Real focused on toppling Chivas

SANDY, Utah -- Considering how many times Real Salt Lake have been burned by late game heroics in their short history, there was a moment of irony for them to enjoy with the 1-1 draw at Colorado that clinched that long elusive playoff spot last weekend.

For the first time in forever, RSL claimed a positive result on a late dramatic play of their own when Yura Movsisyan knocked in the equalizer in the 90th minute.

"We deserved it," defender Ian Joy said. "Let's face it: how many times has it happened to us -- especially this year?"

What RSL are hoping is that one good thing leads to another when they takes on Chivas USA in the first leg of their Western Conference Semifinal Series at Rio Tinto Stadium this weekend. Real are not satisfied with simply making the playoffs. Now that they are here, the club's sights have been rebooted and adjusted.

Simply put, RSL are in it to win the whole thing.

RSL coach Jason Kreis feels like his team is well prepared to make a playoff run. Kreis feels like his players have thrived while playing in a do-or-die situation for the past few weeks now, as evidenced by a five-game unbeaten streak.

"I don't think that this game in particular has any more pressure than the last three that we've played," Kreis said. "Our guys are almost comfortable in that setting."

Because the first-round format dictates a series winner through aggregate goals over two games, RSL know a strong offensive and defensive performance could snag a crucial victory going into The Home Depot Center next weekend.

If Real can get a victory, they can feel confident going to southern California. After all, Chivas is one of two teams they beat on the road this season. And that's a result that the team hopes will pay dividends in the postseason.

"It just gives us confidence that we're going to have a chance to win this series," midfielder Kyle Beckerman said. "It's not like were playing Manchester United or anything. We're playing a team that we've beaten at their place."

Having the first game at home also offers RSL a chance to exact a small measure of revenge against Chivas USA. The Red-and-White spoiled Real's finale at Rice-Eccles Stadium by taking away the full three points and have generally been a thorn in the club's side in recent seasons.

The Utah side knows it will have to put forth a much better brand of soccer at Rio Tinto than what ended up being on display in Colorado, if they hope to make any sort of playoff run.

Beckerman thinks keeping composure will be important. He emphasized that scoring goals is a top priority, but that they need to play smart, control the ball and work on creating good chances for themselves.

"We just need to be patient," Beckerman said. "We need to just worry about playing good. The last game -- we didn't play that great, but we got it done."

For RSL, getting it done in the playoffs with add another must-read page in an exciting new chapter for the organization. The days of underachievement are behind them and the players feel confident that -- underdog or not -- they can be a factor in the race for the MLS Cup.

"This is a whole new season for me," Joy said.