Final
RSL tunes up for CONCACAF final against Colorado
Apr 12, 2011 - 6:19 PM Sandy, UT (Sports Network) - Real Salt Lake hosts defending MLS Cup champions Colorado on Wednesday night in its final Major League Soccer match before the CONCACAF Champions League final series against Mexico's Monterrey starts.RSL manager Jason Kreis rested a number of regulars Saturday night against the New England Revolution but the backups "made a big statement" in a 2-0 victory that solidified the Utah club's status as the team to beat this season.
With the first match of the Champions League final April 19, Kreis will likely turn to his first-team against Colorado at Rio Tinto Stadium, as top two clubs in the Western Conference tangle in a huge early-season clash.
Real (3-0-0) is the only unbeaten, untied team through the first four weeks of the MLS season, after Colorado (3-1-0) lost its first match Friday night in a rematch of last season's MLS Cup final, 3-0 to FC Dallas.
Backup goalie Kyle Reynish, who gave starter Nick Rimando a rest for Real Salt Lake on Saturday, posted his first MLS win and shutout. He knows how important it was for himself and others to step up with starters rested.
"I think [this game] shows that we can put some of our reserves, or not our consistent starters in and you're not going to have a drop off," Reynish said.
And remember, New England was defeated for just the first time this season in five matches and is currently second in the Eastern Conference. Kreis' biggest concern Wednesday is the absence of Will Johnson, who was sent off Saturday.
"Will's a hugely important piece for us in the midfield with the amount of ground he covers and the work rate that he has," Kreis said. "We will miss him on Wednesday night."
But after the performances of many of the reserves, Kreis is confident "there are enough guys out there that have shown they're quite capable.
"We shouldn't miss a beat."
Colorado wasn't as fortunate Friday, as the absences of Conor Casey and Pablo Mastroeni were felt in the loss at FC Dallas. Even if they return Wednesday it will be tough at RSL, which is unbeaten in 26 straight at home.
Coach Gary Smith admitted "we played below the standards we've set ourselves."
But Rapids midfielder Jeff Larentowicz acknowledged "it's a 34-game season and that was only one game, so we'll move on."
Colorado midfielder Jamie Smith admitted "it's going to be a tough one ... but maybe getting a shock so early in the season ... will awaken us a little."
Enough to end Real's two runs, which includes 17 straight regular-season games without a loss? Maybe not, but Colorado earned a draw at Rio Tinto late in the 2010 season and could always hope RSL is looking ahead to Monterrey.
Real visits Monterrey in the first game, and hosts the second leg on April 27.
- COLORADO: 0
REAL SALT LAKE: 1
Final
Apr 13 10:59 PM - COLORADO: 0
REAL SALT LAKE: 0
1st Half - 1'
Apr 13 9:08 PM
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