Mathis proves worth in RSL's home opening win

Clint Mathis still has his naysayers in Utah, but those numbers are dwindling.

The Real Salt Lake midfielder notched a pair of assists in the club's 4-1 thrashing of defending champion Columbus last Thursday, a performance that reiterated why the coaching staff brought him back for a second stint.

When Mathis is dedicated, he's proven himself through the years to be one of the most skilled players in Major League Soccer. Some have questioned his dedication at times, but that doesn't seem to be an issue at all since rejoining RSL.

Even though he didn't register a single goal or assist in 11 appearances a year ago, the coaching staff was pleased with his contributions nonetheless. Just two games into the season, he's already notched two assists, which is halfway to his entire total with Real Salt Lake back in 2005.

"I feel good. I feel really fit right now. I think I have a bit different responsibility than I did last year as far as playing up front, so I feel good as far as getting up and down," said Mathis.

After Thursday's win against Columbus, RSL coach Jason Kreis raved about his midfielders' performance.

"His play on the ball right now is fantastic, he's in great form," said Kreis. "I thought he was in great form in Seattle when he was on the ball as well, but obviously tonight there were connections on the ends of those passes."

Mathis was credited with the second assist on Robbie Findley's third goal, and was directly responsible for setting up Kyle Beckerman's second-half tally with a fantastic delivered corner kick to put RSL in front 4-1.

Another much more subtle aspect of Mathis' performance was particularly pleasing to Kreis. Mathis has different responsibilities in his new midfield role, something that needed tweaking slightly after the Seattle loss.

After analyzing the game film Kreis noticed of few areas Mathis could improve upon to better position himself to cut off an Columbus' attacking opportunities.

"I thought he did exactly what was asked," said Kreis.

All of it requires him to be in fantastic shape, and Mathis appears to be in better shape than he's been in years. Playing as a forward last year, he had far less defensive responsibilities, but in RSL's midfield he'll need to be much more of a two-way player.

Mathis insists that's just fine with him. Plus, his improved fitness level should put him in better spots more often to try and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. If they continue to put those chances away, he might not have many naysayers for much longer.

E-mail: jedward@desnews.com