Deseret News | Real Salt Lake notebook: Team in win-Windy City situation

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Real Salt Lake notebook: Team in win-Windy City situation

Vince Clortho | 7:55 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Although the comeback was amazing, I’d prefer that RSL nick the first goal in this match (though if one is enough I will be very surprised).
With the same work rate and energy as they showed in the CC game, RSL can definitely win. Defensive positioning is key...

Dobro | 8:15 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Get better Tony. I think even if Tony can't go, Russell will be solid in the back again and will hopefully shake the rust off so there isn't another mistake. Go RSL!

Blanco | 9:18 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Makes me nervous. The dude is old...yet still manages to find the magic. Don't give him anything 30 yards or closer.

Comments continue below

astroboy | 9:25 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

I said it yesterday, these teams match up well and couple that with the venue (grass, crowd) and this game should be electric.

jason | 9:36 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

we got this one rsl! all the way this year. stay confident, stay positive!

Believer! | 9:40 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

I truly did not think we'd make it this far in the playoffs! What a monumental run, here at the end! We are 90 minutes away from our first ever MLS Cup final...'ataway boys! This really is the matchup we wanted vs Chicago...NE would have been a harder game mentally to win. Plus, after my last experience sitting next to some Fire fans at Rio Tinto, I'd love nothing more than to know that they will be crying after our win at Toyota Park.

Here's a promise...if we win, I'm going to Seattle and I'm taking as many people with me as would like to go...I'll rent a bus if need be! Go RSL!!!

Re: Dobro | 10:14 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Russell did not play well at all, he was horrible. This game will be so awesome. I probably wont be able to see it, currently in Iraq, but I will still be with them in spirit. Go RSL!

be ready rsl... | 11:16 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

just hopin for two wins on saturday, tcu and rsl.

Huh? | 11:54 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Is RSL playing Columbus again in the eastern conference final. Did the Chicago team all come down with the swine flu?

Eastern Conference Final

RSL at Columbus Crew

Saturday at 6 p.m.

TV: Fox Soccer Channel

Radio: TBD, 1600 AM

nerves | 1:27 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009

The only thing I like better about having Russel in over Beltran is his service. Beltran can't hit the broad side of a barn on a service into the box. Beltran is better on the defensive side, but I hate to see him crossing it over the end line or straight to the keeper.
Much more enjoyable game to watch in Chicago. I hope that NE is able to work out a stadium deal sometime soon. They have been a good team the last few years, with some of the better players to play the game in the US, but completely unwatchable at Gillette.

No Doubt | 2:49 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Best of luck going forward to the entire team, staff and FO. I have no doubt, that ALL of RSL will show up with confidence & conviction as ONE unit...on and off the field for this battle.

"Luck is the residue of design."

Go RSL ................

Help | 3:10 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Call me what you want, but what is Fox Soccer Channel and where can I watch the game. I am a teenager living with my parents who refuse to update our television to anything they have to pay for. I can get ESPN games at my friend's but where can I watch Fox Soccer Channel. Somebody please help before Saturday because I really want to watch this game.

RSL Fan | 5:25 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009

I hear they are having a watch party at Rio Tinto Stadium. See if they still have seats left.

georg | 5:54 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Re, Help
I will have the match at my house unfortunatly Parowan Utah might be a long drive, I am sure someone from the Salt Lake Valley will contact you to come on over.
This will be a electric match, but I really think RSL will win this one.

todd from santa ana | 11:52 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009

this is going to so much fun? Gee who do i cheer for if REAL plays Galaxy?

REAL...Honest......

The media is making this out like "we are cinderella"

Spare me.

This team can take CHicago no problem if minimal mistakes and everyone shows up. The thing is Blanco. He is emotional, so he will not shy away from physical play, he is good dribbler, better pace than someone his age you would think, he is an excellent player-but I think if you control him, we win--

Chicago not good at home | 8:57 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Chicago had a better road record than home record this year. I think this is a game RSL can win (as opposed to last week's game, which I didn't honestly expect a win out of).

If you're looking for a watch party, you could try Salsa Leedo's on Redwood Road (9155 S) -- I'm pretty sure they have Fox Soccer Channel.

Or there's always dodgy internet streams available, if you're into grainy, low quality broadcasts.

Re: Help | 10:58 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Try S.L. Pizza & Pasta. I know for sure that Fiddler's Elbow (over 21) has been good to ReAL fans in the past. This weekend should obviously be no different. The Rebublican pub (also over 21) on State Street is a hoppin' RSL away-game destination. You're sure to hear chanting and singing all game long in there!

Here's to our boys on the road...on their way to the Cup!

J Crunch | 11:21 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

RE: Chicago not good at home

They looked pretty good last week. Besides, this is the playoffs. Throw the regular season out the window. If you're going by the regular season, RSL is, as Charles Barkley would say, TURRIBLE. I expect a great game Saturday. If RSL finishes their chances, I think they'll advance to MLS Cup.

Chadders | 12:33 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Re: Help FSC is on Comcast I believe channel 51 or 52. I don't know about dish and direct tv.

I agree J Crunch, this isn't a regular season game. I do agree a little bit with some of the others though that we are better off going against Chicago. They have a grass field and we played them more evenly this year (than NE). RSL will definetely have some chances, I hope we continue our good finishing. If everyone realizes the great opportunity we have and plays with heart and determination we should go through to the MLS final. I hope we have more than just the regular fiery competitors (Olave, ESPY, Mathis, Beckerman, Johnson, Wingert) come with passion and grit. If Borchers, Findley, Morales and Russell (in the 2nd half) play like they did last week I really really like our chances. This is our shot at a Cup let's grab it. 2009 is the year of the ox (solid and hard working, being dependable calm and modest, stong-minded and highly intelligent) that sounds a lot more like RSL than the Fire.

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Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Real Salt Lake's Tony Beltran moves the ball away from Colorado Rapids' Pat Noonan during a soccer game at the Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009.