SANDY — Competitively speaking, Columbus seems to have several advantages over Real Salt Lake heading into their first-round playoff series.

But playoff experience isn't really one of them.

Even though Columbus is the defending MLS Cup champion, it only played one more match than Real Salt Lake during last year's playoffs. And just like Real Salt Lake, Columbus didn't even qualify for the playoffs from 2005 through 2007.

"Last year was our first year and we were fairly successful. I know we didn't get to the championship, but we played good soccer all three games. So hopefully we'll be capable of doing the same thing this year," said RSL defender Chris Wingert.

He sees similarities between this year and last year in regards to RSL's late-season push just to make the playoffs.

"It's not necessarily like we've been preparing for the playoffs the past month or two. Our concern was more trying to get in and now we have to refocus and reset our goals, and make sure we're doing all we can to make a run in the playoffs like we did last year, said Wingert.

Despite similarities in playoff experience, Columbus definitely has an edge in big-game experience.

From Aug. 18 to Oct. 20, Columbus played six matches in the CONCACAF Champions League, finishing with a 2-2-2 record and advancing to the quarterfinals next April. Having played in Mexico, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico over the past couple of months, Columbus won't be intimidated by playing at Rio Tinto Stadium.

WEATHER ISSUES: Snowy and windy conditions at Xango Field in Lehi forced Real Salt Lake to cut its practice short on Tuesday. Similar conditions are in the forecast for today, which might force the club to find an indoor practice venue in preparation for this weekend's playoff game with Columbus.

Weather shouldn't be an issue for this Saturday's match, though, with temperatures expected in the 50s for the 4 p.m. kickoff.

RECOGNIZING ITS OWN: Based on voting from the Real Salt Lake technical staff and senior management, the team announced its team awards for the 2009 season.

Defender Nat Borchers was named the team MVP, while Jamison Olave was named the defender of the year. Robbie Russell was named the humanitarian of the year, while Robbie Findley won the golden boot for finishing with a team-high 12 goals.