Real Salt Lake Practice (3-20-09)
March 20, 2009 by f4denz.
Well I was lucky enough to make it out to RSL practice today, let’s call it preseason for my new camera and other toys (some worked better than expected, while others had some issues). First it was a beautiful day in Lehi, but one has to wonder when will Real Salt Lake get a real practice facility, not a grass lot with a port-a-potty? Everyone was participating in practice today, and some clarification came on the 4 goalkeeper issue, Steve Clark wasn’t at practice but RSL is hoping that MLS will sign him as a pool keeper and let him train here in Salt Lake.
It started out like a typical practice with stations of different activities, a soccer version of keep away, some stretching exercises, and some mini game that looked very chaotic. Meanwhile the keepers were at the other end of the field and going through their drills. Here are a few pictures from today:
Ian and Will were the first two players to show up at practice, and Ian as always was ready for the camera
If you show up late you get to help carry equipment
Klye proving he has mad hops, oh wait that isn’t a basketball rim
A little time to get loose
More guys getting loose
Looks like keep away to me
When take away goes wrong
How do you catch the ball with your eyes closed? Don’t know but Chris was able to do it
Two RSL originals, now one is back and one is the coach
Olave keeping his eye on the ball
Nick keeps his eyes open on this save
Kyle making a save with his eyes closed
Not sure if he has a contract yet but Escalada looks like he is getting fit
Not sure how Nat got in this position
Will and Robin in action
No idea what Yura has under his jersey
Jean Alexandre working hard
The grass is oh so green
Will on autograph duty, I like that RSL has added an American Flag to this years jersey
Will posing for pictures
Another posed shot
Best advertising your likely to never see at Rio Tinto
The Podcast that isn’t
So I found out that my new digital recorder is just a bit more sensitive than any I have ever used before, so I am going to have to post the results of my brief conversation with coach Jason Kreis after today’s practice session:
When I asked Jason about having played for RSL when they were an expansion team, what challenges did he see in the future for SSFC(Seattle Sounders FC), Jason responded that a season is a test of depth, mental strength, mental fortitude, and togetherness. Building that sub conscious belief in each other, and while Seattle was impressive, but the question is can they do that over a long season.
Next up was how did he think our defense would stack up against Freddy Montero and his speed? Jason mentioned that while he isn’t fast, but he is agile and quick, he will be a primary focus, but Jason doesn’t worry about players getting behind our defense, in fact he states that he hasn’t worried about that for over a year.
While I believe that we will need one of our offensive players (Yura, Robbie, or Luis) to step up and score at least 10 goals (something only Jeff Cunningham has ever done in RSL history), Jason has a different take on this. He believes that focus will have to be on making small improvements, like both Yura and Robbie have made, and that he points to the fact last year’s MLS cup winner Columbus did so without a 10 goal scorer on their team. He wants to see every player scoring more and believes that will be the key to RSL’s success in 2009.
I will have to work on getting something to keep the wind and background noise from impacting my recording so much for tomorrow. Anyhow that is all I have today.
OFF MY SOAPBOX