Real Salt Lake-FC Dallas match a huge one

LEHI — As far as regular season games go, Real Salt Lake's tilt with FC Dallas this weekend is arguably one of the biggest in recent memory.

Even though both have already clinched playoff spots and the Western Conference title isn't on the line, it's a massive match nonetheless with both teams on impressive record-setting streaks.

Real Salt Lake's dominance at Rio Tinto Stadium is well-known locally. RSL's 24-game home unbeaten streak dates back to last May, and it's outscored the opposition by 37 goals in posting a 16-0-8 record.

FC Dallas' current run of form is even more impressive.

It hasn't lost since May 20, a 19-game unbeaten streak that's a new MLS single-season record. The streak also equals the 19-game unbeaten streak by the Columbus Crew spanning the end of the 2004 season and the 2005 season.

Unless Saturday's match is a stalemate, one of the impressive streaks will come to an end.

RSL coach Jason Kreis sees similarities between the teams and their success.

"Just difficult to play against, whatever that may mean. I think both teams are extremely solid defensively, and both teams buy into the concept that everyone needs to defend and everyone needs to attack, and I think that's the reason why both teams have had a fair amount of success this season," said Kreis.

The underlying story lines are just as intriguing as impressive streaks.

Baring a collapse by the L.A. Galaxy in the final two weeks of the regular season, Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas will finish second and third in the West and meet in the first round of the playoffs. Saturday's match will likely determine home-field advantage in the series.

Former RSL coach John Ellinger is an assistant with FC Dallas, and two of his former players, Jeff Cunningham and Atiba Harris, are regulars for the Hoops as well.

"There's more on the line than any regular season game I can remember in a very long time. There's lots of reasons this is going to be quite a game," said RSL owner Dave Checketts.

RSL defender Nat Borchers doesn't want to get too carried away in promoting the match. If the Supporter's Shield were up for grabs, he could understand the hype, but unless L.A. collapses first place isn't on the line.

"I don't think it's as big a game as everybody wants to make it out," said Borchers.