It's tough to put a finger on exactly why Real Salt Lake has never defeated the New York Red Bulls, its playoff foe this weekend.

It would make sense if RSL had never beaten two-time defending MLS Cup champion Houston, or even New England, losers of the past three championship games.

But the Red Bulls? The team with five different coaches the past four years, and a revolving door of players from around the globe?

This is a franchise that has probably endured more turmoil than Real Salt Lake the past four years. Yet for some reason, the Red Bulls remain the only team RSL has never beaten.

In fairness, Real has only lost to New York twice in eight matches. The other six have ended in draws, including every match contested in Utah. That includes a 1-1 draw last month in the grand opening of Rio Tinto Stadium.

"They took a little bit of our celebration away on opening day, and having them come back here and try and win on our home field and in front of our fans is something we can look forward to," RSL keeper Nick Rimando said.

Real Salt Lake will have to find a way to knock off its long-time nemesis this Saturday if it wants to fulfill the ultimate goal of advancing to the Super Bowl of Major League Soccer, the MLS Cup.

Regardless of the two teams' history, it's impossible for this Saturday's conference final to end in a tie. Unlike the first round of the playoffs, which were a home-and-home series, the conference final is just one game, winner take all.

Unlike the regular season, if the match is tied after 90 minutes, an additional 30 minutes of overtime will be played. And if it's still tied, a winner will be determined by penalty kicks.

So what will it take for RSL to finally get over the hump against New York? The team isn't talking too much about tactics at this point, but the fact the match is at Rio Tinto Stadium should be a major boost for Real Salt Lake.

When RSL clinched its series against Chivas USA last Saturday, it seemed like a foregone conclusion the team would be packing its bags for Houston to face the West's No. 1 seed in the conference final.

New York, however, pulled off one of the biggest upsets in playoff history. Now the conference final will be played in Utah instead.

RSL finished with an 8-1-6 record at home this year, with most of the matches played at Rice-Eccles Stadium. RSL won its first-ever home playoff game two weekends ago.

At a media luncheon held at Rio Tinto Stadium, players and coaches alike encouraged fans to come out in droves for the match this Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

"It's been shown over prior home games and our playoff game here, the fans make a difference at Rio Tinto Stadium, and they can relish this opportunity to help us get to the finals," RSL coach Jason Kreis said.

RSL on the air

New York Red Bulls at Real Salt Lake
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Rio Tinto Stadium
TV: Fox Soccer
Radio: 700 AM, 1600 AM

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E-mail: jedward@desnews.com