Deseret News | Real Salt Lake: RSL urged to be more aggressive

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Real Salt Lake: RSL urged to be more aggressive

astroboy | 8:51 a.m. June 10, 2009

I LOVE the sound of these comments coming out of the RSL management. Sure like everyone else I'm frustrated by the lack of results from RSL, but I'm more frustrated by what I see from the rest of MLS in the style they play.

I'm willing to give them some leash in light of the fact that they're trying to break out of the mold and advance the style of play, and having Checketts come out and say it publicly puts some weight behind it.

The only problem I see is that they may just not have the personnel to accomplish this lofty goal. I think its about time to pull the lid off the salary cap and RSL go out and get a designated player.

Born in a Soccer Land | 8:53 a.m. June 10, 2009

"Atractive soccer"? I am glad that the conservative trend suppose to be changing. We can never win a game if we play defensive!
It doesnt matter if RSL play at home or abroad, the best defense is a good attack. Mental lapses on defense are costing games, divorce between the midfielders and strikers produce shooting of improbable success way above the goal. Accuracy passing is key to an attacking team.
Are the RSL players in good physical condition and ready to run 90 minutes non-stop?

Oh brother | 9:10 a.m. June 10, 2009

...nothing worse than a boss that knows nothing about the sport. "I just want to see alot of goals". Who cares if the score is 4-7, at least it was entertaining, right Dave?

Comments continue below

I just want to see | 9:26 a.m. June 10, 2009

the team bringing the ball up from the back line. When we control the ball like in 88 minutes of the Colorado game, we have the attractive style of play with multiple shots. When we play 'conservative' like in San Jose, we boot the ball over the top of the strikers only to give the ball away each time. I would not be surprised to see if SJ had possession 75-80% of the game. That should be us!

James S | 12:02 p.m. June 10, 2009

We need to play the ball through the middle of the field, no more booting of the ball endlessly by Rimando and losing possession time after time. We need to play the ball on the ground and through the middle. Why we still try to cross the ball in outmoded English fashion and hope for a header is beyond me! We don't score many headers and its a huge waste of time. Play the ball through the center of the park on the ground and let the entertainment happen.

Good that Checketts is finally saying something, if only he knew how tactically amateur Kreis was, we'd be opting for a more experienced coach and assistants. They are all far too young and myopic.

Mathis is good but he is halting Morales as he takes over his position inadvertantly. How can we be any good if the leagues Vice-MVP from last season can't function in the engine room of our club? Bench Yura and play Espy/Escy/Findley ... with Findley at right for his speed, Escy at left FWD and Espy in the middle to work with Morales. Kreis figure it out soon or get lost ... please.

jwalkerred | 5:44 p.m. June 10, 2009

talk about an owner not knowing anything about the sport? you guys dont sound much brighter either

spooner | 6:19 p.m. June 10, 2009

when did escy developed speed...

todd from santa ana | 7:13 p.m. June 10, 2009

One problem. You need talented strikers to execute the play of midfielders. There is not great talent up front sorry....

Royals Fan | 7:23 p.m. June 10, 2009

Entertaining? I know what's would entertain fans: winning!

jwalkerred is right | 5:54 a.m. June 11, 2009

Kreis can follow Checkett's naive advice if he wants, but it's likely to get him fired.

Wasquatch | 8:59 a.m. June 11, 2009

Bottom line, Kreis needs to stick with the basics, 4-4-2, start the same top players of the team so that they are cohesive, and watch the game, adjust as necessary to your opponents tactics. Watch Chivas, they have no better players than we do, but they stick to the basics, start the same players, and run a 4-4-2. This is the MLS, it is anybodys game to win or lose, road or home. It takes one goal to win a game, not many. There is noting wrong with a 1-0 score.

STEVE-O | 10:25 a.m. June 11, 2009

At this point I would honestly rather watch RSL lose 3-4 than sit in boredom to another 0-0 game, or a 1-0 game. RSL is losing anyway so at least make the game a shootout. RSL doesn't play attractive soccer at all. Wingert should be playing, Williams should be playing, and Espy should be playing.
REal needs to try scoring FIRST and then putting the foot on the gas rather than trying to foul and waste the last 10 minutes of the game like they did against Colorado.

JVC-RSL | 11:20 a.m. June 11, 2009

I give RSL a good chance to come out of these games with two positive results and a lot of confidence going forward. Recently, RSL has played Houston offensively very well at Robertson stadium. They have also done well against the Galaxy at the HDC. If RSL can stay organized on defense and avoid mental lapses, I think they can string together some positive results and get right back into the thick of things in the west.

Anonymous | 2:59 p.m. June 11, 2009

The writing is starting to show on the wall!! The management of this team is an absolute joke!! Best way to keep the ball away from our goal is to be attacking theirs. What does Kreis do? Take out an attacking player for a defender, then try to win the game by clearing the ball to colorado over and over again, allowing them to continue attacking our goal. Brilliant!!!

Now he is beyond thrilled that his players aren't good enough for National Team call ups...Oh man...What an absolutely moron.
The writing is on the wall!!!!

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