From Deseret News archives:
Real Salt Lake: Team veterans preaching 'opportunity'
Veterans like Clint Mathis and Dema Kovalenko talked about how they've made a lot of playoff appearances in their career, but rarely have their teams advanced to the championship game.
"I've been in this league 10 years and only been in the finals twice," said Kovalenko. "I just hope we understand it doesn't come that often and we need to take advantage."
General manager Garth Lagerwey even reminisced how during his rookie year he proudly led his Kansas City team into the conference final, only to lose and never make the playoffs again in his career.
Even coach Jason Kreis recounted how, during his playing days, his teams advanced to two conference finals and zero MLS Cups.
Clearly RSL has been presented with a fantastic opportunity with a home game tonight something no one could have seen coming four weeks ago.
As for the prospects for playing for the MLS Cup next weekend in its first playoff appearance, RSL defender Chris Wingert doesn't even want to speculate. In fact, he was annoyed with what little speculation there was by RSL's coaching staff during the luncheon.
"We've got one game right now, it's a conference final against a really tough New York team. We can't be thinking about winning the championship right now," said Wingert. "All our focus needs to be on New York, and they're thinking the same thing. They're thinking 'We've got Salt Lake to get to the final' this is a dream scenario for them."
Realistically, it's a dream scenario for both teams to be on the MLS Cup doorstep after average regular seasons.
Despite playing in different conferences and only seeing each other twice a year, there's definitely some familiarity between the teams. The Red Bulls were RSL's opponent for the opening game at Rio Tinto Stadium last month, and they somewhat spoiled the grand opening with a 1-1 draw.
RSL definitely isn't bitter toward New York, though. In fact, at the media luncheon, team president Bill Manning thanked New York for beating Houston in the other Western Conference first-round series. It ensured that Real Salt Lake would host the one-game conference final.
Recent comments
Soccer is the bomb diggity, and deep down inside I know it.
Rio Tiento | Nov. 16, 2008 at 8:43 a.m.
This game is going to be great. I see RSL winning 2-0. I think it...
Great game | Nov. 15, 2008 at 5:17 p.m.
Why would you let your eight year old play "kickyball"? Chances are...
Hey Rio tiento | Nov. 15, 2008 at 1:27 p.m.
- Man dies after SUV backs over him 12:39 p.m.
- At 6-5, hard time arguing firing Weis 12:24 p.m.
- $27M transfer for state Route 193 12:20 p.m.
- 'Christmas With King Family' DVD 12:16 p.m.
- Youn men help fill food-pantry needs 12:15 p.m.
- Who is Oprah's heir apparent? 11:39 a.m.
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25 11:34 a.m.
- Fed under fire, public anger mounts 11:28 a.m.
- No quagga mussels at Bear Lake 11:27 a.m.
- Former health chief: Ignore guideline 11:11 a.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Utah Utes whip SDSU
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Y. coach Hill up for Portland State job
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
194 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
173 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
166 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
122 - BYU records with win
116 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
Real Salt Lake fans have watched first hand the evolution of Jason Kreis...
Reading the letter, I am not sure that it is eating that is the sin, but...
The media that Sarah criticizes so much is the same force that is providing...
We'll be back next year. I know it, and I hope that all of our coaches and...
This year TCU has proven to the world how weak the MWC is (MWC=WAC). BYU and...
I have no problem with religious people voting their conscience. I do,...
I have to agree that the comment about "the pesky seniors" is uncalled...
I was in my Latin class in High School in California. Our teacher hadn't...
Glenn Beck is Oprah's heir apparent since he has a larger following and can...
of atheism just as morally equal to spreading the Gospel of Christianity. To...
Yes, 40% of doctors polled said they will definitely or seriously consider...

