Deseret News | Real Salt Lake: Playoff experience good for team

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Real Salt Lake: Playoff experience good for team

Soccerman | 10:06 p.m. Oct. 27, 2009

Kevin Payne's comment regarding the match at RFK is interesting. To be honest, the game has faded mostly from memory, so I don't recall if RSL did play conservatively.

Looking at the stats for the game reveals that DC only had 8 total shots with only 1 on goal, while RSL had 14 total shots with 8 on goal. Call me crazy, but at first glance, the stats aren't congruent with Mr. Payne's pouting.

Gr8pes | 11:24 p.m. Oct. 27, 2009

how can you downplay columbus's mls cup last year? Winning a championship is everything! They know how to get it done in the postseason. RSL knows how to hit the bar 4 times in the second half at home in the postseason!

Re: Gr8pes | 7:49 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009

I'd like to see you hit the bar that many times. That takes serious skills. Should be a fun match on Saturday, hopefully we can get a few goals and then go to Columbus and sit 11 guys in the back and come away with a draw and advance. :)

Comments continue below

Amen | 8:39 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009

This doesn't usually happen in the playoffs, but a nice 3-0 cushion going into Columbus would be great. Heres to wishfull thinking.

Chadders | 10:04 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009

Kevin Payne is way off. RSL took more shots than any team in the league. I can't remember the last time ANYONE took more shots than them. RSL does not play bunker ball at all! FYI dude we aren't a great road team. Here's some stats:
RSL vs DC
24 vs 18 shots
15 vs 5 shots on goal
2 vs 1 goals
COL vs DC
19 vs 17 shots
7 vs 6 shots on goal
4 vs 3 goals
NE vs DC
13 vs 33 shots
4 vs 14 shots on goal
3 vs 2 goals
The only team he can justify his statements with is New England. If you consider how many injuries New England has had to deal with it makes sense they wouldn't be an all out attacking team. The real reasons DC isn't in the playoffs is results like DC vs CHIC 1-1, KC vs DC 1-1, DC vs TOR 3-3, CHIV vs DC 2-2, DC vs CHIC 2-1, SJ vs DC 2-2, and KC vs DC 2-2. Maybe if you don't DRAW 13 games you'd have made the playoffs?

Chadders | 11:01 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009

1 more stat about DC they have a negative GD, they were outshot by 11 and their opponents shots on goal were 15 more than DC. That's funny Mr Payne complains they play the right way and it's frustrating to drop results when team just drop guys back, but the stats don't show that. In fact they show the opposite for example see the 3-2 game against NYRB, the 1-0 win against KC, the 1-0 win against Chicago (14 shots Chic vs 2 DC!!), and the 2-2 draw against SJ. Let's count all those as losses for you lot because the other team out attacked you. If your DP Fred doesn't get a handball you would have made it.

Anonymous | 11:06 a.m. Oct. 28, 2009

RSL was 2d in the league in goals scored! We were middle of the road on goals given up. Maybe it only seemed like we had 10 guys behind the ball because our guys hustled back on defense! GO RSL take out the Crew!

Umm | 1:36 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

I wouldnt take much stock in the comment made by Payne...he is likely to get fired before month's end.

Hey Kev, who do you guys play in the playoffs....oh wait, that's 2 years in a row that you didn't make it.

Chadders | 2:08 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

I've got a good feeling about our draw against Columbus. I reread the articles about our 3-1 loss to them, and it reminded me about several things. We were shorthanded; we only had 14 guys available to play. We didn't have our captain and had a lot of guys playing positions they don't normally play. We were unlucky not to score more goals in that game. Yura got taken down in the box on a clear goal scoring chance with the ref ignoring it. 1 of their goals came when a Crew striker hit Rimando in the head with his elbow. I will admit when we hammered the Crew they didn't have all their regular players and they gifted Findley his first 2 goals. I still think we are a better TEAM than the Crew. I sure hope more people come to this game than the 11k that came to the 1st meeting of these teams.

reply Chadders 2:08 | 2:39 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

There were 16k at the first meeting, and it was raining that night, and there was also a Jazz game being played at the exact same time. Saturday will be close if not a sell out.

elrey | 2:51 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

i will be there with my bro and wife and kids, go REal.

RPH | 3:24 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

So, I was at that match in DC. I actually thought it was a pretty exciting match, aside from the obvious dearth of goals. I did not have the impression at all that RSL bunkered for the whole match. Both sides were attacking pretty much the whole time. Sounds like sour grapes.

J Crunch | 4:02 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

RE: replay Chadders 2:08

According to the MLS website, attendance at the Columbus vs. RSL game at Rio Tinto on Thursday April 2 was 11,806. I was at the game and I remember being disappointed in the attendance. I expect a nice crowd on Saturday, but I doubt it will be a sellout.

Chadders | 4:26 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

I was at that game and I can say there was at the absolute most 12k. J Crunch is right, though I got the # off ESPN. There was a Jazz game at the same time and it was raining but they did say if it rained we'd get in the Houston game for free. All things considered that was probably the best game to go to. The 7k or 8k who normally go that missed it really missed out. It only rained at the very end and there was a hat trick. Yeah the Houston match was a bummer but at least it was free. Personally I'll be shocked if it's a sellout but I'll be happy with a solid 16k of intense fans, like the last game. If you want to see RSL take the winner of the Supporters Shield behind the shed for a whuppin' come Saturday. The players seem to have finally got "it". Everyone had a royal fire in their eyes and focus. If that continues we are unbeatable. I sure hope RSL has read about everyone counting them out. Them seem to thrive on stuff like that.

McKay | 4:48 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

I was at the game April 2nd with my wife and we were both dissapointed in the attendance. However; it was raining off and on which I'm guessing played a factor. Regardless, I'm expecting 16-18k for the game on Saturday and the atmosphere to be electric!!

georg | 5:56 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

If we want to get past the first round of these playoffs, I think we will need to be up at least two goals when we go back to Columbus.
This is hard for me to admit! but Jason put the right eleven on the pitch for the last match and I hopes he does it again Saturday. Mathis has brought nothing the second half of this season, and should be on the bench. Movsisian is truly dangerous when he is on, but like in the last match he can come on as a second half sub and put a match away or create a spark to get us over the top.
We need goals this match and at home I believe we can go back to Columbus with a nice cushion.

todd from santa ana | 10:39 p.m. Oct. 28, 2009

lets go right at them play loose free flowing ground attack soccer, get your crosses in. Work on corners make them work at everything. Guys I am glad you are not afraid of COlumbus and are pumped up like I am....I agree play our game keep that solid in back, a 2 goal win is very doable and will help immensely back to Columbus. Remember one of theyre home losses was to "mighty CHivas USA"

Columbus is good and they are the champs so respect, but they are not as good as last year trust me..... We can beat them and I expect to beat them.

Soccer Haters....Hey guess what I feel we are going to shock a lot of MLS fans in this country. I believe in our team..

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Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Fabian Espindola picks up Robbie Findley as they celebrate Real Salt Lake's second goal against the Colorado Rapids during a soccer game that qualified them for the playoffs.

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