Real Salt Lake chasing MLS history against Red Bulls

SANDY — Real Salt Lake will try and make history tonight.

Twenty-one straight Major League Soccer teams have walked out of Rio Tinto Stadium winless, and by adding the New York Red Bulls to that list this evening, RSL will tie the MLS record with a 22-game home unbeaten streak.

Don't expect the Red Bulls to be intimidated in the slightest.

Their four road wins are the second-most in MLS, and they recently halted another impressive home streak with a 4-1 win at Toronto. The victory snapped Toronto's 17-game home unbeaten streak.

"We know we have to win no matter what," said Fabian Espindola.

Realistically, Espindola and his teammates are less concerned about tying Columbus' league record and more concerned about keeping pace in the race for the MLS Supporters' Shield for the best regular-season record.

Two months ago, it looked as if Los Angeles would run away with the Shield. But lately, Real Salt Lake, Columbus, FC Dallas and New York have all climbed to within six points or less of the Galaxy. RSL coach Jason Kreis still believes L.A. is the favorite, with six of its final eight games at home, but by no means is he conceding the trophy.

He's quick to point out that the David Beckham-led Galaxy were favorites in last year's MLS Cup as well.

RSL needs the full three points against New York to keep that dream alive.

"It's a massive, massive match for us," said Kreis. "We're very excited about it."

Real Salt Lake should be well-rested. The globe-trotting club played matches in Mexico and Toronto last week, but it's had a week to recharge emotionally and physically for its match against the second-place team in the East.

Despite a heartbreaking 5-4 loss in Mexico City, RSL is feeling pretty good about itself after rebounding and earning a scoreless draw at Toronto last Saturday.

"The response and positive feeling we got from that match was probably more important than the point itself," said Kreis.

Neither team, unfortunately, will have a full complement of players to choose from.