FC and will be hungry for points three tonight.

History would suggest that going for the victory is futile, and Kreis would be wise to save his first-choice players for a league match at Toronto on Saturday afternoon. But, based on comments to the media before departing for Mexico, RSL wants nothing more than to snap Major League Soccer's abysmal track record south of the border.

"We would love to add that to our list of firsts that we've accomplished here at Real Salt Lake over the past two years," said Kreis.

There are reasons to believe a win or a tie isn't impossible. Scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast throughout the day in Mexico City, and a slippery surface may hinder Cruz Azul's ability to show off its tremendous technical ability. Rain may also clear up Mexico City's notorious pollution.

Altitude shouldn't be a big issue, either, at least compared to other MLS teams. Estadio Azul is an estimated 7,400 feet above sea level, but Real Salt Lake does most of its training at 4,500 feet at Xango Field in Lehi.

Johnson believes all of those things are built-in excuses anyway, none of which he plans on using.

He wholeheartedly believes RSL can succeed in Mexico.